Technology and computer skills are essential assets for workers in all industries. Even if the career you choose does not focus solely on Computers, the job will most likely require the use of computers and technology to accomplish tasks and process information.
An overview of the ICT sector in Ireland today.
| Chris Horne is an Electronics Engineer; co-founder of the highly successful Iona Technologies and current Chair of Engineers Ireland and the Science Gallery in Trinity College.
Aoibhinn Ni Shuilleabhain has a background in Theoretical Physics and has recently completed a Post-Graduate Diploma in Education. She actively promotes science and mathematics through her work with ‘Discover Science and Engineering’, and with the Science Gallery in Trinity College.
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The Computer industry itself can be divided into hardware and software. The hardware is all the machinery and equipment, the nuts and bolts of a computer and its add-ons such as a printer, scanners and speakers. However, in order to function the computer needs information about its task and it needs to be programmed to do what you want it to. This is the software.
Hardware
Ireland is a leading European centre for the manufacturing and assembly of computer parts. Manufacturers such as IBM, Hewlett Packard and Dell are all involved in the design and production of components used in computers all around the world.
Computer hardware starts in the research and development (R&D) departments of manufacturing companies. Teams of engineers (mechanical, electronic, electric, manufacturing, CAD, software etc) work to design, test and produce the latest components. When a product is found to satisfy a market need, manufacturing processes are developed to produce the finished product. In complex products, like a PC, multiple parts must be assembled to precise specifications.
Work in this area spans the R&D work carried out by highly qualified engineers, scientists and technicians to those who work in the final assembly and packaging of the products (PC's, printers, scanners, webcams etc). Because of the range of opportunities that exist, people of all ages and educational experience can be found in this sector.
Software
During the past decade, Ireland has gained increasing recognition as Europe’s premier location for software development. Since the 1980s, most leading US software vendors, including Microsoft, Oracle and Symantec, have based their European operations centres in and around Dublin.
The country has also become the number one site for software development in Europe. All the big players such as Microsoft, Google, Ebay, Symantec and Amazon are now based in Ireland.
Alongside the big international players Ireland also has a thriving software development industry that has been created in Ireland by Irish computer graduates. It comprises of over 600 companies, about 250 of which have significant levels of overseas sales. Ireland has now overtaken the USA as the biggest exporter of software in the world. 60% of all software sold in Europe originates in Ireland.
Some of the areas career roles can be found are:
- Software Development: This is the process of developing software to meet the requirements of the end users (the customers). This would include roles such as the Systems Analyst - individuals who analyse and design software systems that meet requirements. Programmers and Developers are invloved in writing the code or instructions that tell the computer what tasks to carry out. Programmers need to learn the computer languages (e.g. C++, Java, COBAL) which are used to develop software, and because there are many languages, and they keep getting more powerful, students and workers in this area need to constantly keep up with the latest developments.
- Software Engineering: These roles combine experience in computer science, engineering, and maths to design, define, and organise many aspects of a complex software product.
- Quality Assurance & Testing: Every piece of software that is written must be tested extensively, and this requires the work of QA engineers.
- Technical Writing: Technical writers are professional writers who design, create, maintain and update many types of technical documentation, online help, user guides, white papers, design specifications, and other documents. Involves the writing of computer manuals for the customers of new computer software
- Technical Support: Support that is given to the computer hardware or software user from the manufacturer of the equipment or developer of the software. This includes help in installing and using the products.
- Database Management:The people who design and maintain databases of all sizes.
- Web Design: The design of websites for businesses and organisations
- Project Management: Just about all software design involves complex projects that need to be managed. IT Project managers are the people in charge of delivering a project on time and within budget.
- Marketing and Sales: The research and promotion, advertising and sales of computer products.
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Useful Career Sheets from STEPS to Engineering [pdf files]
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Computer & Software
Engineering
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Engineering Life
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Individuals interested in an IT career should possess curiosity, have the ability to think logically, and have strong problem-solving skills. A working knowledge of mathematics and good communication skills are also important since troubleshooting, teamwork, and helping others are vital aspects of most IT jobs.
In addition, web designers and developers also need imaginative and artistic skills. Whether dealing with customers, managers, or other computer specialists, IT professionals need the abilities to solve technical challenges as well as to communicate effectively on paper, in-person, and electronically.
Right now there are many high-skilled, interesting, and good-paying job opportunities in IT. In fact, Ireland continues to suffer from a shortage of qualified IT workers with flexible and portable skills who can readily adapt and respond to ever-changing IT workplace demands and processes.
Third Level Colleges and Universities throughout Ireland offer courses in IT at Higher Certificate, (Level 6) Ordinary Degree (Level 7) and Honours Degree level (Level 8). It is often possible to take computer studies as part of a business or language course. These courses offer a wide range of specialisation within the industry. It is advisable to carefully research course content and future course options.
The computer industry is still relatively young and the average age of employees tends to be about 27 or 28. This means that the work place is often lively with a good social life after hours. It also means that career paths are not rigid and promotion and career development can be rapid for the talented person.
Starting salaries for someone with a degree in a computer related area is anywhere between 20,000 and 30,000 euro. Well-paid employment is almost guaranteed to suitably qualified people.
Computer Games Industry
Ireland's media and gaming industry is one of the fastest growing sectors in IT and has been identified in recent government reports to be potentially of significant strategic value to Ireland's future economy.
There are now more than 1,500 people employed in the games-development and related industries sector in Ireland and with new opportunities in mobile and social gaming, this figure is projected to grow.
A recent survey (Nov 2009) of the computer-games industry in Ireland conducted by researchers from NUI Maynooth and the University of Limerick shows the industry is on the move, with a complement of multinationals and indigenous companies operating here.
The survey revealed that 60pc of these companies are involved in game development, with many companies working across multiple platforms, while 30pc are games publishers operating across Europe, Asia and North America.
It also reveals the types of jobs in the industry. Nearly 900 are involved in non-development areas, which include online customer/player support, while nearly 200 are involved in quality assurance.
Some 104 are employed in management, 72 in programming, 59 in localisation, 60 in art, design and audio, and 26 in marketing.
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