Technology jobs

Jobs in technology cover a broad spectrum of software and hardware disciplines, from development and deployment, to security and testing. Technology roles are highly skilled and often require a degree-level qualification, knowledge of a specific programming language, or many years of experience working with enterprise computer systems.

Expected job role tasks

Working in technology roles, you may be asked to plan and deliver substantial projects such as the configuration and deployment of new servers and workstations. You could also work as part of a responsive IT support team, troubleshooting a variety of unpredictable problems for a specific department, or across an entire organisation.

The tasks you must complete as part of your daily duties could vary significantly over time, as the IT needs of your employer's organisation evolve. For example, after initially installing new hardware and the software required to run it, you could find you are then asked to provide maintenance services, to keep the equipment running and minimise downtime.

Primary function

As an expert in technology, you are likely to be seen as a critical contributor to your employer's success. You may be one of very few people in the organisation who understand the configuration of the various computer systems used by the business. In the event of a major interruption to business processes, you may be expected to work around the clock to get systems back up and running.

This all means people working in technology jobs often find they are treated as senior employees. You may be allocated a substantial budget to spend on new equipment, software and upgrades. If you work in a CIO or CTO role, you may attend boardroom meetings or be asked to advise senior management on planning future projects.

Necessary hard/soft skills

Hard skills for jobs in technology disciplines range from learning new programming languages, to deploying hardware and installing software, to data analysis and business intelligence. Some of these skills may be demonstrated via your education history and academic qualifications you hold. Others may be gained on the job and evidenced using third-party accreditation and professional status.

Soft skills for technology jobs include logical thinking, especially in roles where you are responsible for planning complex server installations and wide area networks. Good communication skills are always beneficial too and you may need these in tech support roles, and in leadership positions where you need to be able to delegate tasks clearly to subordinates. A keen interest in new technologies as they emerge can also help to keep you at the cutting edge, so that your expertise never becomes obsolete in the future.

Qualifications required:

Technology jobs often require very specific qualifications that demonstrate your expertise with hardware, software or both. A degree in computer science or equivalent may be necessary, depending on the level of seniority you apply for. Other professional certifications may also help strengthen your application, such as Microsoft Certified Professional accreditation.

More generally, experience of working on enterprise-level technology projects will also help, by giving you an awareness of the nature of large-scale deployments. You may also need experience working with specific types of server or specific programming languages, monolithic and microservice architecture, and so on.

If you would like further guidance or more information on a career with Michael Page, please submit your CV today.