Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Computing by University of Portsmouth, UK

Programming, Systems Analysis and Design
The development of a new computer system starts with the analysis of a particular business problem that IT can solve and ends up with the newly-developed computer system being tested and put into place.

First you need people to investigate and analyse the business problem - it could be setting up a booking system for a chain of hotels, or a new payroll system for a large company, for example - then design a system which can handle the task. This stage of the process is called systems analysis and design.

If software (a computer program) needs to be written, or a program that's already available needs adapting, people with programming skills become involved.

Computer programmers write instructions for the computer in a language it can understand. There are different kinds of programmers, specialising in different aspects of programming. Programmers need to be able to think in a logical, detailed and careful way.

There are also people called analyst programmers. This term is often used for people who are involved in the whole process - from analysing the company's business needs, designing the system and either writing or adapting the program. Then there is the software engineer, who needs to have a more technical understanding of both the hardware (computer machinery) and the software. However, in the computing industry, job titles vary between companies; for example, the exact role of a software engineer differs in different organisations.

End-user and technical support
Technical support staff are the people you contact when you have problems with your computer systems! Problems can be to do with the software, the hardware - or both. Support staff may be employed as help-desk staff or field engineers.

• within companies - to provide help to computer users in that company
• by specialist computer repair and maintenance firms
• by manufacturers/suppliers of equipment and systems

Website designers
These are people with both the design and the IT skills to create Internet home pages for companies or organisations. They use graphics, animation and interactive features to make the site interesting and attractive. At present, website designers' skills are in high demand by organisations wanting to promote their services and products. As well as looking good and giving up-to-date information, the website may also have to handle on-line enquiries, sales and payment, delivery and after-sales care arrangements. These specialist IT professionals can move from job to job, but have an ongoing role in keeping up-to-date websites which they have already designed.

Computer Sales
Selling computer systems needs a mixture of technical knowledge and selling ability.

Salespeople need to understand their customers' business needs, so that they can find the right product to solve their problems. Sales managers have to be able to organise and motivate their sales and technical staff.

Retailing personal computers, software and printers in high street shops is different from selling big computer systems. Sales staff must understand the products they sell, and be able to explain them to customers who may not know much about computers, and be unsure of what they want.

Managing the Systems
Database administration/management: Organisations obtain and store huge amounts of information on their computers. This might be information about their customers, accounts, orders or stock levels. The database manager or controller is the person who takes responsibility for maintaining these databases and for security and access.

Information technology or systems management: The IT or systems manager is responsible for how IT is used within an organisation, now and in the future. The manager must be aware of new IT developments, and have a long-term vision of how IT will be used in the organisation. Systems managers are employed by organisations using IT, and by computer consultancies, who advise companies on their computing needs, or may manage their IT systems for them.

Opportunities in multimedia
The field of 'multimedia' is fast-developing. In the computing world, a multimedia system is one which involves a mixture of text, sound, and still or moving pictures. Computer games are one familiar example; but multimedia systems are also used in education, and in commerce and industry, as well as for fun.

Creating multimedia systems involves people with expertise in programming and software engineering as well as a number of other areas. This includes people with skills in electronics and telecommunications, graphic design, animation, film and music and an understanding of the entertainment industry. They need to be able to work together as a team, each contributing their own area of expertise.

Computer engineering
If you are interested in the more technical areas of computing, needing a knowledge of electronics and related subjects, you might like to consider computer engineering. This includes the research, design and development of computer hardware.

Other opportunities
Some IT professionals move into general management, as their knowledge of business systems is valuable. Others may go into training or teaching in further and higher education.