The Information Technology sector is primed for innovative, hard working individuals who want to succeed in this fast-paced industry, and a commitment to ongoing learning will separate the ordinary from the exceptional according to career consultant Janine Cook who shares her expert advice.

Information Technology was once the most coveted field of study and employment but the flood of students to this sector over the last decade led to rumours that the industry had become saturated and the glamour of a career in IT seemed to wane.

Cook claims that one of the greatest misconceptions at this stage is that the IT Market is flooded. On the contrary she says “there is a huge demand for young certified professionals who are willing to be trained and moulded within companies.’ This is good news for individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in this evolving industry.

Cook works for iStudent a division of the training institute iSolve. Students who wish to apply at the academy are required to have a senior certificate to join the networking (technical) courses while entrance to the programming courses are reserved for those who have matric with maths core.

The length of training is different for each institution but iSolve offers programmes that recognize every year of study. “We offer a 1, 2 or 3 year curriculum for both the networking and programming tracks”. Part time courses are another option for students who need to work and study.

The cost of a recognized qualification will depend on the length and quality of training. “Our full time courses start at R28 950 and go to about R45 000.00, which includes all textbooks and manuals, Microsoft International exams and our traditional entry first year even includes a laptop” says cook. Pursuing a career in IT can become quite a costly affair due to the additional expense of digital equipment and software that is an essential part of the learning process. However these costs should be seen as an investment that will yield large returns if the individual perseveres.

“Many people think that IT is for introverted people” but Cook says this belief is false. “IT can be for anyone from the creative and artistic, to the quiet and collected.”

According to Cook there are many different avenues that suit the varying personalities.“For the artistic we have graphic and web design, for the calculating we have software development, and for the busy and hands on we have systems support”.

Speaking about the employment prospects available for graduates Cook says that there are loads of opportunities within the market.

The job opportunities after completing the final year in networking include mail server administrator, messaging administrator, e-mail administrator, network manager, enterprise administrator and network administrator.

After acquiring a qualification in IT development the employment prospects can range from software developer, IT manager, database developer, project leader, software analysis, developer or business intelligence. “The scope for certified IT Professionals is huge, especially for those who are certified through Microsoft as the certifications are comprehensive.”

“The industry is so much broader than meets the eye. A person can go from laying cables to writing code or just manipulating images into something eye-catching, the possibilities are endless.”

Individuals who may be drawn to this sector should realize that a career in IT translates to a lifetime commitment to learning. “Up-skilling in the industry is a must. In order for a person in IT to keep the qualification up-to-date, they need to move with the times and keep broadening their horizons and educating themselves with new skills or risk falling behind” cautions Cook.

While the opportunity for success is available to all, the degree of success is determined by the individual. “The industry needs people who are driven to succeed, and people who won’t let minor setbacks stand in their path to greatness.” “The only mindset that a person in IT can have is that there are no problems, only solutions.”

---

Share this article