IT Graduate Jobs & IT Graduate Schemes.

In this section we take an indepth look into IT graduate jobs & IT graduate schemes. We’ll discuss graduate it jobs in London and UK wide. The salaries, training and rewards for IT graduate programs.

What is IT?

IT stands for Information Technology. IT includes all forms of technology used to make, store, exchange, and use data.

Large Employers with IT Graduate Schemes.

Each year the Guardian releases the The Guardian UK 300. It’s worth looking out for this. There is a section for top graduate IT employers. Here are the top 10 for 2014/15. Google. IBM. Microsoft. Apple. Intel. EA. Sony. Samsung. GCHQ. UBISOFT. Hewlett Packard.

Most organisations have an IT department, so IT graduate jobs arise in most businesses.

Types of IT Graduate Jobs.

IT has become such a major part of every company that there are a lot of varied IT Graduate Jobs. Here are just a few:

Technical sales. (sales manager, account manager, sales executive).
Calling and meeting with prospective clients. To sell IT products.
Business Analyst. (business architect).
Finding opportunities to benefit processes and operations. Communicating with departments. The role needs technical knowledge, but not as in depth as a programmer.
Systems Engineer. (solutions specialist, technical designer, systems analyst).
Investigating, analysing and solving problems by designing systems.
Technical support. (helpdesk support).
Troubleshooting of problems. Answering queries to customers/clients.
Software Developer. (application programmer, software architect, system programmer/engineer).
Designing and programming software such as embedded systems, operating systems and database systems.
Technical consultant. (IT consultant, application specialist).
Providing technical expertise to external clients. A technical degree is not always necessary.

Salaries for IT Graduate Jobs & IT Graduate Schemes.

There is quite a large fluctuation in IT Graduate Jobs, dependent upon specialism. An Entry level IT graduate working for a rural company might start at £15,000. An IT Graduate working within Finance, Consultancy or the Oil & Gas industry might start on £35,000.
Within the most popular UK IT Graduate Schemes the salary usually sits between £22,000 and £30,000.
According to the HECSU report, the average salary for UK graduates, six months after graduation range between £18,000-£24,000.
The High Fliers report for 2015 has IT & Telecommunications Median salaries at £30,000.

Requirements for IT Graduate Jobs & IT Graduate Schemes.

Many popular IT graduate schemes require a 2.1. If this is a technical role the degree will need to be related. For example a Software Engineering or Technical Services roles. However there are a lot of IT graduate jobs for individuals with other degree courses and less than 2.1 grades.
Here are some examples of companies which accept 2.2 graduates:
The BT graduate technology scheme does not specify a minimum degree requirement.
Fidessa will consider candidates with a 2.2 if they have strong A’Levels and a degree in a relevant subject.
If you have a masters degree, Centrica’s information systems graduate programme accepts applicants with a 2.2.
Dependent on role, Siemens’ IT graduate scheme accepts graduates with a 2.2.

Here are some examples of companies which accept non IT graduates:
CHP Consulting and Metaswitch Networks, regularly recruit non-IT graduates.
IBM & Microsoft will consider all degree backgrounds. Although sometimes you might have to show knowledge or skills.

On top of the technical knowledge, it is often required to demonstrate other skills. Good communications and team working skills are valued highly. The ability to solve problems and be logical is also key to many roles. Business and commercial awareness are important, particularly for consultant roles. In an ever changing market, it’s essential to be able to adapt and learn new skills.

What are the Rewards & Benefits of IT Graduate Jobs?

As most organisations recruit IT staff, geeral benefits that you should look for follow suit with most graduate jobs. Benefits can include, but are not limited to:

• Pension scheme with company contribution.
• Holiday allowance. Often 20 -25 days per year.
• Interest-free season ticket loan.

Often bigger companies will also offer;

Wrong Degree? Postgraduate IT conversion courses.

You might find at the end of your degree, that you want to switch and pursue a career in IT. You may well still get a job as many skills are transferable. You might also like to consider a Postgraduate course in IT. Before you pursue this new career, makesure that you do some research. Different job roles will require different skills. For example, an MSc in ‘computer science’ will cover core computing principles such as programming, development and networks. An MSc in ‘information technology’ could focus more on constructing IT applications for business and social groups.

Tips for IT Graduate CVs.

When applying for IT Graduate Jobs, the general layout of a CV is similar to others. See our CV tips section for advice. However IT graduates must make it very clear what software they can use. We would suggest putting this in or just after the opening paragraph, as well as the cover letter. There are 2 reasons for this. The first is that employers and recruiters will be flicking through hundreds of CVs. It’s important to grab their attention. Secondly if you upload your CV, recruiters search by keywords and hence your CV will come up.

What Qualifications do IT Graduate Schemes work towards?

It qualifications often come in the form of a certification. Such as Microsoft, Oracle or Cisco.

Below you’ll find websites with More Information on IT Graduate Career Paths & Qualifications.
Institution of Analysts and Programmers
The Chartered Institute for IT
e-skills UK