Job findings

I completed my masters' degree from Melbourne University, information technology. And I'm looking for an IT related jobs in Australia. I did some research about the entry-level position for IT jobs, and compare the average salary for different positions across different states. I hope the blog will help you if you are looking for similar information.

Entry - level positions:

1. Software engineer

This job in brief: The work of a software engineer typically includes designing and programming system-level software: operating systems, database systems, embedded systems and so on. They understand how both software and hardware function. The work can involve talking to clients and colleagues to assess and define what solution or system is needed, which means there's a lot of interaction as well as full-on technical work. Software engineers are often found in electronics and telecommunications companies. A computing, software engineering or related higher degree is often needed.

Key skills required: Analysis, logical thinking, teamwork and attention to detail.

2. Systems analyst

This job in brief: Systems analysts investigate and analyse business problems and then design

information systems that provide a feasible solution, typically in response to requests from their business or a customer. They gather requirements and identify the costs and the time needed to implement the project. The job needs a mix of business and technical knowledge, and a good understanding of people. It's a role for analyst programmers to move into and typically requires a few years' experiences from graduation.

Key skills include: Ability to extract and analyse information, good communication, persuasion and sensitivity.

3. Business analyst

This job in brief: Business analysts are true midfielders, equally happy talking with technology people, business managers and end users. They identify opportunities for improvement to processes and business operations using information technology. The role is project based and begins with analysing a customer's needs, gathering and documenting requirements and creating a project plan to design the resulting technology solution. Business analysts need technology understanding, but don't necessarily need a technical degree.

Key skills required: Communication, presentation, facilitation, project management and problem solving.

4. Technical support

This job in brief: These are the professional troubleshooters of the IT world. Many technical support specialists work for hardware manufacturers and suppliers solving the problems of business customers or consumers, but many work for end-user companies supporting, monitoring and maintaining workplace technology and responding to users' requests for help. Some lines of support require professionals with specific experience and knowledge, but tech support can also be a good way into the industry for graduates.

Key skills required: Wide ranging tech knowledge, problem solving, communication/listening, patience and diplomacy.

5. Network engineer

This job in brief: Network engineering is one of the more technically demanding IT jobs. Broadly speaking the role involves setting up, administering, maintaining and upgrading communication systems, local area networks and wide area networks for an organisation. Network engineers are also responsible for security, data storage and disaster recovery strategies. It is a highly technical role and you'll gather a hoard of specialist technical certifications as you progress. A telecoms or computer science-related degree is needed.

Key skills include: Specialist network knowledge, communication, planning, analysis and problem solving.

6. Technical consultant

This job in brief: The term 'consultant' can be a tagline for many IT jobs, but typically technical consultants provide technical expertise to, and develop and implement IT systems for, external clients. They can be involved at any or all stages of the project lifecycle: pitching for a contract; refining a specification with the client team; designing the system; managing part or all of the project; after sales support... or even developing the code. A technical degree is preferred, but not always necessary.

Key skills include: Communication, presentation, technical and business understanding, project management and teamwork.

7. Technical sales

This job in brief: Technical sales may be one of the least hands-on technical roles, but it still requires an understanding of how IT is used in business. You may sell hardware, or extol the business benefits of whole systems or services. Day to day, the job could involve phone calls, meetings, conferences and drafting proposals. There will be targets to meet and commission when you reach them. A technology degree isn't necessarily essential, but you will need to have a thorough technical understanding of the product you sell.

Key skills required: Product knowledge, persuasion, interpersonal skills, drive, mobility and business awareness.

8. Project manager

This job in brief: Project managers organise people, time and resources to make sure information technology projects meet stated requirements and are completed on time and on budget. They may manage a whole project from start to finish or manage part of a larger 'programme'. It isn't an entry-level role: project managers have to be pretty clued up. This requires experience and a good foundation of technology and soft skills, which are essential for working with tech development teams and higher-level business managers.

Key skills required: Organisation, problem solving, communication, clear thinking, and the ability to stay calm under pressure.

9. Web developer

This job in brief: Web development is a broad term and covers everything to do with building websites and all the infrastructure that sits behind them. The job is still viewed as the trendy side of IT years after it first emerged. These days web development is pretty technical and involves some hardcore programming as well as the more creative side of designing the user interfaces of new websites. The role can be found in organisations large and small.

Key skills required: Basic understanding of web technologies (client side, server side and databases), analytical thinking, problem solving and creativity.

10. Software tester

This job in brief: Bugs can have a massive impact on the productivity and reputation of an IT firm. Testers try to anticipate all the ways an application or system might be used and how it could fail. They don't necessarily program but they do need a good understanding of code. Testers prepare test scripts and macros, and analyse results, which are fed back to the project leader so that fixes can be made. Testers can also be involved at the early stages of projects in order to anticipate pitfalls before work begins. You can potentially get to a high level as a tester.

Key skills required: Attention to detail, creativity, organisation, analytical and investigative thinking, and communication.

Trend and salary comparison

According to Australian Bureau of Statistics, General IT has seen Project Management staff and Developers continue as the most requested resources. BA’s and Developers saw a large jump in jobs for the quarter along with smaller rises for Testers and Network Engineers. Infrastructure roles along with architects were in line with last quarter’s demand. Apart from Infrastructure / DevOps applicants, all other categories were either relatively stable or reduced in available talent pools. Developers joined Architects as the tightest candidate categories and available Project Managers also fell significantly. All other categories have larger pools with Testers and Infrastructure having the most available candidates.