Are you a computer whiz-kid or maybe just interested in all things technical Maybe you are always ahead of technology, coming up with new ideas and innovative ways to improve current technology all the time If so, a career in Information Technology could be just for you! The technological sector in Ireland continues to attract high-value, well-paid jobs in a variety of different areas and roles.
IT plays an ever-increasing role in all areas of our society and is constantly evolving. The demand for highly qualified graduates to fill this need for continuous research, growth and development in order to be at the cutting edge of technological innovation and progression is therefore vital and also ensures that the IT sector has a certain monopoly on the jobs market in Ireland. Ireland s Information Communication Technology (ICT) sector provides more than 90, 000 jobs in around 13, 000 companies. In fact, many of the world s leading IT companies base their headquarters in Ireland such as Google, Yahoo! and Dell due to the high level of IT skills and the economic growth offered by the country. Ireland is the largest exporter of software in the world and also accounts for 33% of PCs sold in Europe.
The Technological sector also accounts for almost 50% of those pursuing 3rd level educational qualifications in Ireland. It is therefore an industrious endeavour to pursue a career in any of the many areas of ICT. And there are many areas! These include IT services such as web design and the internet; technology development, applications and development; systems analysis and testing; computer programming; PC technical support; system design and development; and less technical areas such as consultancy, customer support, management, and sales and marketing. Common and popular roles include software engineer, IT consultant, systems analyst, computer programmer, and computer operations manager.
Given the high demand for employees in all areas of Information Technology it is unsurprising that more and more people are choosing this as a career. The qualifications and courses on offer are as varied as the career areas themselves from web design to computer programming, IT management to network operations there are a wealth of career paths to which an IT qualification can lead you.
For example, Limperts Academy of Design offers a 6-month programme for a Diploma in Graphics Print and Web Design while Sligo Institute of Technology offers a classroom-based evening course awarding the graduate with a Certificate in Web Design.
The ICM Diploma in Web Design from the Institute of Business and Technology in Swords is specially developed for people with some computer skills, but who have little or no knowledge of the web and who wish to expand their skills into the area of website design. The Diploma in Web Design is accredited by ICM (The Institute of Commercial Management) and requires attendance at classes twice a week, either in the morning or evening for a period of 9 weeks. The Institute s awards are recognised by the majority of the world s leading professional examining boards for either subject exemption or registration purposes. Successful graduates will be qualified to work in the field of web design.
ITT Dublin offers a BSc degree programme in Information Technology Management. Attendance at classes is required 3 evenings per week over the course of 3 years. Formal classes are supported by online notes, materials and support. Applicants under 23 years of age must have a grade D3 in a minimum of five subjects in the Leaving Certificate examinations or a FETAC Level 5 qualification or equivalent. Mature students (over 23 years) may be exempted from this requirement and are eligible to apply. All applicants must have competence in spoken and written English. Eligible candidates may be interviewed. Graduates of this programme would be employable in a broad spectrum of careers within the IT industry from IT consultancy to web development and network planning.
