IT Courses

Typically known for their support in large companies or contracted to ensure things flow smoothly, IT specialists are the backbone of any modern company. As most people aren’t as computer savvy as IT staff, there’s plenty of work to be found. Common issues such as technology breakdowns, tune-ups, software updates, or the complete design, or re-design of network servers can bring a business to a complete stop, and need IT consultants, engineers, and analysts to take charge of.

Most large companies have their own in-house IT team, but there’s plenty of work to be found as an IT consultant, particularly for small to medium-sized businesses. A typical information technology salary is around $85,000 per year, but this is a very broad category, and there are many different salary levels within the career choices. Whilst there’s no fixed rates for an IT consultant salary, it’s not uncommon for private IT security consultants to earn on average $95-$150 per hour offering their services.

This kind of tech support is crucial to all businesses, as computers become more and more integrated into our way of work. There’s plenty of room for growth in this career track, with an information technology manager salary being around $115,000-$135,000 in New Zealand. IT jobs are mostly standard office working hours, however, some more specialised careers such as a game developer, or software developer may require additional hours to meet strict deadlines. There are also some industry professionals who work remotely, and completely online, meaning work from home or abroad is entirely possible. In addition, some careers such as an IT business analyst may require visiting various workplaces to research and identify where potential areas of improvement could be.

What’s the Industry Like?

The IT industry is scheduled to continue its strong growth in the future. As New Zealand is a modern country, and the majority of work is done with the aid of information technology systems, there’s always a need for skilled professionals to support this. The growing rate of IT jobs and IT courses available to set a strong foundation for anyone wanting to enter the industry. Most jobs are moderately competitive, but large organisations are always on the lookout for well-qualified and motivated individuals. If you’re serious about a career in such an important business industry, you need to be willing to constantly up-skill and stay up to date with the latest technological trends and advancements to ensure you’re delivering the best quality service possible to your client.

There’s a limitless number of IT jobs available in New Zealand depending on what area you wish to specialise in. These include:

• IT project manager
• IT technical support officer
• Software developer
• Network developer
• Computer scientist
• IT business analyst
• IT consultant
• Website developer
• Data engineer
• IT architect

If you are wondering how to start a career in information technology, or which qualifications you need for which information technology careers, we have the answer! The vast majority of IT professionals hold some sort of post-high school qualification. For a good head start to these courses, good scores in fields such as maths, science, or digital media is a great start. No matter your location, there are also many IT courses online for you to choose from, to ensure you get a proper education, even if you are located in a remote area of the country.

Some of the most popular IT courses in New Zealand include:

Certificate in Information Technology

• Certificate in Information Technology (Level 4)
• Diploma in Computing (Level 5 +6)
• Diploma in Software Development
• Graduate Diploma in Networking (New Zealand)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Information Technology

To access most of the entry-level IT jobs available in New Zealand, one of your best options is to complete a certificate level course. Qualifications such as a Certificate in Information Technology Level 4, set you up to stand out from the crowd when applying for jobs. These courses typically take between 12-18 months of full-time study, and there are many kinds of Information Technology courses online for you to access. These are the first step to gain valuable experience for careers such as an IT Architect, or as a pathway to further study for courses such as a project management IT course.

Diploma in Information Technology

Many IT professionals seek out a diploma level degree to ensure they are getting a more in-depth insight into the industry. Options such as the Diploma in Computing Level 5 or Level 6 are common options. They allow prospective job seekers to gain knowledge about computer systems as well as how to analyse and design solutions to potential problems that may arise. Another common qualification is a Diploma in Software Development, allowing students to learn how to create the systems that run the worlds largest companies. This skill is highly in demand and allows for a multitude of career paths following graduation.

Post Graduate courses in IT

Another common option if you are looking to change career, or if you wish to up-skill in your current career, is to pursue a postgraduate qualification. Many professionals study a Post Graduate Diploma in Information Technology to help them gain a further understanding of how the systems they use every day are designed and operated. These are common for mid-career specialists in other fields wishing to diversify their skill set and gain access to higher paying and higher opportunity jobs. Another common choice is a Graduate Diploma in Networking in New Zealand, as these often allow a graduate to further analyse and design computer networks allowing for more efficient usage.

For those wanting to pursue a career in the information technology industry, you will need to be comfortable dealing with computer hardware and software. You should also be good at logically analysing problems, and taking steps to fix such issues. The ability to work with computers to handle processing tasks and develop software systems is crucial. You should also have a firm understanding of how people use computers, and be good at spotting problems before they even arise, to keep business flowing smoothly.

If this sounds like you, or someone who you would like to be, stop thinking and start acting! Find your dream career now by searching our courses in information technology to find the perfect fit for you.