IT Security Coordinator

Hours

You would normally work 35 to 40 hours a week, although you may be on a call-out rota to deal with problems outside of office hours.
You would be mainly office based, but if you worked for a consultancy or were self-employed, you may have to travel to visit clients.

Income

Rates of pay are often negotiable dependant on experience and length of contract.
Salaries can fall anywhere between £25,000 and £60,000 a year.

Opportunities

You can work for public service organisations, local authorities, government departments, financial institutions and software manufacturers. You could also work for specialist IT security consultancies.
Recent surveys of the IT industry suggest that information security is a high priority for IT directors. The expansion of wireless networks (WiFi) and mobile technologies have also led to a corresponding rise in the nature of security threats.
Your promotion options include network management, IT project management and security consultancy. Eventually, you could work for the police, security services and specialist law firms to carry out forensic investigation of computer-based crimes.
You may find the following useful for job vacancies and general reading.

Entry Requirements

You can get into IT security by completing qualifications at degree level or higher, or by gaining skills on the job. If you take the university route, you would need to complete a degree or postgraduate award in subjects such as network security, computer science (with security options) or forensic computing. These would allow you to start on a company's graduate training scheme.
Alternatively, you could use your work experience in related IT jobs to move into this career, for example as a systems analyst, database administrator or network engineer. See the related job profiles for more information about these roles.
Employers will usually look for experience as an IT professional, with some responsibility for network security.
Your experience should cover different operating systems like Windows, Unix and Linux, and security technologies and procedures, such as:

• firewalls and anti-virus software
• intrusion detection systems (IDS)
• encryption techniques, such as Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and Secure Socket Layer (SSL)
• authentication (passwords, digital certificates and, more recently, biometrics)
• penetration testing and vulnerability scanning.

IT security coordinators (also called information security analysts) plan and carry out security measures to protect clients' information and data from unauthorised access, deliberate attack, theft and corruption.
As a security coordinator, you would deal with a range of threats to electronic information, including:

• hacking
• viruses, worms, spyware and Trojans
• denial of service attacks – overloading systems with useless data to bring them to a standstill
• 'phishing' – luring users into leaving confidential details on spoof websites
• 'pharming' – redirecting users to fake websites by hijacking genuine website addresses
• abuse of permissions by authorised system users.

Skills and Knowledge

• an excellent knowledge of IT security systems, tools and procedures
• excellent communication skills
• strong problem solving skills
• good project management skills
• the ability to interpret and evaluate data accurately
• an understanding of confidentiality issues
• a commitment to keep up to date with emerging security threats, technologies and trends
• the ability to work under pressure and to deadlines
• a proactive approach and confidence to take decisions
• a knowledge of information security standards and legislation.

Web Designer

Hours

You would normally work 37 to 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. You may have to work extra hours to meet deadlines or when problems occur with a website. You would arrange your own working hours if self-employed.
You would work indoors in an office or in your own home at a computer. You may spend some of your time travelling to meet clients.

Income

• Starting salaries can be between £15,000 and £20,000 a year.
• Experienced designers can earn up to £30,000.
• Senior designers, and those with specialist skills, can earn over £40,000.

Opportunities

You could work for web design companies, in the IT departments of large public and private organisations, or as a freelance designer.
If you work for a company, you could progress in your career by moving into design team management, or by expanding your skills to become a web content manager. See the related job profiles below for more details about these roles.
With experience, you could set up your own web design business.
You may find the following useful for job vacancies and general reading.

Entry Requirements

You do not usually need qualifications to become a web designer. However, most designers have experience in other design fields, or have taken training in web design, either through college or by teaching themselves.
You will need a good working knowledge of HTML, and experience in writing web pages in a combination of codes. Having a working knowledge of the following could be useful:

• Dreamweaver
• Photoshop
• Flash and Fireworks
• CSS
• Javascript
• .Net

The Work

Web designers use both creative and technical skills to build or revamp websites. They must be able to picture how a site will look (at the 'front end'), and also understand how it will work (at the 'back end').
As a web designer, you could work on anything from an interactive educational resource, to an online shopping site. Your main duties would include:

• meeting the client to discuss what they want their site to do and who it is aimed at
• preparing a design plan, showing the site structure and how the different parts link together
• deciding which text, colours and backgrounds to use
• laying out pages, positioning buttons, links and pictures, using design software
• adding multimedia features like sound, animation and video
• testing and refining the design and site features until everything works as planned
• uploading the site to a server for publication online.

Depending on the project, you may be contracted to maintain your client's website once it is up and running.

Skills and Knowledge

• an understanding of internet programming and scripting languages
• a good working knowledge of the main web design applications
• strong creative skills
• good problem-solving skills, together with a logical approach to work
• the ability to explain technical matters clearly to people who may have little knowledge of IT
• an ability to work to deadlines
• an understanding of legislation and guidelines for website accessibility
• a willingness to keep up to date with changes in technology and software
• a working knowledge of equipment such as scanners, and digital photo, video and audio equipment.

Software Developer

Hours

You would work between 37 and 40 hours a week. Overtime and weekend work may be necessary to meet deadlines, or to limit disruption to a client's business.
You would be mainly based in an office but may have to travel to meet clients. Some projects may involve overnight stays away from home.

Income

• Starting salaries for graduates can be between £20,000 and £26,000 a year.
• Experienced developers can earn between £28,000 and £40,000.
• Software developers with management responsibilities can earn over £50,000 a year.

Opportunities

You can find work as a software developer across a range of businesses and industries, public services, utilities, defence and research.
With experience, you could become a senior developer with responsibility for project management, planning and research, or move into related areas, such as systems design, IT architecture and business systems analysis.
You could also set up your own business and work on a sub-contract or consultancy basis.
You may find the following useful for job vacancies and general reading.

Entry Requirements

You normally need a degree, foundation degree or BTEC HNC/HND to become a software developer. You could choose from a variety of subjects, including:

• computer science/studies
• information technology
• software development
• software engineering
• business information systems.

You may still be able to find a place on a graduate trainee scheme even if you do not have an IT-related degree, as larger employers tend to accept graduates from any discipline. You could study for a postgraduate IT conversion qualification, although this is not essential.
Several universities are now offering the Information Technology Management for Business (ITMB) degree. The degree has been developed by e-skills UK and employers to meet specific industry needs, for example project management skills and business awareness. For more details, visit the e-skills UK website.

The Work

As a software developer, or programmer, you would design and build computer programs that help organisations to work more effectively. Your work could involve:

• designing computer controls for industrial and manufacturing machinery
• building administrative and financial databases
• developing software found inside home entertainment equipment (known as embedded controls).

You would work closely with senior programmers and business analysts, and devise technical plans to meet the needs of the client. A typical project would include the following steps:

• programming a test version of a piece of software
• testing installation and compatibility issues
• checking test results and fixing technical problems (known as bugs)
• installing a full version and carrying out final checks before going ‘live’
• maintaining and supporting systems once they are up and running.

Skills and Knowledge

• a good knowledge of hardware, software and programming languages
• the ability to interpret and follow technical plans
• a creative approach to problem solving
• an understanding of Computer Aided (Assisted) Software Engineering (CASE) tools
• excellent communication and customer care skills
• the ability to work with people at all levels, including non-technical staff
• good project management skills
• the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• good teamworking skills
• an appreciation of the client's business needs
• an understanding of confidentiality and data protection issues.

Computer Service and Repair Technician

Hours

You would normally work 37 to 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. Shiftwork may be necessary if your employer offers out-of-hours technical cover.
As a field technician your job would involve travel to visit clients on site. In an IT support department, you would be office-based but spend time with staff at their workstations.

Income

• Starting salaries are between £14,000 and £17,000 a year.
• Experienced staff earn between £18,000 and £25,000.
• Senior staff with management responsibility can earn up to £30,000 a year.

Opportunities

Typical employers include the civil service, the NHS, schools and colleges, contact centres and IT manufacturers. You may also find jobs with IT support contractors.
With experience, you could become a senior technician within a department. Alternatively you could set up your own company, supporting small to medium sized businesses, or working in the home PC repair market.
You could also use your IT skills to move into helpdesk support, network engineering, IT security, database administration, training or technical sales.
You may find the following useful for job vacancies and general reading.

Entry Requirements

You could start work without formal qualifications if you have a good enough working knowledge of computer systems and software. However, you may improve your chances of finding work by taking a computer maintenance qualification at college, for example:

• BTEC National Certificate and Diploma for IT Practitioners (Systems Support) Level 3
• City & Guilds IT Practitioners Diploma Level 2
• OCR Certificate and Diploma for IT Practitioners levels 1 and 2
• EAL Diploma in Advanced Personal Computer (PC) Maintenance Level 3
• CompTIA A+ Certification.

You may be able to get into this career through an apprenticeship scheme with an IT company or as part of a technical support team in a larger company. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. To find out more about Apprenticeships, visit the Apprenticeships website.

The Work

As a computer service and repair technician you would install, maintain and repair computer systems and equipment.
You might work as a member of an IT support team in a large organisation, on commercial contracts for an IT servicing company, or as a field technician for a computer manufacturer. Alternatively, you might run your own PC repair and upgrade business.
Your day-to-day tasks would include:

• installing new IT systems
• upgrading existing hardware and software
• visiting home users to set up their PCs or fix faulty equipment
• testing systems to make sure they are working properly
• servicing printers, scanners and other office equipment (known as peripherals)
• preparing estimates for new installations
• carrying out routine administration like organising staff rotas.

Skills and Knowledge

• a thorough knowledge of operating systems, hardware and common software
• good communication and customer service skills
• excellent problem-solving skills
• a patient and methodical approach
• the ability to meet deadlines
• a willingness to keep up to date with IT developments
• an awareness of electrical safety issues.

Network Manager

Hours
You would work 37 to 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. You may be expected to work overtime on some jobs to minimise disruption to a client's business.
The job is normally office-based and may be at one site, or could involve travel between various sites.

Income

• Starting salaries can be between £24,000 and £32,000 a year.
• Experienced managers earn between £33,500 and £47,000.
• Senior staff with strategic responsibility can earn over £50,000 a year.

Opportunities

Opportunities exist with any organisation that relies on IT systems. The IT and telecommunications industries are moving closer together, so there may be opportunities within that area for networking professionals.
Other employers include companies that manufacture computers and IT equipment, or those that specialise in the supply, installation and servicing of computer networks. It may also be possible to work abroad.
Your promotion options include project and information management and planning, information security, business analysis, systems architecture and freelance consultancy.
You may find the following useful for job vacancies and general reading.

Entry Requirements

You normally need relevant experience to become a network manager, for example working as a network engineer, an IT support technician or an IT manager. See the profiles for Network Engineer, IT Project Manager, and Computer Service and Repair Technician for more information about these roles.
You may be able to take up a trainee position as a network manager with a company if you have a BTEC HNC/HND, foundation degree or degree. Relevant subjects include:

• computer networks
• networks and communications systems
• computer science
• digital communications and networks.

The Work

Network managers are responsible for designing, implementing and administering computer network systems within an organisation or between organisations. They could manage a company's in-house network support team, or work in IT consultancy, dealing with a number of different clients.

Skills and Knowledge

• excellent IT skills and technical knowledge
• strong problem-solving skills
• good negotiating skills
• excellent communication and presentation skills
• the ability to take responsibility and be decisive
• the ability to work within a team
• effective planning and organisational skills
• project management skills
• the ability to work under pressure and to deadlines
• a commitment to keep up-to-date with IT trends and developments
• the ability to work within a budget.

Working in the IT industry

General Skills
There are a number of general skills that employers are looking for not just specifically for IT but for many other industries. Examples of these skills are:

• Interpersonal Skills: Interpersonal or communication skills are highly valued by many employers as it is likely that your job will involve working with other people.
• Planning: Even in your first job you will be expected to to deal with several issues and the best way to handle this is to plan before you carry out any tasks so that you keep to the deadlines.
• Organisational: This is a key skill in order to be successful within your job because you will have to be able to carry out work tasks efficiently. This is were organisation is important because you will have the correct equipment, information and tools to be able to carry out a task.
• Time Management: This skill ties in with planning and organisational skills because it involves making the most of your time and using it effectively and efficiently. For example making sure you have the right equipment for your job to avoid wasting time.
• Team Working: This is a very important skill to have because in your first job you won't be working on your own especially if your working in the IT industry. Team work is about communicating with your staff and understanding the role within your team. Also dealing with problems in a positive manner and co-operating with the rest of your team is key to a successful business.
• Numerical: Depending what job you have you will be expected to have good numerical skills especially working within IT. However most jobs require basic numerical skills including the ability to carry out day to day mathmatical calculations. Some IT careers such as programming will require a higher level of mathmatecial ability.
• Creativity: This is an excellent skill to have espicially within the IT industry because if you were a IT technition and you were fixing a computer, If you are creative and think outside the box with problem solving you will be more succesful. Creativity is a good skill becuase it makes you stand out more and can mean having more unique jobs within IT with a good salary.
• Problem Solving: This skill is used alot especially working within IT because there is alot of IT systems that suffer from problems from one sort or another. Thus means problem solvig skill's are vital and usually come with experience of previous problems but its also the way you approach problems and the action you take to solve it.

Industry Specific Skills
Working Within an Industry you will be expected to have specific skills involved within the job that you are within. Examples of these Skills are:

• Techinical Knowledge: This is an important skill to have espicially within IT. Technical knowledge is the ability of general knowledge and having the specific skills needed in the area of work. Techinical knowledge is also the ability to learn fast and pick up other skills quickly.
• Working Procedures: This skill is specific to the working enviroment you are in which are set by the company or the employer. These are the working practices that are set like for example the legislation that applies, copyright and data protection laws. You also need to be aware of your responsibilities within breaking the law and keeping to safe practice.
• Health and Safety Knowledge: This is an important skill to have because it keeps you safe and others around you safe. Your employer will expect you to know the health and safety work act 1974 and a general understanding of the health and safety procedures that have been put into practice for that certain company.