Getting a graduate job in IT and information services

Learn more about the skills and qualifications you might need in order to secure a graduate job in the industry

Do I need a related degree?

In 2011, 35% of new first degree graduate entrants to the sector had gained a degree in computing or a related subject.

If you want a job that deals directly IT or computing, then it is necessary to be able to demonstrate computing skills, and a degree is the most common way to provide this evidence.

But the sector as a whole has a wide range of opportunities in functions such as  finance, marketing, accounts, human resources, law, design and management, and so there are opportunities in the wider industry for graduates from all disciplines. 

What skills do employers want?

Employers seek commitment and interest and often expect candidates to have relevant prior experience.

Alongside specific skills and knowledge requirements, many job descriptions feature employability skills such as:

• strong interpersonal communication skills;
• team working;
• effective time and project management;
• leadership;
• creativity;
• innovation;
• enthusiasm.

Candidates may often be expected to work long hours under certain circumstances.

There are also technical skills that the industry currently sometimes struggles to find in large enough numbers. These skills shortages included:

• .NET;
• ASP.NET;
• Dynamics;
• SharePoint;
• Visual Basic;
• Visual Studio;
• C#;
• PHP.

The sector also reported gaps in:

• sales skills;
• business skills;
• higher level technical skills;
• sector knowledge.

Where can I get work experience?

Employers are ideally looking for well-rounded graduates who have academic qualifications, technical skills and work experience. Being able to hit the ground running and adapt quickly to a customer-focused environment will be a big plus.

Many IT-related degrees include a compulsory placement, which can help you build up the skills employers are looking for. Alternatively, you can find placements and internships - short term and long term - advertised on company websites and on job sites. You can apply for work experience with smaller companies speculatively.

In this industry it is particularly common for people to be offered a full-time position upon completion of a placement.

Even if your work experience or part-time job is not related to IT, you can show evidence of developing soft and transferable skills that could give you an edge in the application process.

To find work placements and internships in the IT sector, search for work experience.

How do I find a graduate job in IT and information services?

Vacancies are posted on organisations' websites, generic job websites such as Prospects, and on trade websites.

In addition, they can be found in specialist press such as Computer Weekly and New Media Age.

Furthermore, professional bodies like BCS - the Chartered Institute for IT - often have careers and recruitment sections on their websites.