THE EXTREMELY good job prospects for graduates of computer courses are not a sufficient reason to choose computing as a career, warns Jim O'Dwyer, acting head of the computing department in Cork RTC.
"I would say to anybody choosing a career path you must understand what you are getting into - and, if you like it, you will do well. If you are only doing it to get a job you may end up very frustrated," he says.
"Computing is not about office systems such as Word and Windows. They are a very small part of it. Computing is about getting behind these systems to the management of the computer itself.
"It is an analytical type of job," O'Dwyer continues. "It is a challenging and demanding career where you will be expected to continue to use your brain.
"It is quite exciting once you get past the initial hurdle of getting on to a course."
The points thresholds for most direct entry computing degrees remain roughly the same as last year; some have increased slightly. They continue to hover around the high 300s and low 400s.
This means that people with higher points may not opt for computing on the basis that it is not one of the highest points courses. Barry Murphy, national software director with Forbairt (formerly the IDA) describes this as an unfortunate byproduct of the points system.
As with most careers, academic inflation means that the degree is the basic qualification sought after by employers. However, O'Dwyer says employers are beginning to be aware of the value of good diploma students who will get the job done without the inflated salary expectations of degree graduates. More and more certificate students are continuing to diploma level and, of these, many will go on to degree.
The proportion of women opting for computing courses is decreasing across the country; in Cork RTC women account for between 25 and 30 per cent of students, O'Dwyer says. Previously, the college had up to 50 or 55 per cent women. The reason for the decline is unclear, he adds.
If you're thinking of taking computing, the range of degree courses is bewildering, so students should look beyond the course code and one line description in the CAO/CAS handbook.
MARY SWEENEY, careers officer with UL, says that some courses more specialised than others. For instance, the course with the most places (about 90 places) in UL, the computer systems degree, is suitable for students who would see themselves working as computer programmers, systems analysts, consultants or researchers.
Students who opt for languages and computing may well end up in software localisation and technical writing. They also have the option of going abroad, but there is plenty of work available in Ireland at present.
Some courses, such as those offered by DCU, UL and the RTCs include a work placement element, which can be very attractive to potential employers.
