A number of IT consulting firms, internet service providers and telecommunications companies provide technical products or services to businesses as well as individuals for efficiency and convenience. And a large and diverse range of companies embrace IT as a core part of their business operations.

IT professionals as well as customer service personnel are needed to support all these organisations. Graduates from any discipline are recruited for sales, marketing, customer support and management roles. For technical positions, a degree in computer science or related subject is usually necessary.  

Technical positions in the industry generally fall into two categories: consulting and in-house support.

 

Software Consulting

Software houses/consulting firms build new, one-off systems or products for customers requiring anything from a hospital management system to a mobile phone application. Employers range from small, specialised developers to multinational giants.

A typical starting point for graduates in this industry is programmers. Programmers are often promoted to analyst programmers/system analysts and with sound performance to be promoted to project manager posts in the long run. There are ample opportunities for talented and enterprising graduates to start up their own companies in this area, with the prevalence of Internet and smartphones creating more business opportunities.

 

In-house Support

IT professionals are recruited to provide in-house system support in many organisations, e.g. banks. Depending on the position, job duties range from PC support, design/implementation/ maintenance of system infrastructure, programming for system enhancements/report generation for user departments to dealing with IT vendors.

 

Positions / Job Titles Offered         

• Programmer
• Analyst Programmers/ System Analyst
• Project Manager
• System Administrator/ Engineer
• IT Consultant
• Web Developer

 

Typical Job Nature/ Job Duties

Programmer:

• write programme codes to develop systems based on user requirements
• Work on system design and computer operation
• System programming and application programming
• Conduct test runs and identify and correct errors in the programmes 

Analyst Programmers/System Analysts:

• work as a bridge between the technical end (programmers) and the business users.
• Analysts look into problems in business operations and identify possibilities to solve such problems by developing/ enhancing computer systems.
• Conduct feasibility test studies on the installation of computerized systems
• Analyst business procedures and problems
• Identify the essential features and components of a system
• Prepare system specifications, documentation, user guide, implementation plan, program specifications and operation manual for application systems

System Administrators/ Engineers:

• focus on the design and implementation of system infrastructure, e.g. servers and/or databases, for the clients.

IT Consultant:

• Provide consultancy services on definition and design of information systems to clients 

Web Developer:

• Manage all sites development, changes, coordination, enhancing development of the websites, web graphical designs

 

General Requirements         

• A degree in computer science or computer studies of relevant disciplines
• A keen interest in the industry
• Sound computer skills and knowledge
• Good interpersonal, project management, analytical and planning skills
• Proficient in scripting languages such as ASP, JavaScript, dynamic HTML, Flash action script, Perl, PHP, etc. (for Web Developer)
• Experience in SQL database such as MS SQL, mysql, postgressSQL and Oracle is an advantage (for Web Developer)
• Knowledge in Linux system is an advantage (for Web Developer)

 

(Sources from The CUHK Careers Guide 2012)