IT graduate jobs

A range of IT graduate jobs are available to match your qualifications and level of technical expertise - discover the role that's the best fit for your skillset and ambitions

Job opportunities for IT graduates

Even for entry-level IT roles, most employers expect graduates to have some technical knowledge, and any relevant work experience or internship will help you stand out from other candidates.

You can search for graduate jobs in IT or visit the websites of major IT and telecommunications companies to browse job vacancies and explore their technology graduate schemes.

While some employers take on new entrants all year round, starting your job hunt during the autumn of your final year at university is advisable.

Application analyst

Also known as a problem analyst, technical adviser, or systems analyst, you'll maintain IT services and interact face-to-face with users who require technical support.

You'll be expected to work on multiple projects simultaneously, so the ability to switch between tasks and remain in control of difficult situations is vital. It's also important that you can explain complex information to non-technical users.

Strong technical skills are essential, along with knowledge of and certification in the relevant computer language and its applications - for instance, CSS, #C, and Microsoft SQL.

Find out more about working as an application analyst.

Applications developer

Writing specifications and designing, building, testing, implementing, and sometimes supporting applications using programming languages and development tools are key to the role. You'll likely specialise in an area such as mobile phone applications, accounting software, office suites, or graphics software.

It is important to have good technical knowledge and an in-depth understanding of at least one computer language. Most employers expect a degree in a relevant subject, such as computer science or information systems.

Read about the skills you'll need to become an applications developer.

Cyber security analyst

Sometimes referred to as an information security analyst or cyber intelligence analyst, you'll protect an organisation by preventing, detecting and managing cyber threats. You could offer advisory services to clients or work to protect the security of your organisation.

In such a fast-growing field, there's currently a skills shortage, which means you could thrive with the right knowledge and experience. You'll usually start in an entry-level or junior role, but after several years you could become a senior cyber security analyst or consultant.

Read about life as a cyber security analyst and explore cyber security training.

Data analyst

If you're highly analytical, have strong mathematical skills and are curious and inquisitive, a career as a data analyst could be for you. As well as understanding the data, you'll provide insight and analysis through clear visual, written and verbal communication.

An undergraduate degree isn't always required, but a degree in a relevant subject, such as business information systems or computer science, can help.

Learn more about data analyst and data scientist salaries, and consider taking a big data course.

Database administrator

As someone involved in the planning and development of the database, you'll troubleshoot issues on behalf of the user. It's your job to ensure the data is consistent, secure, and retrievable in an emergency. As companies depend on effective databases, the role can be demanding, as there's pressure to keep everything running smoothly.

You'll need skills in data manipulation languages, database design, and business awareness. It's worth gaining some experience in programming and familiarising yourself with as many database technologies and operating systems as possible. Most positions require knowledge of structured query language (SQL), Unix, and DBMS.

Discover what a database administrator does.

Game designer/developer

Involved in creating and producing games for all platforms; these roles can vary depending on the company's size. In a large organisation you may focus on the programming and have no input in the visuals and story, while smaller independent games studios might have you working on both programming and design.

To prove your skills, you'll need a working demo with examples of game programming you've created and, for design roles, a portfolio of your artistic work. The ability to code, experience with scripting, and knowledge of specific software are also useful.

Gain an insight into the roles of a game designer and game developer, and explore video game careers.

Information systems manager

Overseeing technicians, programmers and database administrators, you'll be responsible for managing a company's computer systems. Before becoming a manager, you'll need to gain experience in technical support and operations.

Security maintenance and upgrade work happen outside of office hours, so expect to work unsocial hours. You could also be called out to fix a major problem and work longer hours at the critical points of a project.

Find out what skills you'll need to be an information systems manager.

IT consultant

Advising clients on how to use information technology to meet their objectives and overcome problems, graduate IT consultants can expect to earn £20,000 to £30,000. You'll meet with clients to find out their requirements, work with them to define the scope of a project and plan the timescales and the resources needed.

The job is mostly office-based, but it is often at the clients' premises, meaning you'll need to mirror their working hours.

Read about the role of an IT consultant.

IT sales professional

You could work in pre-sales, giving technical details to customers to show them how a piece of hardware or software meets their needs. Then there's the sales part, which involves negotiating an agreement. Finally, there's post-sales support, which involves solving problems and suggesting training.

Technical knowledge can be helpful, but it isn't essential, as many companies consider candidates with relevant experience or a strong sales background. A related degree isn't always necessary but subjects with a high technical content or a business management component may be useful.

Find out how your career as an IT sales professional could progress while sales graduate schemes are a popular entry route into the industry.

IT technical support officer

Your role is to manage the smooth running of computer systems, ensuring users get the maximum benefit from them. This could involve installing and configuring computer systems, diagnosing hardware and software faults, and solving technical and application problems.

Immediate results will be expected in most situations, and you'll be pressured to deal with problems quickly to ensure minimum downtime for staff and customers.

You may need to be on call and work extra hours to complete a job.

Discover where IT technical support officer jobs can be found.

Network engineer

It's your responsibility as an IT engineer to set up, develop and maintain computer networks. You'll also support users and solve any problems that arise. Your role will depend on the sector and size of the company. For example, in a large investment bank, you'll typically have responsibility for one area of the system, whereas in a small company, you may need to fix any IT-related problems.

A degree in a related subject, such as computer science, computer systems and networks or network security management, will usually be required. If you don't have a relevant degree, you'll have to demonstrate significant experience.

Find out what you could earn as a network engineer.

Software engineer

You'll create, maintain, audit, and improve systems to meet particular needs, often as advised by a systems analyst or architect. You'll test hard and software systems to diagnose and resolve system faults.

Depending on the system you're working on, you could also be called a systems/software/database/web programmer, engineer or developer.

The programming language you're using could also become part of your title - for example, Java developer.

Aside from technical competency, software engineers must also demonstrate a meticulous approach to work, commercial awareness, and an ability to quickly learn new skills and technologies.

Read more about the responsibilities of a software engineer.

Software tester

It's your job to conduct tests to detect bugs and issues with a product before it reaches the user. You might join at the start of a project to assess potential risks or be brought in later when testing becomes necessary.

Software testers generally have a degree in computer science or IT, in addition to problem-solving skills, attention to detail and the ability to work towards tight deadlines.

You may start as a software tester on a tech graduate scheme, but with professional qualifications and technical skills, progression to senior roles can be rapid.

Find out more about life as a software tester.

Systems analyst

To improve efficiency and productivity, you'll design IT solutions, change existing systems, and integrate new features or improvements. By liaising with clients and stakeholders, you'll calculate the cost and the time it will take to deliver a solution.

Starting as a junior programmer, you'll build experience before progressing to developer and even consultancy roles. You'll need to keep your skills and knowledge up to date with on-the-job training and courses covering everything from programming languages to the technical skills required for projects you're working on.

Discover whether life as a systems analyst is for you.

Web developer

It's your job to build and maintain reliable and high-performing websites and web applications.

Knowledge and experience are important. No formal qualifications are needed, but some employers look for a technical degree, so courses in computer science, informatics, software engineering, or web design and development could be useful.

In addition to technical knowledge, you'll need a logical approach to problem-solving, experience with development methodologies (like Agile and Waterfall), and the ability to manage and deliver many tasks on time.

Discover where to look for IT jobs as a web developer.

Other IT graduate jobs

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