It's an industry for young people

By now almost everyone must have heard that there are lots of well-paid jobs in computing. But, students should also consider whether the job will suit them. There is no point in going into an area that is well-paid but you will not enjoy.

Many girls fail to pay computing even the most cursory of attention when making career choices, thereby cutting off an option which they might well enjoy and which offers excellent prospects.

Ireland is the world's fifth largest software producer. Five of the world's top 10 companies have major operations here and a significant number of Irish companies have been highly successful internationally. Employment in the industry here is expected to rise from 15,000 to 25,000 over the next three years.

Skills shortages have led to the creation of additional third-level places this year. It's expected that more places will come on stream next year so the points levels should remain accessible for many students.

The enthusiasm of Seamus Gallen of the National Software Directorate is catching. "Software development involves meeting people and dealing with people as much as working on a computer," he says. "The ability to get on with people and to work in a team is as important as technical ability. Software is very much a young person's industry - most software developers are in their 20s or early 30s. Bill Gates, the head of Microsoft, is still in his 30s, and is the world's richest man."

Gallen notes that software companies occupy "the very best office accommodation and provide top-class working conditions for employees." The industry in Ireland exports most of its output, creating opportunities for travel abroad. And, you don't need higher-level maths for software. Only TCD's computer science degree has a requirement for higher-level maths. But, Gallen says "it is an advantage if you don't hate or abhor mathematics."

THE BEST route into the industry is via third-level education, preferably a degree, he says. As there are more jobs than graduates, a degree virtually guarantees you a job. "But, you can begin with an RTC certificate course, and progress through a diploma to a degree, instead of taking a straight four-year degree. This decision may be influenced by the number of points you get in the Leaving Cert or may be affected by where you live. Either route will get you a job."

Employers have a slight preference for courses with company placement included such as degree programmes in UL, DCU, Waterford RTC, UCG and Cork RTC. Maynooth's new degree will also include work placement.