As the field of information technology (IT) continues its fast-paced development, the demand for IT professionals such as programmers, system architects and computer network specialist grows in tandem.
Authorities predict that IT will continue to dominate ‘careers of the future’ as it responds to the needs of the business world, commanding new specialities in emerging segments such as social media, mobility and security.
Professor Elize Ehlers of the University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) Academy of Computer Science and Software Engineering, advises that the current demand for skilled IT professionals is high, both in South Africa and globally.
“Forecasts hold that it will take time to remedy this shortage. If the world economy picks up, the necessity for skills will be all the more pressing.”
A new cluster of IT career types is emerging. For example big data, the collection of large data sets of information, is one field that contains multiple opportunities for effective management by data scientists.
The evolution of social media requires social media architects to manage the phenomenon as it enters every level of business. The explosion in mobile applications (apps) calls for mobile technology experts to research new platforms, while in all aspects of IT, the need for cyber security skills has become urgent.
Students considering a career in IT should enjoy analytical thinking and problem solving. Says Ehlers: “They must be able to think conceptually, have up-to-date technical knowledge and communicate well, as they will have to deal with a variety of stakeholders.”
Competence in mathematics with an above-average pass in the subject is advised for matriculants.
IT in South Africa can be studied at universities, technical colleges and privately-run tertiary institutions as degree courses, diplomas and certificates. While colleges tend to focus on a specific methodology or language, Ehlers says universities teach concepts so that students are equipped to tackle a range of technologies.
Choosing an institution that has the benefit of industry input is, of course, enormously beneficial to IT students. UJ’s Academy of Computer Science and Software Engineering makes the most of a dedicated body of alumni, all leaders in the IT sector, who bring real world lessons learned in the workplace back to the lecture hall.
These high-profile business executives are engaged in part-time lecturing, mentoring and research support.
Their involvement recently assisted the Academy in obtaining international accreditation of its BSc Honours Information Technology degree for the third time. The degree course was recognised by London-based BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, which praised the participation of alumni.
The endorsement means that students who successfully complete this degree can now join the BCS as professional members and go on to achieve international status as certified Information Technology Professionals (CITP). The accreditation enhances the employability of the UJ graduate.
An alumnus who supports the academy is Josef Langerman, group head: Solutions at Standard Bank, who teaches, adjudicates practical projects and assists in securing sponsorships. He believes ongoing relationships between past students and educational institutions benefit both parties with expanded networks.
Langerman says: “Alumni help build the identity and brand of an educational institution in the market. My participation has given me an opportunity to become personally involved in solving some of the challenges in this country, such as skills training. I really feel like I am making a positive contribution to South Africa.”