The Republic has been facing a growing shortage of graduates in information and communication technology (ICT), even though computer scientists and software engineering programmers have excellent long-term career options, writes Brian Mooney.
It is hard to understand why so many young students with strong ICT skills and aptitudes turn their back on an industry which has never been stronger. In 2007, many of the Irish and multinational ICT companies based in Ireland made significant job announcements, while many US and EU based companies decided to open new operations here.
What sort of student should consider taking a degree in computer science?
If you studied technology for the Junior Certificate and enjoyed it, or enjoy maths or physics at Leaving Cert level, you may be the ideal candidate for a programme in ICT.
If you are interested in developing solutions to challenging problems, in how technology works, in how technology can be advanced, or in how technology can be applied, computer science degree programmes could be the right option for you.
What would I study in a computer science programme?
Computer science is the investigation and exploration of the theory, practice and use of computers and computation.
You would study how computer hardware and software systems are designed, built, and used to support activity, how computers are used to solve challenging problems, how they work, how computer software is developed, how computer hardware is designed, and how computers communicate with each other. You will also study the relationship between computers and society. Computer science programmes offer you the opportunity to acquire thinking and problem-solving skills, fundamental programming skills, a knowledge of the potential and current limits of information technology, and an appreciation of the notion of computation.
The focus of the programmes is designed to enable the graduate to apply networked solutions in organisational IT environments.
To this end, the ICT graduate needs to have an in-depth knowledge of network theory and practice and a solid understanding of software engineering and IT practices, with an emphasis on intranet applications and configuration.
What career options are on offer to ICT graduates?
Many of the world's leading ICT companies have operations in Ireland, which employ a very high proportion of graduates. Google is the most recent high-profile company to base its EU operation in Ireland, creating hundreds of high-quality jobs for ICT graduates.
Graduates are also employed in software development in Microsoft, Oracle, Iona Technologies, Hewlett Packard and Havok; in hardware design and manufacturing with Dell, Hewlett Packard and Xilinx; and in the telecommunications sector with Vodafone, Ericsson and Eircom.
Graduates also apply their skills in a wide variety of industries, including financial institutions such as Bank of Ireland, Barclays Capital Group and Deutsche Bank, consultancy in companies such as Accenture, Ernst & Young and PricewaterhouseCoopers; and in specific application areas for companies such as Statoil, Eagle Star Insurance, Goodbody Stockbrokers and Aer Lingus.
Some graduates have also formed successful start-up companies and have taken leadership positions in industry and research. Finally, interesting research opportunities exist both nationally and internationally.
What range of courses is available to me?
There are over 100 ICT-related courses, offered at both level eight and level seven/six through the CAO application process. Details of all these courses are available on www.qualifax.ie
Apart from computer degrees, which are widely available from both the universities and institutes of technology, there are computer and software engineering options, computer games programmes, software development programmes, multimedia systems, computer networks and systems, digital media programmes and computer science with a language options.
How difficult will it be to secure a place on the programmes I choose?
There has been a decline in interest in ICT programmes in recent years, which has led to a reduction in points requirements. Some colleges - for example DCU (DC133) - have set a floor of 300 points, below which it will not accept students. They did this because they believed that students scoring below that level would be unable to sustain themselves, given the demands of the courses. To be fair to DCU, they also put in place additional supports in maths for students on this programme.
Given the constant and growing demand for graduates from companies such as those outlined above, many colleges are attempting to address industry needs by offering new programmes, including gaming and digital media.
Points for level eight programmes currently range from 250-350, although a small number of programmes will require 400-450 points.
At level seven/six, courses are on offer from as low as 100 points, to in or around 200 points. I would advise any CAO applicant with real interests and aptitudes in ICT to consider seriously the wide range of challenging and rewarding careers options such programmes offer.
Every weekday, until the deadline at the end of the month, careers expert Brian Mooney will guide you through the CAO process and outline the best possible options.
ADVICE PODCAST: Listen or download the podcast for advice on how to complete the application form, and for an overview of the current CAO process at: www.ireland.com/education/
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