Purpose

Different categories of IT Organization What Skills Employers look for Traits required for various profiles Where Do I stand Action plans to meet career Goals

Large organization Management consultancies Specialized consultancies Software firms Computer manufacturers Telecommunications and other high-tech industry

Logical thinking Computer literacy Soft skills Empathy

What Skills do Employers Look For?

Good aptitude Good academic scores Technical versatility Analytical ability Willingness to explore and learn Taking initiative Flexibility and adaptibility Co-operation Excellent Communication Good presentation skills Documentation skills Image and confidence Goal orientation Attention to details planning ability Punctuality Customer focus

CAREER AVENUES IN THE IT INDUSTRY AND THE TRAITS REQUIRED FOR EACH
IT Education and Training
Typical activities Effective coordination of learning process Periodical review of progress in knowledge/skill gained. Evaluation of final knowledge/skill gained Desired characteristics Very good in communication Clear concepts about computers , Operating systems, Programming Logic , DBMS and Information technology. Tremendous desire to keep oneself updated with upcoming technologies Passion to teach Ability to understand customers learning style and adopt necessary teaching style.

CAREER AVENUES IN THE IT INDUSTRY AND THE TRAITS REQUIRED FOR EACH
Maintenance Programming
Typical activities Debugging programs Modifying programs Adding programs Maintaining the environment (LAN/UNIX) Taking periodical backups Interacting with vendors
Desired characteristics Very strong in logical thinking Ability to understand someone elses logic and provide with correct solution Very sound technical knowledge of the platform where one has to function

CAREER AVENUES IN THE IT INDUSTRY AND THE TRAITS REQUIRED FOR EACH
MIS/ EDP operations
Typical activities Taking backups Generating reports Ensuring updating of databases Assisting others while they use the system Providing end-user support Writing programs for ad-hoc requests Desired characteristics Good knowledge of DBMS , Office products Good logical thinking power Ability to understand the end user requirement and provide correct output

CAREER AVENUES IN THE IT INDUSTRY AND THE TRAITS REQUIRED FOR EACH
Programming
Typical activities Design and development of programs, if one is in a relatively small organization. Developing programs in a relatively medium sized organization. Coding of program, in a large organization. Desired characteristics Strong on logical thinking General abilities in designing, coding, modifying, and debugging programs, Reading software design specifications and technical documentation Writing clear documentation of programs. Client/server knowledge and GUI design capabilities are also important.

CAREER AVENUES IN THE IT INDUSTRY AND THE TRAITS REQUIRED FOR EACH
Graphics and Multimedia
Typical activities Creation of a presentation style for a topic Visualization of graphic elements in an application Creation and rendering of graphics, including animation. Integrating the various media components into the multimedia applications.

Desired characteristics Passion for creativity converting artistic dreams to reality Knowledge of graphics, sound, text and ability to integrate all of them using computers.

CAREER AVENUES IN THE IT INDUSTRY AND THE TRAITS REQUIRED FOR EACH
Sales and Marketing
Typical activities Analysis of the potential buyers for the product Effective planning of sales activities Giving products demonstrate to prospective customers Convincing the customer on the product Traveling Meeting people Desired characteristics Very good in communication ability to deal with client, business acumen & team interaction skills Sound knowledge of the hardware/Software that needs to be marketed Ability to sell Ready to travel a lot

CAREER AVENUES IN THE IT INDUSTRY AND THE TRAITS REQUIRED FOR EACH
System Implementation
Typical activities Understanding the package in totality Visiting various locations for installing the software Providing training on effective use of software Ensuring the effective running of the system Acting as a maintenance programmer on site Desired characteristics Sound knowledge of the software to be installed and the platform Ready to travel a lot Ability to provide training to the end user troubleshooting abilities

CAREER AVENUES IN THE IT INDUSTRY AND THE TRAITS REQUIRED FOR EACH
System Administrator
Typical activities Controlling access rights/password for users Maintenance of the system Desired characteristics Sound knowledge of the Platform Ability to understand organizations need for security as well as end user needs. Troubleshooting abilities

CAREER AVENUES IN THE IT INDUSTRY AND THE TRAITS REQUIRED FOR EACH
Technical Support
Typical activities Demonstration of the software to potential customers Explanation of the advantages of the software Effective handling of customer queries Post-sale technical support activities might include: Installation and implementation of the software Training of end-users on the software Trouble shooting Providing online/hotline maintenance support Desired characteristics Very good in communication Ability to understand end user needs and provide appropriate solutions Strong technical knowledge of the software to be handled. troubleshooting abilities

CAREER AVENUES IN THE IT INDUSTRY AND THE TRAITS REQUIRED FOR EACH
Technical Writing
Typical activities Understanding the package/application and environment in totality Preparation of software manuals Preparation of user manuals Preparation of run-time manuals Desired characteristics Very good writing skills Sound knowledge of the package /application

CAREER AVENUES IN THE IT INDUSTRY AND THE TRAITS REQUIRED FOR EACH
Web application development
Typical activities Design and development of corporate web sites Maintenance and support of dynamic, database-driven online services Creating new additions to the web site to support marketing initiatives Promoting site by optimizing search engines, banners ads, etc. Creation of Firewalls and security systems Desired characteristics Strong technical skills Interpersonal skills to be able to interact with customers.

CAREER AVENUES IN THE IT INDUSTRY AND THE TRAITS REQUIRED FOR EACH
Network and communication support
Typical activities Support and services of networks and system connectivity Assist network users with problem troubleshooting Installation and configuration of communication products to both internal and external clients Desired characteristics broad-based understanding of network components & network protocols networking hardware troubleshooting abilities

CAREER AVENUES IN THE IT INDUSTRY AND THE TRAITS REQUIRED FOR EACH
Quality Assurance
Typical activities Software testing and auditing Tracking the software development methodology and life cycle Conducting quality education and training programs Design and implementation of corrective action. Desired characteristics Sound knowledge of SDLC and quality standards Ability to conduct training Ability to lead a team

CAREER AVENUES IN THE IT INDUSTRY AND THE TRAITS REQUIRED FOR EACH
Project Management
Typical activities Resource planning, allocation and scheduling Managing technical delivery of projects Technical liaison for new business and ongoing projects Managing site production on time, on budget and on strategy Desired characteristics Ability to do strategic planning Ability to understand Client and new business needs

CAREER AVENUES IN THE IT INDUSTRY AND THE TRAITS REQUIRED FOR EACH
Systems /Business Analyst
Typical activities analyzing business needs through careful study of business processes and communication with customers communicate the results to the programmers who code and implement the solution. act as liaison between the programmers and customers throughout the entire development and installation process

Desired characteristics ability to interact with customer interpersonal skills between the analyst and customer ability to analyze and anticipate the information system needs of the organization