The minimum requirement for starting work in IT is a degree in computing or electronic engineering. For those who want to take their studies further, or did not take an IT-related degree, many universities run conversion MSc courses for graduates. These are extremely useful as most companies want to see evidence of high level IT skills in prospective employees. As largely a service industry focusing on supplying the tools of businesses, you will need skills which can be transferred into any working environment involving computers.

Several of the Software and Hardware suppliers have their own qualifications which are well regarded in the industry and can be studied directly or through registered training organisations. Examples include the Microsoft’s MCSE and Cisco’s CCNA.

Links
The following links will give you an insight into IT and how to take your studies further.

British Computer Society
One of the leading professional bodies for those working in IT. It has more than 50,000 members in more than 100 countries.
www.bcs.org

Cisco Career Certifications
Respected Cisco Career Certifications bring valuable, measurable rewards to network professionals, their managers, and the organizations that employ them.
Click here for more information.

IT Week
A multimedia publication that provides indispensable information for IT leaders.
www.itweek.co.uk

The Institute of IT Training
The professional body for IT training professionals.
www.iitt.org.uk