National Careers Week: Careers in… Tech

Tech is all around us. It’s not just the smartphone in your hand or the games console in your bedroom. The world is filled with electronic devices, with increasing numbers – from fridges to lightbulbs – connected in the Internet of Things. Artificial Intelligence (AI) will increasingly dominate our lives, while robots are becoming more and more advanced, transporting our shopping and maybe even augmenting our bodies.

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What jobs are out there?

In this expansive field of work, jobs range from hardware and software to cybersecurity, digital marketing and IT support. Programmers, software developers and app developers create the code that underpins computer programs and apps (software) while electronics engineers research, design and develop the physical hardware – from computers to household appliances – these programs run on.

Web designers and developers create and maintain websites while digital marketers produce content for sites and social media, and help organisations attract more visitors and achieve their online goals. Cybersecurity professionals protect people and organisations from cyberattacks by hackers – they make sure digital systems are using the best security measures and carry out tests to check for weaknesses.

What skills do I need?

Creativity: From app developer to electronics engineer, many tech professionals create something from nothing. Web designers and content creators think up snappy text, attractive graphics and engaging videos to make websites, apps and social media appealing to users. Find out more.

Problem solving: Whether writing computer code, designing a new device or developing robust systems to protect against ever-changing cybersecurity threats, tech jobs are built around finding answers to technical challenges. The ability to think logically and systematically is crucial to a successful career in tech. Find out more.

Technical skills: Anyone working in this field will need some degree of IT savvy – an affinity for picking up digital platforms. There are a whole host of other technical skills, many of which are dependent on the role. For example, a more specialist skill is the ability to code – essential for software specialists. Find out more.

What subjects should I take?

Uni or apprenticeship?

Opportunities for everyone…

The tech industry has a reputation for being overwhelmingly male. Organisations like Girls in Tech aim to help women begin and succeed in a career in tech. Girls in Tech is free to join and membership offers access to skills training, networking and mentoring and industry-specific careers advice. Research shows that skills training and mentoring can help you progress quickly in your career.

Many tech roles require a university degree, which in the past put them out of bounds for young people not keen on another three or four years in education, or unwilling to take on extra debt. That’s why the sudden rise of apprenticeships is great news – these days, you can train to be a software engineer, game designer or cybersecurity specialist straight from school or college.