Globalisation, automation and rapidly changing needs mean the future of employment will probably look very different to now. In fact, many current careers won’t exist in the next 10 to 20 years. So, it’s critical that students ask the important question: ‘Will my chosen study path lead to strong job opportunities after graduation and beyond?’
In this series we’re exploring a range of occupations forecast to have strong employment prospects in the future. Some careers in the tech industry are quickly emerging. Plus, there are other existing careers that will also have an important place in the employment opportunities of tomorrow.
When it comes to transformation and innovation, no other career pushes the boundaries more than information technology, otherwise known as IT. Today, we’re looking at the job prospects on offer, as well as the study pathways you can take if you’re looking for a career in IT.
WHY INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY?
Technology forms the basis of almost everything we do in our daily lives. It gets you from one place to another, feeds you, helps you work and study, and makes your life easier. And behind that technology are the information technology professionals who created it.
It will constantly challenge you
Technology is constantly shifting, changing and improving. In just one minute, everything and anything can change. As an IT student, you’ll help drive this daily transformation.
Studying information technology places you at the forefront of technological change. It will keep you on your toes and challenge you. Because it’s a fast-paced industry, you’ll never stop creating, designing, learning and growing.
You’ll open up multiple career pathways
Information technology is an incredibly diverse industry. That means you’re highly likely to be able to take your IT career in any number of directions. Information technology graduates can specialise in many areas, including:
- Computer programming
- Web development
- Engineering and business analysis
- Software engineering
- Information security analysis
- Applications development
- Systems analysis
- Systems design
And so much more. The possibilities are endless.
There’s huge demand for skilled IT professionals
Nowadays, nearly every company needs computers — which means IT workers are highly employable, no matter where in the world you go. As soon as you graduate, you’re highly likely to find employment. For example, each year, 100% of Monash University IBL students who seek employment receive graduate job offers.
Whilst highly competitive, the IT industry is intellectually stimulating, challenging and financially rewarding. The rapid pace of technological advance creates new jobs all the time. That means that wherever you go, you’ll likely have great job security.
Australian IT degrees are world-renowned
Monash University — one of Australia’s Group of Eight universities — is known for excellence in IT. Monash University’s undergraduate courses in IT are accredited with the Australian Computer Society (ACS), the professional association of the information and communications technology industry in Australia. Plus, many postgraduate courses accredited with ACS, the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA), Records and Information Management Professionals Australasia (RIMPA) and the Australian Society of Archivists (ASA). Accredited degrees like these are highly regarded by employers across Australia.
“[My employer] saw my degree was from Monash. They know that that’s a good school to go to, that you’ll learn well there,” says Monash University IT graduate Akansha, whose degree earned her graduate employment at PwC.
EDUCATION PATHWAYS
To qualify to specialise in the field of information technology, relevant pathways may include:
- Bachelor of Information Technology
- Bachelor of Computer Science
- Bachelor of Computer Science Advanced (Honours)
- Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours)
MEET IT GRADUATES AADEEBA MOU & SUZANNAH RICHARDSON
Aadeeba Mou graduated with a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Computer Science double-degree from Monash University, majoring in computational science and applied mathematics.
“I have always loved technology and gadgets, ever since I was a little girl. Although, it wasn’t until I was in my early high school years where I discovered the world of programming,” says Aadeeba. “The simple act of learning HTML code to decorate websites sparked my love for programming and all things IT.”
“My favourite thing about my majors is the fact that I was able to expand my knowledge in areas that I have a high passion for. In particular, learning about how technology works behind the scenes has been the highlight of my education,” she says. “Since we live in a technology-driven world, it has made my undergraduate journey very enjoyable.”
Suzannah Richardson graduated from Monash University in 2010 with a Bachelor of Business Information Systems. For Suzannah, a huge highlight was taking part in Monash University’s IBL (industry-based learning) program. The program offered her valuable industry connections and hands-on experience developing IT systems for business clients, which gave her an edge in the job market.
“In the final year of my degree, I did a six-month placement for the IBL Scholarship Program with a defense contractor,” she says. “My six-month experience as a contract administrator [was] invaluable for my current career at Microsoft.”
Suzannah now works as a Microsoft licensing specialist, whilst Aadeeba found work as an Associate in Cyber & Forensics at PwC Australia. They both believe that in Australia — as well as globally — IT students have enormous potential.
“In a world where IT is one of the main necessities for businesses and people, an IT degree is the perfect degree to choose,” Aadeeba says.
WANT TO STUDY FOR A FUTURE IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY?
Out of all of the Group of Eight universities in Australia, Monash University has the only full-fledged IT faculty covering every area of the industry. That includes artificial intelligence, data systems and security, computer software, computational sciences, information systems, mobile and cloud computing, and information and knowledge management. Specialising in IT, the university also offers students many different study options. At Monash, you can combine your IT studies with other disciplines, including arts, economics, environmental studies or design, to maximise your employability. To find out more and to apply, head to the Monash University website.
