All the signs are that the current buoyancy in the computer software sector is set to continue for the forseeable future. If right now you're mulling over course and subsequent career possibilities, you'd be well advised to examine opportunities in the industry.

"Software is a commodity for which world demand is set to rise and rise," forecasts Seamus Gallen, director of Forbairt's National Software Directorate. There are just under 500 computer software companies in Ireland, almost 400 of which are indigenous. The Irish-owned companies tend to be smaller than their multinational counterparts.

Among the major Irish players in the field are Aldiscon, CBT Systems, Delphi, Euristix and Vision Computing. Iona Technologies and Kindle Banking Systems are companies of Irish origin which now boast considerable overseas investment.

With annual exports of more than £3 billion, Ireland is now the biggest exporter of software after the United States. A total of 15,000 people are employed in the industry, which is growing by 15 per cent each year.

"The sector needs 2,250 recruits each year," says Gallen. "People would be mad not to consider careers in computer software. Everyone with a decent qualification is virtually guaranteed a job."

One of the problems for young people choosing a career is that, because computing is so new, very few of them have adult role models working in the sector. Most of us have only a hazy idea about what software jobs involve.

Software consists of instructions which guide the computer through specific process. These instructions are written by employees in the software industry.

Most people, says Gallen, still believe that in order to work in the software sector you have to be a computer whizzkid or an egghead. "Not true," he counters. While companies are still looking for computer graduates, there are plenty of jobs for holders of certificates and diploma. Demand, too, has increased for graduates with "conversion" diplomas in computing.

To work in the software industry, first of all, you need to be interested in computers. You also need a methodical approach and good logical reasoning skills. It's vital, too, that you have good communication skills and can work well in a team.

Contrary to what you might expect, software developers spend less than half their time sitting in front of computers. The rest they spend either thinking, attending meetings or both. Software development involves liaising with the end-user. This, says Gallen, gives you the opportunity to acquire knowledge about a particular business sector and become a "domain" specialist.

Although only a quarter of computer graduates are female, jobs in the software industry are ideal for women, Gallen says. "Women bring particular skills to the job," he explains. "They tend to be better organised than men and adopt a more methodical and conscientious approach to a task. In team situations, women often show superior interpersonal skills and a greater interest in people."

Because of the nature of the work, women can work part-time or off-site. This, he notes, combines well with family life.

The National Software Directorate's Guide to Careers in Computing and an accompanying video will be distributed to local guidance counsellor branches in the New Year.