With the CAO decision weighing heavily on lots of students’ minds, we asked an independent guidance counsellor Róisín Kelleher to share her views on why Information and Communications Technology could be a good choice. And remember… you can ask career questions online next week during the Smart Futures Online Careers Fair.
A guest post by Róisín Kelleher, Career Guidance Consultant
There are many reasons to consider computing for a career choice. First of all, computers and information technology are all around us. We can see the practical application of the IT industry every day, from mobile phones, social networks, booking concert tickets to securing your college place using the CAO online system. We live in a digital, computerised, programmed world. Computing has an immense impact on our lives. It is said that the invention of the computer was a once in a millennium event, comparable in importance to the development of writing or the printing press. Computers continue to have an enormous impact on the way we live, think and act, it is hard to overestimate their importance. So the question is, do you want to be part of and give an input into this area of technology?
The vast majority of careers in this century will require an ongoing understanding of computing. If you have a natural curiosity, want to solve problems, would like to develop your logical, analytical and creative skills and have an aptitude and liking for mathematics, it’s certainly worth considering a career in one of the many opportunities in computing.
However, it is important to note that this sector, because of its many applications, can accommodate people with varying levels of ability and education – including those who do not necessarily fit the traditional mathematician / problem-solving category.
It is interesting to know that many young people, even at primary school level, are now enjoying an introduction to computing through the CoderDojo initiative by learning how to code, solve problems and develop creative skills.
Finding a career with good job prospects
At a time when many career areas are not providing employment opportunities as previously, it is reassuring to know that the computer industry in general has continued to offer stimulating, vibrant and multi-faceted opportunities to people at various levels. For example, the industry offers exciting, challenging and well-paid careers, in many sectors such as: communications, business, finance, science, medicine, transportation, entertainment, education, computing, telecommunications, software engineering and many others.
A world of change and opportunity
A major advantage of a qualification in computing is the opportunity to work in many parts of the world as computer technology is almost identical everywhere. The computer industry appears to have generated an excitement, enthusiasm and sense of anticipation in people. The indications are that this fast-developing industry will continue to grow and expand in the future. This should mean further opportunities to test the ingenuity, initiative and problem-solving skills of people currently working in the industry and those who will do so in the years ahead. We cannot even anticipate at this point in time the extent and the levels to which this new technology can be further developed. The possibilities are mindboggling.
Information on Computing/Information Technology courses can be researched on Qualifax, the national database, which gives details of courses available at Universities, Institutes of Technology and Colleges of Further Education. Depending on your interests and aptitudes, many suitable courses and programmes are available.
In conclusion, I would suggest that if you want a stimulating and rewarding career, it’s a smart decision to consider and research the Information Communication Technology (ICT) sector as a career choice.
About Róisín: Róisín Kelleher set up the Aisling Career Guidance and Recruitment Service in Bandon, Co. Cork having spent many years in education, as a guidance counsellor and teacher.
