Image
Build a career in Computing and IT
This career guide is designed to help University of Portsmouth students and recent graduates explore job options, key employers, and entry routes into the IT sector.
In this guide:
This sector is constantly changing with developments and advancements in technology. Some roles in this area can be highly technical - requiring knowledge of software management and coding - whilst other jobs in this industry require strong soft skills, such as communication, creativity and problem-solving when selling products, developing ideas and finding new ways of working.
Whilst large IT companies are typical recruiters of computing and IT professionals, be sure to consider small and medium sized organisations as well. Opportunities can also be found in the public sector, telecommunications, financial services, retail, manufacturing and games development companies.
Potential Job Roles
Prospects has a useful list of job profiles, each containing relevant information about key responsibilities, skill requirements, starting salaries, entry requirements, career prospects with links to major employers and current graduate vacancies. Some roles include:
Gaining Experience
Getting relevant experience is essential. Many employers recruit through internships, placement programmes, or work experience programmes. Any IT-related experience will boost your employment prospects by helping to build a network of contacts. Most of your graduate competition will have degree-related work experience, so try to look for opportunities to gain practical and professional skills while you're still studying.
Types of opportunities
Below are some examples of the different types of opportunities to gain experience while you study.
Placements will give you a long-term look at an organisation and help you to build contacts and experience. On some degrees, work placements are part of the programme, whilst on others you can choose to complete a placement as one of your modules. Get in touch with the Placements Team in the Careers & Employability Service for more information.
Learn more about taking a placement
You can also choose to take a Self-Employed Placement. This allows you to work for yourself during your placement year and receive support from the University's Student Startup Team. You will have access to funding opportunities, networking events and workshops.
An internship is a short-term work experience opportunity that is offered for a fixed period or a limited amount of time (usually between one to four months, typically taking place over the summer.) Internships are a great way to gain relevant, industry-specific skills and experience in your chosen field.
Applications for summer internships can open in the early autumn for some of the more competitive roles with larger employers, however additional opportunities (especially with smaller employers) may be advertised later on in the academic year. Speak to the team in Careers & Employability for help applying for internships.
Enhance your career prospects through volunteering! Whether you're uncertain about your specific career path or you have a clear focus and are aiming for professional success, volunteering offers a chance to explore diverse roles in different types of organisations while gaining hands-on, practical experience.
You can also get involved in relevant university projects through the different groups and societies via the Student Union. This is a good way of demonstrating your motivation and interest in this area of work.
Where to find opportunities
Here are some key platforms for finding work experience across many industries:
You could also think about approaching employers directly to enquire of any suitable work experience opportunities. This is called a speculative approach, and can work well with smaller businesses who might not advertise as many opportunities.
Getting the most out of work experience
Whether you already have a career path in mind or are still exploring your options, our work experience pages guide you to finding opportunities that match your interests and goals. You'll find advice on choosing an industry, broadening your search, and standing out while building valuable skills and experience.
Finding a Graduate Job
There are many different areas within the computing and IT sector and work can be varied. Some of the areas you could get involved in include: translating software requirements into programming code; maintaining and developing programs and/or websites; cyber security; technical support; pre-sales, sales and post-sale support of hardware and software; quality assurance of software development and deployment, and more! Giving some initial thought to what areas you're particularly interested in will help you to target your job search.
Employers who recruit in these areas
- Health, financial, leisure, utility (such as gas, electricity, water), telecommunication and retail services
- Local and national government agencies
- Advertising, marketing and mobile phone companies
- Educational institutions
- IT companies and Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
We recommend starting your search using our online jobs board, MyCareer. You can also find general online job boards and advice through our Graduate Jobs page.
Jobs boards for Computing & IT
Specialist agencies
- Agency Central – A platform connecting job seekers to recruitment consultants.
- Frank Recruitment Group – A global recruiter of niche technology professionals, with subdivisions covering specific tech industries.
- Jump IT Recruitment Solutions – Connects IT, web and technology-based job seekers with employers.
- 100% IT Recruitment – Permanent and Contract IT Recruitment across the UK, with specialist consultants in all areas of IT.
- Reed – Recruitment consultancy with a specialist site for IT jobs and careers in telecommunication.
- Datascope Recruitment – A recruitment consultancy for the games, online and mobile technology industries.
- Amiqus – Recruitment specialists for the games industry.
Are you looking for a role in Hampshire? Our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy can help!
If you're in the final year of your degree, you can register for support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy. They work with over 3,000 employers in the local area to place our students into fantastic graduate careers.
Speculative applications
Speculative applications involve sending a CV and cover letter to an employer to ask if they have any vacancies, even if the company is not currently advertising for a role. They're a great way to access "hidden jobs" that go unadvertised.
Submitting a speculative application shows your interest in a specific company and your willingness to go above and beyond to develop your skills and understanding of the industry.
Working for yourself
Got an idea you'd like to turn into something bigger?
Whether you're planning a business, side hustle or freelance career, our Student StartUp team can help you build your confidence and develop your plans. Access expert guidance, funding opportunities, workshops and workspace designed to help you move your idea forward.
Keep up-to-date with the industry
As part of your job-hunting strategy, you will need to keep up to date on developments in this sector and keep track of any vacancies that are coming up. Below are some key resources to help you research opportunities available. The knowledge gained through your research may help you to target your applications and will help when preparing for interviews.
- BCS – The Chartered Institute for IT, is the industry body for professionals and a Chartered Institute for Information Technology (IT). The website provides a wide range of information and advice including job profiles, qualifications and training.
- TARGETJobs – An extensive career hub offering advice on the IT sector covering: how to get started in the sector, applications and interviews, training and development, industry news, and graduate jobs, schemes and work experience opportunities.
- Computer Weekly – Latest IT news and features from areas such as IT management, networks and communications, software, hardware, research and jobs.
- BBC – Latest news and emerging technologies from the BBC.
- ITJobsWatch – A detailed picture of the computing job market in the UK. You can discover which skills employers are looking for, where jobs are being offered, and how much you can expect to get paid.
- Bubble Jobs – A careers portal to help job seekers discover different jobs and careers available in the digital industry.
- Cyber Security Jobs – jobs covering a wide range of specialist Cyber Security job positions such as Vulnerability Assessor, Penetration Tester and Security Auditor to name a few. There are full-time, contract, part-time and internship roles you can search by location too.
- ISACA – A professional body which provides certification in information systems auditing, information security management, risk and information systems control, and the governance of enterprise.
- Microsoft Learning – Training for beginners to experienced IT professionals on Microsoft products and technologies.
- ISSA-UK – A leading membership association for the cyber security industry.
- Game Developer – News and trends in the gaming industry.
- 3D World – Up to date information, creative tips and inspiration for web design, graphic design, 3D and more.
Explore more from the Careers service
CVs, portfolios and cover letters
Find out how to increase your chances of getting an interview by writing a strong CV and completing a successful application.
Building work experience
Get hands-on industry experience and showcase your knowledge before you graduate!
Graduate job search guide
Learn about the types of roles you will encounter, and how to search for roles.
Enable University alerts
Turn on notifications for critical updates like closures, safety alerts, and urgent service disruptions.