Careers in Computing and Information Technology

A degree in computing from the University of Liverpool provides a superb basis for a career at the cutting edge of information technology and computer systems.
Modern life depends crucially on computer and information systems, from traffic lights to hospitals to supermarkets. Most companies and organizations have invested heavily in computer systems in recent years and job prospects remain good for graduates in these technologies. Because of the size and complexity of modern computer systems, most software development is now undertaken by multi-disciplinary teams of skilled personnel. This has created demand for many different specializations, along with business managers who are familiar with Information Technology.

Among the sorts of specialized personnel involved with creating and managing modern IT systems are:

  • Business analysts, who identify the needs of software users and specify what computer systems must do
  • System architects and analysts, who design systems and software to meet the desired specifications
  • Programmers, who create and maintain the program code
  • Testers and verifiers, who seek to ensure that software meets its specifications
  • Technical writers, who write the help-guides and other documentation needed by users of software
  • IT Trainers and user advisors, who train and assist software users
  • and
  • Project Managers, who lead and manage these multi-disciplinary system development teams.

The skills required for these different positions can differ greatly. For example, nowadays only programmers typically need to be able to write and read computer code. Business analysts and technical writers usually need a strong ability to empathize with customers and the users of software. System architects often require a strong sense of narrative, in order to design systems to support workflows and business processes. However, all of these positions require an ability to think abstractly and logically, and to work with care and rigour. And, increasingly all require an ability to work well with others, as part of a team.

Prospects
After a period of downturn following the dot-com crash in 2000, employment prospects for computer and IT graduates in the UK have again picked up. Currently, some 90% of University of Liverpool computing graduates find employment or enrol in post-graduate study within 6 months of graduating from their first degree, for instance. Our students find employment across the full range of industry sectors, from finance to defence to healthcare, with many finding employment in the North-West and the North East, as well as in London and the South-East.

Salaries
New computer graduates can currently expect to earn salaries from about £18,000 per annum and upwards. In some industry sectors, such as finance, new graduates may start on as much as £30,000, when sign-on bonuses are included. Programmers and business analysts with three or more years experience can expect to earn up to £45,000 pa. Experienced software testers and technical support staff may earn up to £35,000 pa. Experienced project managers may achieve annual salaries well above these figures.

 
Typical first job titles for Liverpool Computer Science graduates:
  • Web Developer
  • IT Systems Analyst
  • Software Developer
  • Network Optimisation Engineer
  • Network Support Engineer
  • Computer Science Teacher
  • IT Consultant
  • Software Engineer
  • Sales & Marketing Executive
  • Information Analyst
  • Graduate Management Trainee
  • IT Implementation Support Analyst
  • IT Help Desk Supervisor
  • Business Analyst
  • Assistant Project Planner
  • Enterprise Risk Consultant
  • Data Analyst
  • Programmer
  • Founder of start-up
  • Self Employed

Statements from Employers


Simon Thompson, British Telecommunications:
"BT needs a cadre of professionals with a clear understanding the fundamentals of Computer Science that can only be developed on a Computer Science degree. There is no substitute for being able to analyze and model systems in such a way as to be able to understand the implications that your decisions will have for computation and on the real people who will have to use the system that you produce."

Steve Smith, Gardsys:
"As we celebrate the arrival of at least ten new software companies into Liverpool with offerings as diverse as aircraft design, supply chain expediation, retail EPOS, facial simulation systems and digital pen technology it is appropriate to highlight the synergy between the growing knowledge economy and the University Of Liverpool's relevant Computer Science curriculum. Not only is the best computing being taught in Liverpool but the talent is being quickly deployed into innovative and dynamic businesses".

Richard Maher, Moneysupermarket:
"Graduate recruitment is fundamental to our strategy for building a truly world class software development team. We are only in the third year of our graduate recruitment programme and already we have a number of superstars who have established themselves as critical to the business."

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