5 Jobs in Computing & IT

As the world continues to expand within the digital age, there is an increasing demand for professionals who have the ability and computing skills needed to fill this gap. As new technology continues to emerge, a career in computing has become an extremely lucrative pathway.

If you’re looking for a hands-on career that uses technical knowledge and skills, then this could be for you.

Here are five top jobs within this sector, and how you can get into them:

1. Games Developer

What is a Games Developer?

Their role is to make games that could be played online, or on phones, computers or games consoles.

Do I need a degree?

There are a few routes to becoming a Games Developer, and a degree is one of them. Other options are a college course, apprenticeship, or working towards the role.

Useful degree or foundation degree subjects are as follows:

• Computer games technology
• Computer games development
• Computer science
• Maths

For college you could do:

• A Level in Computing
• L2 First Extended Certificate in Information & Creative Technology
• BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma / Extended Diploma in Information Technology

What will I do?

A typical day could look like:

• Creating original game ideas or working from a concept
• Creating visual characters, objects or scenery
• Creating code for the games

What sort of salary can I earn?

For this role, you can expect to start on around £19,500, moving up to £59,000 when more experienced.

2. Data Analyst

What is a Data Analyst?

They collect numerical information which helps them to identify trends, create models and then present results in reports.

Do I need a degree? 

Not necessarily, but it is one route. You can also get to this role through a college course, apprenticeship or a graduate training scheme.

If you’re going the degree route, you’ll typically need one in:

• Statistics
• Maths
• Economics
• Operational research
• Psychology

What will I do?

Your typical day could look like:

• Using statistical software to analyse risks
• Looking for trends and patterns to help companies make policy decisions
• Helping to design scientific research studies
• Analysing results from trials

What sort of salary can I earn?

You can earn a starting wage of around £23,000 up to £70,000 when you are more experienced.

3. Web Developer

What is a Web Developer?

Their role is to create websites, as well as maintain them.

Do I need a degree? 

You have a few options when it comes to this role. A degree is one, but you could also do a college course, apprenticeship or working towards the role.

What will I do? 

Depending on where you choose you work your tasks could vary, but may look like:

• Defining requirements with different teams
• Using design software to lay out ideas and plans
• Using different programming or coding languages
• Testing your design and website

What sort of salary can I earn? 

A typical salary for this role can start at £20,000 and when more experienced this could move up to around £50,000

4. Software Developer

What is a Software Developer?

They are responsible for designing, building, and testing computer programmes.

Do I need a degree?

A degree is one route, but you can also do a college course, apprenticeship, or graduate training scheme.

What will I do?

Your day could look something like this:

• Discussing requirements with clients or teams, and taking part in progress meetings
• Writing or changing code
• Testing software or fixing issues
• Maintaining systems once up and running

What sort of salary can I earn? 

You can expect to start on a salary of £20,000 and once experienced can go up to £70,000

5. IT Support Technician

What is an IT Support Technician?

Their role is to diagnose or solve any software or hardware issues.

Do I need a degree?

No, you won’t need a degree for this role.  You could do either a college course, apprenticeship, or work towards the role.

What will I do?

Depending on your working environment, your day could look something like this:

• Finding and fixing computer issues
• Service equipment like IT networks and printers
• Setting up new equipment or upgrading existing systems

What sort of salary can I earn?

You can expect to start on a salary of £16,000 and once experienced can go up to £35,000.