Choose IT 2010/2011 launched to encourage students to get into IT


21 Sep 2010

Minister for Education and Skills and Tanaiste, Mary Coughlan TD, has launched Choose IT 2010/2011, developed by the Irish Computer Society to highlight the positive career aspects of IT to students.

The initiative promotes the IT profession, gearing it to students. The online slideshow and interactive website helps students discover the opportunities that lie within a career in IT.

A recent survey of IT professionals carried out by the Irish Computer Society showed that 87pc are happy with their choice of career and would recommend working in the sector to their friends.

“In order to encourage more school leavers to opt for programmes in technology and engineering, it’s vital that we stimulate an interest among students at school level,” said Coughlan.

The initiative wishes to show students the numerous employment opportunities in IT, such as research, education, software testing and web design.

Travel oppportunities with IT career

It also emphasises the opportunity to travel, as it is universal, and there are a few countries that are in demand of IT professionals, such as the UK, the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

In America, three of the top 10 jobs are within engineering and computing. This report by Money Magazine ranks jobs based on salary, prospects, flexibility and hours.

The initiative also points out that IT skills are necessary outside of the IT field, emphasising the importance that students develop on them.

Siliconrepublic is focusing on technology in schools with our Digital Schools Week, running from 19-26 September.