Introduction

This IT Specialists Career and eLearning Course Training Guide aims to provide you with general guidance on career trends and training opportunities in IT.

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Job Prospects In Ireland

Recent research by Forfás has highlighted the number of job advertisements in the IT sector and science, engineering and technology technicians. The report showed that 31% of all IrishJobs.ie vacancies were dedicated towards Associate Professionals; within which IT positions were allocated. The advertisements for IT technical support frequently stated having an extra language (German, French, Spanish etc.) as a prerequisite: indicating the global reach of such jobs.

A recent study by Solas noted that 15% of all jobs advertised with the Department of Social Protection Jobs Ireland were taken by associate professional/technical occupations. This 15% included positions such as IT technical support workers, primarily with language skills. IrishJobs.ie’s records indicated that 31% of their advertisements were were also taken up by associate professional roles. The report also noted that quality assurance IT testers, and IT software testing & troubleshooting were positions which were difficult to fill, indicating a need for people skilled in these areas. (Via Forfas Vacancy Overview)

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Typical Careers in IT

• Computer Programmers: A computer programmer writes code to create software programmes. Their job is to turn program designs into instructions that a computer can follow. Traditionally, computer programmers work in offices, and will have been educated in this field. Once programmes have been designed, a computer programmer will often help in maintaining the software and debugging any issues which may arise.
• Computer Support Specialist: Computer support specialists aid both businesses and customers who are using computer software or equipment. They are normally located in a work environment, but usually work demanding schedules as they need to be of assistance at any time, often twenty-four hours a day. Qualifications for such positions can vary from certificate awards as high as bachelor degrees, so there are a number of access points at different levels.
• Database Administrators: A database administrator uses software to store, protect and organise data. They ensure data is available to users and is protected from unauthorised access. A high number of DBAs work in industries and firms such as Internet service providers, banks and insurance companies with large databases, or retail companies with online services. Most DBAs have a bachelor’s degree in an information or compute-related field, such as management information systems (MIS).

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IT Specialists Career and eLearning Course Training Guide

CMIT offers certified courses in IT and Computer from bodies such as CompTIA, CIW, Microsoft, and Oracle and others. The following are courses offered:

• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Cisco Complete eLearning Training Bundle (2015)
• Cloud Computing Certification eLearning Bundle (2015)
• Cloud Computing Security Knowledge (CCSK)
• CompTIA A+ Technician
• CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP)
• CompTIA Cloud Overview
• CompTIA Complete eLearning Training Bundle (2015)
• CompTIA Mobility+ (Mobile Device and Network Technician)
• CompTIA Network+ Technician
• CompTIA Project+
• CompTIA Security+
• CompTIA Server+
• EXIN Cloud Computing Foundation
• IT Cyber Security Certification eLearning Bundle (CISA, CISSP, CISM)
• Microsoft MCSA: SQL 2012 Certification Bundle
• Microsoft New Technology Bundle
• Microsoft Sharepoint Bundle 2013
• Oracle Database 11g Administrator Certification (OCA 11g)
• Oracle SQL Database Expert

What Work Can I Expect to do as an IT Professional?

Those with qualifications in information technologies will have a number of avenues with which they can use their knowledge and skills to pursue. From building new software and networks to ensuring they operate smoothly, there are many roles and possible positions for qualified IT workers. The flexibility of these qualifications makes them a valuable asset to people looking for employment in the IT sector.

• Test and evaluate existing network systems
• Perform regular maintenance to ensure that networks operate correctly
• Troubleshoot local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and Internet systems
• Analyse organization’s computer needs and recommend possible upgrades.
• Plan and direct installing and upgrading computer hardware and software
• Ensure the security of an organization’s network and electronic documents
• Assess the costs and benefits of a new project and justify spending on the project to top executives
• Learn about new technology and look for ways to upgrade their organization’s computer systems
• Determine short- and long-term personnel needs for their department
• Plan and direct the work of other IT professionals, including computer systems analysts, software developers, information security analysts, and computer support specialists
• Negotiate with vendors to get the highest level of service for their organisation’s technology.

For a full list of CMIT’s IT and Computer courses, please click here.