Career Opportunities
- Computer Science and IT
- Computing and Multimedia
- E-Commerce
- Networking and Logistics
- Software Engineering
Information Technology has not only changed the way business is conducted, but has also transformed the way we live. It is playing an increasingly important role in a growing number of industries including medicines, commerce, government, defence, aviation and entertainment.
There are several kinds of work in the computing field, but the boundaries between them are constantly changing and are not always well defined. Job titles, job functions and the educational qualifications required vary from employer to employer.
In the past, and the forseeable future, the demand for competent computer-qualified graduates will be strong. With the State Government's IT vision for South Australia this demand for graduates is set to rise further, especially for those qualified at degree level and above. It is estimated that by 2010 around 10,000 people will work in technology park adjacent to the Mawson Lakes campus.
For additional information on career opportunities in IT please visit the gradlink or Australian Computer Society websites or download this free IT Careers Booklet (PDF 630Kb)
Computer Science and IT
The computer scientist is concerned with the scientific study of computers and their operation. This includes research into computer design, operating systems, programming languages, computer networks, Internet technologies and the theory of automatic machines.
Computer scientists will usually be university graduates with a higher degree in computer science. They may be employed in a university or research institute, or work in a large computer installation or for a firm that manufactures computers or computer software.
In other organisations graduates may move into virtually any position including computer or network manager, programmer, systems analyst, system designer, and software engineer. Many firms favour moving graduates around the organisation, especially in the early years, in order to enhance their experience and skills.
Organisations in which graduates have found work include:
- Computer equipment manufacturers: IBM, Digital and Compaq Computers
- Software companies: Motorola, EDS, Oracle, Aspect Computing, Stowe Computing and Computer Sciences Corporation
- Scientific organisations: CSIRO
- Defence organisations: DSTO, British Aerospace ( Australia) and the Australian Submarine Corporation
- Financial institutions: Bank SA, Adelaide Bank, and SGIC
- Educational institutions: University of South Australia, the University of Adelaide, Flinders University, the Department for Education and Children's Services and TAFE SA
- Government departments: Australian Taxation Office, the Department of Defence and the Attorney General's Department
- Other organisations: ABC, the Nine Network, Price Waterhouse Urwick, Holdens, Mitsubishi and the Royal Adelaide Hospital
Others choose to work for themselves and set up consultancies or specialist computing companies.
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Computing and Multimedia
The Bachelor of Information Technology (Computing and Multimedia) has been specifically designed for those wishing to enter the rapidly expanding multimedia industry, although graduates of this program will also be qualified to work in the computing industry generally.
Employment opportunities for graduates from this program are excellent within South Australia, interstate and overseas. Demand for qualified graduates is currently strong.
This program includes all of the important issues and techniques of computer and information science, plus further theory and practice in specific multimedia technology.
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E-Commerce
This is a multidisciplinary program designed to supply graduates for the rapidly expanding business-to-business and business-to-consumer e-commerce sector. Graduates are not limited to the e-commerce sector as they are provided with the necessary skills and experience to work in the computing and Internet industries generally.
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Networking and Logistics
Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry projections indicate strong growth in the industry over the next five years. This program responds to the local and transnational demand for graduates in this industry.
Within Australia, there is a strong demand for logistics professionals who have strong IT skills to be part of developing e-commerce across the whole supply chain. Demand for graduates is particularly prevalent in Federal and State Government departments, transport authorities and organisations.
Similarly, graduates with strong networking skills, especially those with strong technical and business backgrounds, are finding significantly better employment opportunities as a result of interest in e-commerce and the rise of the extended enterprise, accelerating the development of computer networks and distributed systems. Automotive, defence and computing are just a few of the types of industries supporting the need for such graduates.
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Software Engineering
Software engineers have particular skills in the design and construction of large and complex software systems of high quality. The growing reliance on software systems means it is increasingly important that these systems work reliably, are verifiably correct, and can be amended as conditions and requirements change. Software engineering is the field of computer science that deals with the building of software systems so large and complex that they are built by teams. Such systems may be safety critical, for example, airborne navigation and automatic pilot systems on aircraft, and patient monitoring systems in hospitals. They are therefore concerned with the design and construction of large and complex software systems, testing them to make sure they are robust, and ensuring that they meet the customer's requirements while keeping the development cost within budget. This requires a high level of both technical and organisational skills.
The four-year Bachelor of Information Technology (Software Engineering) program is designed to educate students as computer professionals specialising in software engineering, that is, the skills required for the development of large-scale and complex software systems. The program prepares graduates for professional careers in computing and the information services industry in general, and specialist software development organisations in particular.
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