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THE TECH INDUSTRY EXPLAINED
Tell me about jobs in the tech industry When you’re settling down on your couch preparing to spend the evening playing video games, your first move before the game even starts is to select an avatar. This is the face you will present to the world within the game and your fellow competitors. Your graduate career can be considered in the same way. Your first foray into this exciting universe will be to select the type of tech professional you’d like to become. There is a large variety of roles to choose from, but we’ve assembled a list of 13 typical roles that attract graduates in the tech sector. If you’re not sure where to start, look for a job that matches your specific skills, interests and talents and then go from there. 1. Computer support specialist Also known as: Technical support, helpdesk support, operations analyst, problem manager Role overview: When things go wrong in an IT environment, technical support staff are there to patiently troubleshoot the problem. Generally, technical support
teams have client-facing roles, helping the customers of software or hardware companies get the most out of their products. While some support roles will require employees with specific knowledge, others are a great match for patient graduates with exemplary communication skills. Key skills include: ■ wide, ranging tech knowledge ■ problem-solving abilities ■ excellent communication and listening abilities; and ■ patience, patience and more patience 2. Hardware engineer Also known as: Network engineer, network designer Role overview: Hardware engineers design, build, test computer hardware (eg computer chips and circuit boards) and computer systems. They also work with peripheral devices such as printers, scanners, modems, and monitors among others. Generally, hardware engineering roles become more specific as graduates move from entry-level roles into senior positions.
