So where do I start?
Consider looking for internship opportunities in the IT industry, as they are highly regarded ways to gain professional experience. Through the guidance of a workplace program, you can receive hands-on training from skilled mentors who have been in your shoes. IT Internships are learning experiences – experiences that give you the freedom to explore the industry and update transferable skills in a safe learning environment – one without the pressures or
expectations an employer would have of you as an employee in a corporate job. Internships are also an excellent entry point towards understanding your interests within the industry, and can help provide clarity on how you can go about developing your portfolio towards a level of expertise.
Match your skills and personality to job positions in IT
For many interns, entering a career where they can use their strengths to the best of their abilities is a recipe for professional fulfilment. The constant evolving nature of the information technology industry has seen a steep demand in professionals and creation of new and innovative roles. This demand has seen employers in the IT industry sighting candidates with a mixture of analytical and creative abilities; technical ability and effective problem-solving skills. As the world becomes more digital in every aspect of our daily and working lives, diverse job positions in IT can be appropriately matched depending on your skills and personality.
So what are the growing roles in IT? Here are our top picks:
1. IT Technician/Help Desk Support Internship
If you’re a tech-whiz at troubleshooting and enjoy working with your hands, then an IT Technician/Help Desk Support role might be for you. IT Technicians/Help Desk Supports pride themselves on providing technical support on a company-wide and or client-wide level.As technicians require astute diagnostic knowledge, it is best suited to patient and clear communicators who have talent and passion in assisting others. An internship in an IT technician/help desk support role will see candidates providing day-to-day support required for various hardware and software programs, technological devices, and navigating consumer queries. To thrive in this role, potential IT Technicians/Help Desk Supports need good problem-solving skills, and a knack and talent for excellent customer-service. Completion of tasks with a friendly and helpful attitude is a must!
2. User-Experience (UX) Design Internship
If you’re easy-going and are passionate about the seamless integration of design and technology usability, then perhaps an internship in User-Experience (UX) designer is for you. UX Designers take customer service to the next level and refine the usability of software and devices. Improving technological accessibility is vital for every consumer, particularly for clients such as children and people with disabilities. If you envision a world where everyone is empowered by limitless nature of technology, then consider a role in UX as the IT pathway for you.
3. Web/Software Engineer Internship
Are you a creative thinker who thrives in completing project-oriented tasks? Web or software engineering roles would be perfect for you. Engineers apply the frameworks of engineer design to prioritise meeting client satisfaction in a collaborative setting. Engineers are team players, meaning that a high-level of communication skills is required for this role. IT Internship opportunities in web and software engineering can provide you with the chance to build your portfolio and demonstrate your hard work. Contributing your ideas and creativity to a team of like-minded professionals is a rewarding experience for interns.
4. Web/Software Developer Internship
While Web/Software Engineer and Developer roles may sound the same, the function and operational tools used are different. Web or software developers are the creators of software and work solo, compared to the more collaborative Engineer job position. As a developer, you’ll need fluency (or the willingness to learn) in a variety of coding languages. Popular ones include Java, Python, C++, and Scala. Coding is a detail-oriented task, and is best-suited for those who are diligent and conscientious in their work. Knowledge of public key and private key data encryption is essential to build the blocks of secure software. Developer internships can give you the room to gain your confidence in working independently and scaffold your way to mastering the knowledge required for Developer roles.
5. System Analyst
For those who are detailed-oriented and enjoy following procedures down to a tee, a System Analyst role may be suitable for you. The role of a System Analyst is based around the testing and maintenance of computer systems and software in a company-wide level to ensure that the software your company uses, including but not limited to anti-virus software, Learning Management Systems, or the company portal that employees log in to on a daily basis is up to date and working with no interruptions. During an internship, working with companies on the cutting edge of the IT world can give you an insight into transferring systems analyst skills to benefit stakeholders. A systems analyst is a vital role for any company, and the expertise you can develop in an internship program is proof of experience – which future employers will regard positively.
The roles and opportunities within the Information Technology sector are vast. Whether you see yourself assisting others as an IT technician/help desk support or UX designer; in more creative roles as an engineer or developer; or in detail-oriented roles like that of an analyst, the opportunities available within IT allows students and graduates to try their hand at exploring roles that cater to your skills and interest.If you’re a student/graduate looking to kick-start your career in the professional industry, and are overwhelmed by the options, an excellent place to start is an internship; where the benefit lies in the practical demonstration of work experience, understanding of the different roles available in the industry, and increased understanding of marketable IT skills to Australian employers.
