Kickstart your career in information technology. 5 jobs worth exploring!

There’s hardly a job left on the planet that doesn’t use computers and information technology in some way. The area is always expanding in new directions.  From the special effects in The Last Jedi to modern medicine using robots for surgeries, we’re always pushing the boundaries of what information communications technology can do. It’s a fast paced, varied industry that has great opportunities.

Computer Graphics (CG) Animator

Being a CG animator is for those that want to be cutting edge.  Whether it’s the gaming, advertising or movie industry you’re interested in you’ve got to have amazing technical skills and be really creative too. CG animators follow the script, character traits and storylines to get a feel for what’s happening and then work with a design team to create animation concepts to get the desired message across. They need to work with the game developers, film and tv directors and producers or advertising clients to get the design right. They then build the animation using the latest CG techniques and softwares, working to strict deadlines and budgets. CG animators are not only creative but they need artistic talent and high level computing skills. They need strong attention to detail, even whilst working under pressure or juggling several projects at once. CG animators might work in a design studio or be a freelancer working at home.  

For more information check out:

 https://www.careerhq.com.au/careers-database/job_details/868/computer-graphics-cg-animator

Computer Scientist

Computer science is being used extensively in artificial intelligence, medicine and engineering just as a starting point. Computer scientists design and create software and new technologies to solve problems across all industries.  They also work on adapting current technologies to improve or innovate them. Computer scientists explore the feasibility of new projects and discuss the needed outcomes with clients, users or technicians. Those working in this field need to be computer whizzes with a passion for problem solving and an analytical mind.  This is a very precise field so attention to detail and accuracy are important traits. Generally computer scientists work standard office hours and most of their time is spent in front of a computer. To become a computer scientist you need to a degree in computer science, and depending on the area of interest may require qualifications or in depth knowledge of the specific field such as  engineering or biomedical science. This is a hugely growing field and a global role, however the opportunities in Australia are still currently limited so looking at roles overseas may be necessary.

For more information check out:

 https://www.careerhq.com.au/careers-database/job_details/815/computer-scientist

Web Content Manager

You might spend hours playing on the net each day but have you thought at the person behind every site you look at? The web content manager is responsible for editing, updating and creating content for websites. They work as part of a team generally, that help plan the site using marketing and design techniques and specialists. They are responsible for copywriting all the content and making sure its consistent across the entire site. Web content managers are also in charge of making sure the content is appropriate and meets all company branding and corporate policies as well as all legal copyright and data protection standards. They use analytics to monitor the sites usage and make any necessary changes for search engine optimisation. Web content managers have excellent writing skills as well as an understanding of online legal issues such as copyright law. They need good interpersonal abilities to work as part of a team and build client relationships. Depending on the role, web content managers may be freelancers making their own hours or work for a company where some evening and weekend work is often required as part of the job. To become a web content manager you usually need to a degree in a relevant area such as journalism, marketing or IT. Knowledge of web design, desktop publishing and photo editing is expected in this role, as well as experience writing content. This is a global role that can be done remotely increasing opportunities for people.

For more information check out:

 https://www.careerhq.com.au/careers-database/job_details/513/web-content-manager

IT Security Specialist

For those that are interested cybercrime, hacking and malware then the cyber security industry is the place to be. IT security specialists are also known as forensic computer investigators or cyber security investigators. They work with government bodies, law enforcement agencies and private companies to retrieve evidence from computers and other digital devices. They may examine mobile phone records, recover and restore data and images that have been encrypted, damaged or hidden, or establish online connections between groups and individuals such as terrorist cells. Cyber security specialists investigate insider trading, illegal content such as pornography, or political espionage and hacking breaches. IT security specialists are first and foremost problem solvers and they need high tech computer skills to seek and track information.  They need to be well organised and able to spot tiny details. A key part of the role is a high level of confidentiality. Depending on the role, security specialists work standard office hours but may be required to work flexible hours through evenings or weekends. They may also be required to give evidence of their findings in court for legal proceedings. To become an IT security specialist you need a degree in computer science which includes coursework in forensic computing, hacking, network security, or law and procedure. Master’s degrees in specific elements of cyber security are possible. This is an expanding area, particularly in Australia as well as globally, and the opportunities for employment are growing quickly.

For more information check out:

 https://www.careerhq.com.au/careers-database/job_details/241/it-security-specialist

IT Systems Designer

When people set up a business, they also set up the IT system they’ll be using. IT systems designers plan out the new system, looking at what the business requires, what the budget is, any existing technology that the business has. If businesses are updating their existing system, the designer would look at what they have already, what new technology is needed and how it can be easily and successfully integrated into the existing network. They work as part of a team usually, working with programmers, analysts or network architects to ensure the best result for the client. System designers create a concept, map it out often using diagrams and graphs for the team to work from. They also workshop problems as they arise to find solutions. The role is a highly complex IT role so requires the highest level of technical understanding but also the ability to explain their concept in non-technical language to their client. Communication both with their client and team is very important for system designers. As IT is a fast paced field which is currently changing, IT system designers must be constantly updating their knowledge and skills in the sector. Systems designers tend to work as either an internal specialist in large businesses or as part of specialist IT firms and may work onsite in clients offices for parts of projects and at roll-out time. To become an IT system designer you usually need a degree in computer science or software engineering and often need to work for several years as a programmer or analyst before moving into a systems design role. As more and more complex systems are being created and used by businesses there are increasing opportunities in this field.

For more information check out:

 https://www.careerhq.com.au/careers-database/job_details/451/it-systems-designer