IT AND TECHNOLOGY | AREAS OF WORK
IT Services Provide clients with invaluable professional technology support and services to help them achieve their business goals.
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usiness organisations often enlist the help of IT service providers to cut costs, improve service efficiency and gain access to a range of technological expertise. The process generally entails the assessment of the clients’ needs, followed by the implementation of a solution before moving on to support and aftersales services. Clients typically expect four things from a good technology partner: • Proactive and strategic advice during the implementation process that can help them make better decisions to improve existing IT infrastructure • Sharing knowledge of new technological upgrades that can benefit them • An ability to translate technological value of IT additions to economic value, such as shareholder return and revenue growth • To take charge of, and be involved in, the whole process. From purchasing solutions or upgrades to installing them, this also includes explaining the products to shareholders, implementation and providing postinstallation support In addition, the functions of IT services typically overlap with technology consulting to such an extent that IT services providers will need to match their services to clients’ needs, rather than just trying to sell them.
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STEM Career Guide 2022
Frequency of travel, hours and pace of work tend to be role-dependent. For instance, those in consultancy positions keep very fast-paced schedules and are often required to travel to meet clients on very short notice. Technical teams, on the other hand, have more stable schedules and are less mobile. However, when things go wrong, all-nighters can be expected.
Pros and cons
Career overview
Incredibly fast-paced
Broadly speaking, work in this industry can be divided into several sections. These include client relations, consulting, support, and designing. Other roles may involve building, installing and testing technology solutions. Graduates generally start off as junior members of a team, assisting senior colleagues in their work and picking up essential skills over the first few months of employment. In this period of time, they’re normally asked to work on a small aspect of a big project, manage a client’s account, or perform a specific function in one particular technical area. Responsibilities will gradually grow, and progression to becoming a specialist in a specific function or area is common.
The speed at which technology evolves is extremely fast, and while some may see this as a positive lifelong learning opportunity, others may eventually tire of the constantly-rapid pace. Some roles, such as consultancy, even have lifestyles that can overwhelm and burn out individuals if they’re not careful.
Trends and developments With tech trends such as codeless development tools and more natural technology interfaces on the rise, along with widespread adoption of AI and blockchain, the IT services sector is set for even more growth on top of its already rapid expansion.
Diverse opportunities This industry promises not just diversity in terms of job scopes and people met, but also plenty of chances to network and learn. After all, working on different projects often translates into meeting various clients from different sectors and backgrounds.
Required skills
• Commercial awareness • Interpersonal skills • Ability to work in a team • Ability to prioritise work effectively • An eye for detail • Patience
