Career Guidance
Getting into new media
When a company first decides it needs a website, or an entrepreneur begins a start-up, she usually decides whether to outsource the design work, start up a new division or open up a new company completely. Whatever the case, people are required to actually build the site. While the writers are composing the pages for the site and dreaming up new ideas, the programmers and 'techies' are formulating the JavaScript or HTML to bring the site to life. The site is continually evolving, all processes are able to occur at the same time as the final result occurs live twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
Who can you work for?
An internet design company
An ad agency
A new internet business
A company's internet division
A web server
A search engine
Jobs in new media
Project manager
A project manager co-ordinates the production of the site. He ensures that deadlines are met by being the go-between between all major departments. A project manager is a good organiser and manager of people, he's a problem-solver and can 'extinguish the fires' that can erupt on a daily basis. He is a negotiator and spokesman for the site's progress and the new jobs taken on. Managerial or business skills are an advantage to this job.
Content writer/editor
A content writer creates the articles, advice and 'how-to' for the web-site pages. A content manager co-ordinates the style of the prose and edits the work before it goes on-line. A writer researches information for articles and updates them regularly to keep visitors returning to the site. Again, it's not necessary to have a degree, but a writer will often have a portfolio or collection of previous work to show prospective employers.
Designer
A designer conceptualises the 'look' for the site. With his experience, he can distinguish the branding for a company or business and then bring it to life online. A designer has an eye for detail and is a visualiser whose goal is sustaining aesthetic appeal and impressing visitors enough to come back to the site and tell their friends. A designer may be qualified in design or graphic design and is needs experience in, and knowledge of Photoshop, Illustrator or other design programs. Designers often accumulate their work in a portfolio of past sites they've worked on to show employers.
Programmer
A programmer formats the documents given to him by the designer and the writers into internet language – HTML and JavaScript. He makes words flash and images spin! A programmer has vast computer know-how and is equipped with an understanding to formulate the language to make sites more interactive and user-friendly. A programmer can be self-taught in computer know-how or may be professionally trained for the software used such as Dreamweaver, Flash, Fireworks and Photoshop.
Database designer
Designs and builds data-driven applications, such as a job search facility or telephone directory. He creates the interface and scripting behind the application and makes the data more useable and accessible. A database designer usually has at least five to ten years experience behind him and is paid at the higher end of the industry for his expert knowledge and opportunities he creates for patenting specialised systems. A database designer will not necessarily need a degree, but will need computer qualifications for his area of expertise.
Systems architect
A systems architect configures the hardware and routing for the site, which is the pathway to get to the address. He builds the firewall security, the TCP/IP, which is the protocol or set of rules about how to communicate. This does for the internet what grammar does for the English language! A systems architect also configures the LAN and the WAN, which connects common users to server. A systems architect will not necessarily need a degree, but will need computer qualifications for his area of expertise.
Where to now?
Get clued up on industry trends and new campaigns.
Read trade magazines such as Revolution and E-commerce
Surf the net and look at employer or innovative websites
Attend career days and find out about the milkrounds in your area
Network, make contacts and get some experience to find out firsthand whether new media really is for you!
New media is an industry with loads of opportunities and companies are facing a major skill shortage, you may just get what you want if you're prepared to graft
Getting into engineering
Engineers are employed by all industries and companies to solve life's problems. Whether it be an engineer in the army who designs bridges to move soldiers, or a safety engineer who carries out structural checks in buildings, this industry involves the application of learned scientific, mathematical and specialised knowledge.
Some of the most interesting engineering work involves the restoration of buildings. More recently, the Leaning Tower of Pisa's slant was becoming detrimental to the building's foundations. Experts wrestled with problem for many years, knowing that if they made the wrong decision, the building could topple over. Finally, engineers removed 30 tonnes of subsoil from underneath the tower by inserting corkscrew drills. The tilt has now been corrected and the Pisa is set to remain standing for another 350 years – with engineers to thank.
Who can you work for?
Manufacturers
Chemical plants
Food and drink suppliers
Construction companies
Service industry
Governments and the public sector
Consultancy engineering firms
Engineering design firms
Contractors
Natural resources such as the oil industry
Private sector
Medical and pharmaceutical industry
Aeronautical companies
Automotive industry
Armed forces
What can you specialise in?
Civil
While most engineering work applies behind the scenes, the products of civil engineering appears in the public eye. Engineers have a hand in designing world-class monuments that last for centuries. Structures such as London's Tower Bridge, Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Hoover Dam and the Pyramids would not exist without the engineering genius behind them. Civil engineers not only build the irrigation systems, dams, bridges and so on, improving and preserving the monuments ensure these structures last many lifetimes. Disasters such as building collapses during earthquakes can be prevented or tempered by civil engineering expertise. Building structures are tested to ensure all the beams and columns are in place, which make them safe. Any child good with building blocks and legos may be displaying the aptitude to go on to become a civil engineer! Electrical
If you wanted a voice-activated dimmer light switch in your bedroom or a Sony Playstation III, an electrical engineer would be involved in the design of both of these. They apply their scientific knowledge to circuits, electricity and energy transmission. Electrical engineers design anything from the circuits of micro-sized chips in mobiles to power grids for an entire city. Electrical engineers play a large part in our everyday lives; without them we would have no stove for cooking, no internet access or computers for that matter. As children, we would have all had the curiosity to take apart a radio, it's the ones that can put them back together again, who may go on to become electrical engineers.
Mechanical
Mechanical engineers are involved with mechanical systems, whether it be a gearbox in a car or a new mechanical system for moving products in a factory. Basically these sorts of engineers deal with engines, which power our cars, factories and other mechanical tools such as electric screwdrivers. As with other engineering specialties, mechanical geniuses must take safety into consideration. A mechanical engineer would be a favoured contestant on 'Junk Yard Wars' as he would be able to innovate and design new machinery to win the game. A mechanical engineer could have started off his career at the age of five, building radio-controlled cars and playing with Meccano.
Industrial or production and manufacturing
Industrial engineers are systems experts, who often consult on a project or manage teams of mechanical and electrical engineers. These engineers are experts at simplifying factory systems, taking into account materials handling, budgets and safety. Industrial engineers must be good communicators in order to manage projects efficiently.
Materials
A materials engineer develops new textiles, generally for manufacturers or governments. He can develop anything from a water-resistant, lightweight ski jacket to bulletproof glass. Knowledge of the various properties such as durability and heat conductivity are essential to be able to develop new materials to meet the demands for new products. Materials engineers most likely practised burning different fabrics in school to see which was the safest in a fire...
Chemical
In the movie Lorenzo's Oil, a father seeks to find a cure for his son?s disease. When he does find a solution, he seeks out a chemical engineer to develop the oil to save his son's life. Although not usually as romantic as this, a career in chemical engineering can be exciting. In its most basic description, a chemical engineer develops new materials by understanding and changing the properties of existing ones using physical, chemical and biological processes, such as dissolving sugar in a cup of tea. More recently, chemical engineers in Pennsylvania proved they could make water flow uphill by manipulating surface forces exerted on the water droplets. Chemical engineers however are not restricted to working in a lab. Chemical engineers also work in industries that benefit us in everyday life, such as developing processes to reduce the cost in certain goods such as medicine and clothing.
Aerospace
Aerospace engineers are primarily involved with the aero-dynamics of air and spacecraft. The main employers for these areas are either aircraft manufacturers or the armed forces. Using their aeronautical background, these engineers have the capacity to design, manufacture and operate vehicles and defence weapons such as missiles. Aerospace engineers would have perfected the paper aeroplane at a young age, making it as sleek and flight-worthy as possible.
Computer
A career in computer engineering has become extremely rewarding in recent years. Engineers from all disciplines are moving across towards the computing industry to reap the higher salaries. Typically a computer engineer will create software programmes and applications. IT engineers look after general maintenance and protection for entire computer networks within a company. Guidelines are implemented to protect the computer system from viruses and misuse of the company system by external viruses and hackers as well as employees.
Where to now?
Get clued up on industry trends and new campaigns: Read trade magazines such as the New Civil Engineers
Look at the engineering industry bodies
Surf the net and look at agency or employer websites
Attend career days and find out about the milk rounds in your area
Network, make a contact and get some experience to find out first hand whether engineering really is for you!
Engineering has many disciplines and cover an enormous range of industries. If you have a passion for solving problems, then there is something in engineering for you.
Getting into HR
Human resources, or HR, is the communication tool between an employer and an employee. Personnel officers are involved with the employee from the hiring stage through to the termination of the relationship. From the initial stages, such as placing ads for vacancies within the organisation and developing the interview program, a HR specialist will guide a company and an employee through the recruitment process and negotiate pay and benefits packages, consult on legal issues such as new privacy laws and resolve disputes that may arise in the workplace.
Who can you work for?
Strategic human resources issues generally arise in larger organisations, where there is a larger group of people and a greater number of needs, but good personnel practice is pivotal to the success of all employers. Basically, HR is there to ensure safe working practices and the overall fulfilment for both organisations and people – but who can you work for?
Work in-house as a personnel officer
Work for an HR consultancy
Jobs in HR
HR director
An HR manager will usually have qualified with the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development, with specific responsibility for all human resource issues. The HR director finds departmental solutions for problem areas such as staffing problems and health and safety needs. The director coordinates the other members of the team to ensure a uniform front.
HR planner
The HR planner specialises in recruitment preparation for the organisation. He defines current recruitment needs, searches for possible candidates, sifts through the cvs and plans the interview process. The future planning then comes into place by analysing organisational changes, which could impact on staffing needs.
Employee relations officer
This person is the intermediary between trade unions, employees and the company for issues such as remuneration and working conditions. An employee relations officer needs to be a good mediator to resolve disputes, sometimes between staff. This person also aids the development of the benefits packages and other employee related documents such as pensions and contracts.
Training manager
The training manager is responsible for the induction and progress of a new employee to the business, looking after training in anything from skills training to time management and employee relations. Trainers must be patient, understanding and have good industry knowledge for the areas that they specialise. Trainers must be degree and CIPD qualified.
Where to now?
Get clued up on industry trends and new techniques
Read trade magazines such as The Interviewer
Surf the net and look at employer and human resources websites
Attend career days and talk to recruiters when possible
Network, make a contact and get some experience to find out first hand whether a career in HR really is for you!
