IT systems developer

Tasks vary according to the type of organisation and size of employer that you are working for, but will typically involve:

• Consulting with colleagues or clients with a view to writing or modifying current operating systems
• Evaluating and implementing ways to incorporate existing or new technologies
• Observing, testing, diagnosing and resolving faults in the software
• Writing and testing code and then refining and rewriting as necessary
• Writing systems to control the scheduling of jobs on a mainframe computer or to control the access allowed to users or remote systems
• Providing written documentation for users, perhaps in conjunction with a technical author
• Working with other it specialists both internally and externally
• Undertaking short and longer-term project work.

Job titles and descriptions in IT are not as standardised as in some other industries. In some cases, systems developers may be called systems programmers, analysts or engineers. In some areas, a systems developer may have a more defined role and work within a group of IT specialists, which can include systems analysts and systems designers, or they may work solely on testing systems. The work of a systems developer can also form part of the role of a software engineer or an applications programmer.

Doctoral subjects in the following are more favourable in this area:

•     computer engineering
•     computer science/software engineering
•     electronics
•     mathematics
•     physics

Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:

•     Knowledge of computer systems and technologies
•     The ability to communicate with clients, colleagues and management
•     A meticulous and organised approach to work
•     A logical, analytical and creative approach to problems
•     The ability to explain complex issues clearly and concisely
•     Thoroughness and attention to detail
•     The ability to work both in a team and alone and to manage your own workload
•     Business and commercial awareness

Recruiters may test for aptitude through psychometric testing and programming tasks at interview.

• The average salary for a systems developer is £33,750 (salary data collected November 2009, IT Jobs Watch).
• Range of typical salaries at senior or management level (e.g., after 10 - 15 years in the role) is £27,000 - £70,000 or higher if bonus schemes are available (salary data collected November 2009, IT Jobs Watch).
• Salary at all stages is dependent on the size of the installation and its location and can be enhanced by specialist experience.

Sector information

Doctoral graduates from 2006-9 working in this occupation were known to be employed in the following profiled sectors six months after graduation:

•     Advertising, public relations and marketing
•     Financial services
•     Information technology and computing
•     Scientific research and development

Disciplinary background

The most common disciplinary backgrounds for doctoral graduates (2006-2009) entering IT systems development were:

•     Anthropology
•     Botany
•     Comparative literary studies
•     Computer science and IT
  
•     Electrical and electronic engineering
•     Forensic & archaeological science
•     Information systems
•     Physics

None available

• BCS (The Chartered Institute for IT)
• Computer Weekly
• Computing
• Computing Careers
• Contractor UK
• CWJobs
• Institution of Analysts and Programmers (IAP)
• IT Jobs Watch
• Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC)
• Technojobs
• Women in Technology
• e-skills UK:The Sector Skills Council for Business and Information Technology
• Institute of IT Training (IITT)
• Intellect
• National Skills Academy for IT
• National Computing Centre (NCC)