LearnHub

Data analysts:

What they do:

• work for consultancies, software houses, end-user companies and the public sector.
• discuss information or business intelligence needs with internal staff and/or external clients.
• collect and collate appropriate data for use in databases and conduct related research.
• generate reports using IT/database systems and assist in their analysis.
• in marketing support roles, prepare and make presentations. monitor and maintain the quality of database systems and secure access and use.
• monitor and maintain the quality of database systems and secure acess and use.
• assist in development and upgrading of database systems and analytical techniques.

Key skills:

• ability to analyse and think logically
  
• written and verbal communication skills
• ability to work as part of a team and on own initiative
• ability to work to deadlines
• numerical ability
• business awareness
• knowledge of database systems

IT sales staff:

What they do:

• work for manufacturers, service companies or software houses
• take responsibility for particular products and/or the accounts of certain customers
• make presentations and demonstrations (sometimes with technical staff) to potential customers
• maintain contact with customers, and answer queries before sale is made
• communicate details of orders to other departments when sale is agreed
• liaise with marketing department to find new customers or develop more business with existing customer
• report the concerns of current customers to improve products
• keep current customers informed of new developments.

Key skills:

• strong communication and presentation skills
• interpersonal skills, including persuasiveness and sensitivity
• business awareness and drive
• confidence
• flexibility, mobility and numeracy

Software engineers/developers:

What they do:

• often work in the telecommunications and electronics sector, but are also employed by consultancies, industry, public bodies and the finance sector for bespoke work
  
• play a similar role to that of a programmer, but with more technical and engineering applications
• write codes in a computer language to instruct the computer to carry out the desired task
• use pre-designed systems or tools to help in software writing
• adapt established programs, and find and rectify faults
• test programs with trial data to see if they work as intended
• prepare documentation describing the operation of software

Key skills:

• ability to analyse and think logically
• teamworking skills
• verbal and written communication skills
• attention to detail
• ability to work to deadlines

Systems analysts:

What they do:

• meet project leader and client to identify what is required
• discuss detailed plans with the client, and establish feasibility
• prepare flow diagrams and decide which parts of the system can be computerised
• assess the hardware required to implement the system
• liaise with programmers, allocate sections of software to each one and supervise software production
• oversee installation and ensure errors are corrected
• manage a budget and assess the cost of the required work
• train staff in the new system
  

• ability to analyse and solve problems
• strong interpersonal skills for dealing with clients
• verbal and written communication skills
• business awareness
• time management and the ability to work under pressure and to deadlines

Systems/network managers:

What they do:

• maintain working systems in a continuous state of operation, which may involve managing a shift schedule, if the systems are run around the clock
• manage IT budget including negotiating costs with suppliers
• recruit, train and manage computing staff, from data input clerks and computer operators to programmers and senior staff
• keep up to date with the law on software compliance, data protection, etc.
• arrange remote and secure access to networks
• organise systems maintenance and updating
• negotiate requirements with customers and colleagues
• schedule upgrades
  

• good organisational skills
• excellent written and verbal communication
• initiative
• business awareness
• ability to select, motivate and evaluate staff
• time management
• financial ability

Systems programmers/developers:

What they do:

• work for IT departments of large organisations, software houses and consultants, electronics and software manufacturers
  
• write the software, such as operating systems or low-level languages close to machine code, which enables the computer to carry out applications written in higher-level languages or pass messages to other equipment
• find and rectify faults in software often by writing and using diagnostic programmes
• test programs with trial data to check they work under all circumstances
• prepare documentation describing the operation of software

• ability to analyse and think logically
• great attention to detail
• ability to work to deadlines
• communication skills
• numeracy
• high level of awareness of developments in the industry
• knowlege of specific computer systems may be required

Technical/End-user support specialists:

What they do:

• work for suppliers of software and hardware or the in-house IT department of end users
• provide advice to users who are experiencing problems with their computer equipment
• keep records of calls made and problems reported
• diagnose and solve problems or, if necessary, refer them to other specialists for correction
• review products and procedures
• test and service computer equipment
• keep up to date with product developments and advise on appropriate upgrades

Key skills:

• ability to listen
• ability to analyse and solve problems
• attention to detail
• good verbal and written communication skills
• diplomacy
• flexibility

Web developers:

What they do:

• work for software houses, specialist web design consultants, in-house for large organisations or are self-employed
  
• review options and requirements with website owners/clients
• design and build web pages and links with appropriate multimedia elements
• test the design to ensure that they meet clients' expectations and are user-friendly
• install the final version online and provide technical support to clients
• keep up to date with latest developments in web design evaluation and internet security
• propose plans for improvements

Key skills:

• analytical and problem-solving skills
• some knowledge of relevant systems and programming languages, and ability to learn more
• written and verbal communication skills
• good visual imagination and layout skills
• creativity
• good time mangement
• teamworking skills

Image Credits: aeu04117, fuzzcat, Phillie Casablanca