Graduate Employability - Essay Example

? A REPORT ABOUT GRADUATE EMPLOYABILITY and A Report about Graduate Employability 0 Introduction The primary focus of this report is to provide insights into the needs and perceptions of graduate employers in the Information Technology/Computing sector. This will be achieved by a close study of the jobs available, the requirements for employment, responsibilities of the employees and their remunerations. The report also covers the necessity of various skills and abilities required by employers, the level of graduate education required to fill the vacant positions, the challenges that companies face in recruiting graduates and views on how graduates can enhance their employability skills. The reader of the report will be able to identify the areas that are buoyant or depressed in IT and Computing; the information will be crucial to prospective employees and current students of Information Technology/Computing once they begin searching for jobs. 1.1 The Current Situation of Employment in IT/Computing Sector Currently, more than 55 percent of the jobs in the market are computer-based occupations (Solomon, 2009). The current world is going computerized at an alarming rate. Almost every office is acquiring computers and automating its services to the clients. The reason for this is that computers are machines and are used to make work easier and faster. Computer systems also save costs of operations and reduce the risks associated with data management. Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) predict that 51 percent of its occupations will be computerized by the year 2018 (Smeding, 2012). STEM is based in Georgian University Center, and focuses on promoting education technology and enhance the workforce to apply modern technology in educational settings. The US Department of Commerce argues that Network Systems and Data Communications Analysis is the second fastest growing professional occupations in the United States of America (Xu & Tu, 2011). This professional occupation was expected to increase by 53.4 percent between 2008 and 2018 (Morris & Venkatesh, 2010). Computer Software Engineers and Applications is another Information Technology profession projected to grow by 34 percent. The Department of Trade also ranked Systems Software among the thirty fastest growing professions; Systems Software will grow by 30.4 percent by the year 2018 (Scott, 2012). Trading activities are going international with the increased rate of globalization. Nowadays, a trader does not have to travel to a foreign country in order to purchase merchandise or personal goods. Online orders and payments are sufficient to do financial transactions and transport goods to the buyer. Cross-border traders, therefore, require system developers and administrators to ensure that the transaction systems are updated. The next decade will be characterised three out of four new science and engineering jobs being in computing. For example, two hundred and ninety-five thousand and two hundred jobs (representing 27 percent of the new STEM jobs) will be in software engineering (Scott, 2012). STEM further projects that the number of jobs in Network Analysis and Administration will exceed the number of vacancies in traditional engineering by two hundred and thirty-five thousand, and seven hundred (Smeding, 2012). Basic computer literacy such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Access and Excel will not enable a prospective employee to secure these jobs. This is because these professional occupations further knowledge and skills gained through the study of Computer Science, Software Engineering and Information Systems. 1.1.1 Computer Science Computer Science will expose the students and job seekers to practical approaches of computation and its applications. Computer Science enables learners of IT/Computing to study the feasibility, mechanization, expression and structure of computer algorithms. The computer algorithms underlie storage, communication, acquisition, representing, and accessing (Morris & Venkatesh, 2010). A computer scientist specialises in computation theory and the design of computational systems. The fields of Computer Science open to students include computational complexity theory, computer graphics, programming language theory, computer programming and Human-Computer Interaction. 1.1.2 Software Engineering Software Engineering will enable students to develop skills in applying a systematic, disciplined and quantifiable approach to the Systems Development Life-Cycle. Software Engineering also studies the application of Systems Development Life-cycle approaches such as design, development, operation and maintenance of systems software (Xu & Tu, 2011). Formal education in Software Engineering is sometimes taught as part of Computer Science Curriculum because of its relative newness; however, most software engineers hold degrees of Computer Science. Software Engineers work as contractors or permanent employees with businesses, government agencies and non-profit making organizations while others work for themselves as freelancers (Xu & Tu, 2011). The number of hours software engineer works may vary; however, most of them work for 40 hours a week and less than 15 percent of Software Engineers work for 50 hours a week. The United States rated Software Engineering the best job in the years 2008 and 2012 (Laudon & Jane, 2012). 1.1.3 Information Systems Prospective employees in IT/Computing need to understand the complimentary networks of hardware and software that organisations apply in collecting, filtering, processing, creating and distributing data (Laudon & Jane, 2012). The study of Information Systems links business and computer science by use of theoretical foundations of computation and information. The course enables students to study a variety of business models and other related algorithmic processes within the discipline of computer science. Students pursuing courses in Information Systems have the chances of working as Chief Information Officers, Chief Operating Officers, Chief Information Security Officer and Chief Technical Officer. The course also equips learners with employability skills relating transaction-processing systems, database management systems, office information systems and decision support systems. 1.2 The Current Salaries for Graduates in IT/Computing According to the reports released Computer Research Association (CRA), the graduates of computer science earn 13 percent more than the average college graduates do (Morris & Venkatesh, 2010). Computer Science students spend longer periods in classes, and their courses are complex in most cases. These students have to do projects and produce accurate results before they pass their examinations. Additional remunerations from their employers are critical to compensate them for the extra work they do. The US Bureau of Labour Statistics projects that future job prospects for graduates of computer science are higher than any other engineering or science field (Tarafdar & Vaidya, 2007). The rising demand for computer engineers could be encouraging additional students to develop interests in computer science and IT-related field in order to enhance their employability chances. Computer Science courses have begun to receive more applications in the 21st century than any other course. The salary surveys carried out by the National Association of Colleges, and Employers revealed that the average salary offer to a bachelor’s degree candidate was $47,673 in the year 2010 (Solomon, 2009). Graduates earning computer and IT-related degrees were offered an average of $58,746 per annum, which is an increase of 5.8 percent more than other areas of occupation. Computer Science majors saw their salaries increase by 4.7 percent to $60,426 in the year 2010 (Shih, Pan & Tsai, 2009). Graduates in liberal arts may severely be affected by the galloping recession because their current salary is averagely $33,540, which is far below than the IT/Computing occupations. 1.3 Management Information Systems Management Information Systems is one of the areas of specialization of Information Technology/Computing. Management Information Systems programs stress upon the necessity of understanding and applying computer technology in solving organisational problems (Solomon, 2009). Other areas of emphasis of Management Information Systems include designing computer-based systems for data processing and decision support systems for management. University engineering departments offer programs in Management Information Systems, or it may be provided by graduate schools that offer advanced study in Management Information Systems. The opportunities open to graduates of Management Information Systems include Information Systems Managers and Information Security Consultants. 1.3.1 Information Systems Managers The primary role of computer and information systems manager is to oversee and coordinate the computer and technology-related functions in organizations. Information system managers are responsible for planning, regulating, directing and coordinating Information Technology activities in organizations. These managers also collaborate with other managers and organizational executives to help in establishing organizational objectives and seek proper ways of utilizing technology to meet organisational objectives. Information Systems managers administer Information technology activities such as network security, software development, and intranet and Internet operations. The duties of Information Systems Managers include evaluating and supervising the work of Information Technology specialists such as programmers, computer engineers and system analysts. They coordinate with other specialists in the processes of implanting and installing software and hardware by overseeing the application of design and computer networking (Chi-Hung, Lee, & Jung-Chi, 2012). Additionally, Information Systems Managers are responsible for allocating resources to meet technology requirements and delegating of IT-related tasks to subordinates. Job requirements for Information Technology Managers include a bachelor's degree in a technology-related area; candidates with graduate degree usually have an added advantage. The candidates need to be certified in a particular area of software or technology. This certification implies that candidates must have undergone some professional course in terms of on-the-job training and passed all the required examinations (Chi-Hung, Lee, & Jung-Chi, 2012). Interested Information Systems Managers should have experience of at least two years in the similar position; experience is acquired through vocational training, internships, attachments and volunteering. Information Systems Managers are required to work for 40 hours in a week. There is an over-time of 10 hours per week for managers who prefer to work for longer hours. The basic salary for Information Systems Managers is $587,210 per annum, and is subject to adjustment depending on various circumstances (Vegas, Juristo & Basili, 2009). The over-time remuneration is usually a personal arrangement between the employer and the employee. Information Systems Managers are compensated when they are sent outside the company for specific missions. 1.3.2 Information Security Consultant This position deals with supporting Information Technology projects by undertaking risk assessments, recommending appropriate risk appropriate mitigations, giving advice on implementing of security measures and interpreting security standards in the contexts of projects and business scenarios to help the business achieve secure operations. Information Security Consultants may work as part-time service providers or under permanent in a given company. The salary for System Security Consultants ranges between $52,098 and $60,112 per annum; this differs depending on the organisation or the amount of work performed. The responsibilities of the Information Security Consultant include: Using industry tools to perform cyber security and GRC assessments Providing technical expertise during installation, implementation and monitoring of cyber security products Supporting sites in testing, documenting, and resolving issues associated with cyber security programs. Driving new offerings, enhancements and upgrades of cyber security products portfolio through practising development framework Reviewing regional client deliverables with the aim of identifying opportunities for improving product quality through training, mentoring, product improvement and talent acquisition Candidates seeking the position of Information Security Analyst should have a security certification such as CISM, QSA, SANS and CISSP. Most companies require candidates to have more than five years experience in an Information Security environment (Vegas, Juristo & Basili, 2009). The candidates should also have knowledge of operating systems, firewalls, risk assessment, IDS/IPS and the Internet protocols. The candidates should be able to demonstrate a high degree of credibility and influence senior stakeholders of the organisation during installation of security systems. Employers require candidates to provide a proven record of accomplishment of having successfully delivered business requirements in time and within budget constraints. Among the skills required in this occupation, include communication, presentation, leadership, self-starter and collaborating. 1.4 Conclusion The report focused on the employability skills of people aspiring to pursue courses in Information Technology/Computing. The report considered the general course of computer engineering, and the skills that employers require to hire candidates for computing-related jobs. Information Technology is a broad field of study that encompasses Computer Science, Software Engineering and Information Systems. Prospective employees who intend to work in IT/Computing sectors should consider specialising in any of these fields for them to be marketable. Professional occupations that fall within the speciality area of Management Information Systems include Information System Managers and System Security Consultants. Included in this report were the descriptions of the occupations that fall under Computer Science and the salaries that professionals in IT/Computing sector earn. Jobs that fall under computing have been described as the best paying jobs across the world. References Chi-Hung Yeh, Lee, G. & Jung-Chi Pai 2012, "How information system capability affects e-business information technology strategy implementation", Business Process Management Journal, vol. 18, no. 2, pp. 197-218. Laudon, K.C & Jane, P.L. 2012. Management Information Systems: Managing the Digital Firm. Boston: Prentice Hall. Morris, M.G. & Venkatesh, V. 2010, "Age differences in technology adoption decisions: Implications for a changing work force", Personnel Psychology, vol. 53, no. 2, pp. 375-403. Scott, C. 2012, "An Investigation of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Focused High Schools in the U.S", Journal of STEM Education : Innovations and Research, vol. 13, no. 5, pp. 30-39. Shih, Y.T., Pan, I. & Tsai, Y. 2009, "Information Technology Facilitates Cost-Effectiveness Analysis in Developing Countries", PharmacoEconomics, vol. 27, no. 11, pp. 947-61. Smeding, A. 2012, "Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM): An Investigation of Their Implicit Gender Stereotypes and Stereotypes' Connectedness to Math Performance", Sex Roles, vol. 67, no. 11-12, pp. 617-629. Solomon, J. 2009, "Programmers, Professors, and Parasites: Credit and Co-Authorship in Computer Science", Science and Engineering Ethics, vol. 15, no. 4, pp. 467-89. Tarafdar, M. & Vaidya, S.D. 2007, Information Technology Adoption and the Role of Organizational Readiness: The Case of an Indian Bank, IGI Global, Hershey. Vegas, S., Juristo, N. & Basili, V.R. 2009, "Maturing Software Engineering Knowledge through Classifications: A Case Study on Unit Testing Techniques", IEEE Transactions on Software Engineering, vol. 35, no. 4, pp. 551-565. Xu, Z. & Tu, D. 2011, "Three New Concepts of Future Computer Science", Journal of Computer Science and Technology, vol. 26, no. 4, pp. 616-624. Read More