© M. Scheurer 2002Professional Issues / Lecture 21 Lecture 2- Organisational Issues Looking at different modes of work for IT graduates

© M. Scheurer 2002Professional Issues / Lecture 22 The main choices Employment vs. Self Employment Big company vs. Small company IT company vs. Non IT company

© M. Scheurer 2002Professional Issues / Lecture 23 Employed vs. Self Employed Advantages of Employment Stability Salary each month No need to look for clients Do your work and don’t concern yourself about anything else Disadvantages of Employment Work for someone else – Not your own boss Can’t choose your work / schedule

© M. Scheurer 2002Professional Issues / Lecture 24 Employment in l arge IT organisation (1) Suits people who are: Technically competent Keen to improve their skills Corporate minded Flexible “Team” workers Ambitious

© M. Scheurer 2002Professional Issues / Lecture 25 Employment in l arge IT organisation (2) Advantages Graduate Training Schemes Know what to expect from new graduates Will teach you what you need to know Good opportunity to build up your skills Others to teach/support you Good career prospects (if you are good) Good stepping stone

© M. Scheurer 2002Professional Issues / Lecture 26 Employment in l arge IT organisation (3) Disadvantages Small fish in a large pond Corporate structure may not suit The company decides Take many, keep a few Some of the work may be repetitive and low key (e.g. debugging other people’s code)

© M. Scheurer 2002Professional Issues / Lecture 27 IT department of large organisation (1) Advantages Small team All IT people Adequate support (usually) They know what they can expect Interesting work Good career prospects (if you are good) Good pay Job security

© M. Scheurer 2002Professional Issues / Lecture 28 IT department of large organisation (2) Disadvantages Work pressure (at times) – IT function supports the mainstream business Lack of representation at Board Level leads to lack of understanding and support from the business May be a “jack of all trades” Opportunities to develop professionally may be limited by organisational structure

© M. Scheurer 2002Professional Issues / Lecture 29 Working in a small IT organisation (1) Suits people who are: Technically competent Very reliable (small team) Self reliant Flexible (hours of work, type of work, place of work) Team minded Prepared to work in difficult circumstances

© M. Scheurer 2002Professional Issues / Lecture 210 Working in a small IT organisation (2) Advantages IT is main business of the organisation Team to help you “Boss” understands the problems Opportunities to learn new skills Opportunity to “take a stake” in the business (sometimes) Good starting point in IT career

© M. Scheurer 2002Professional Issues / Lecture 211 Working in a small IT organisation (3) Disadvantages Long hours (at time) Heavy responsibilities Working conditions may not be good Pay and Career prospects may vary Business may not live long

© M. Scheurer 2002Professional Issues / Lecture 212 Working as sole IT person in a small organisation (1) Suits people who are: Technically competent Self reliant Multi-talented Flexible Relate easily to “non teccies”

© M. Scheurer 2002Professional Issues / Lecture 213 Working as sole IT person in a small organisation (2) Advantages Essential role in the organisation Organise your work as you wish Almost as good as being your own boss Disadvantages On your own / lack of support “Boss” may not understand the problems Company may have unrealistic expectations

© M. Scheurer 2002Professional Issues / Lecture 214 Teaching Company Scheme Special type of Employment - Characteristics: Employed by a University Work in a company (SME) Implement a specific project Technologically advanced Fixed term: typically 2 years

© M. Scheurer 2002Professional Issues / Lecture 215 T C S (2) Advantages Technologically advanced project Well defined Support from the University Funding for training, equipment, travel Disadvantages May feel isolated in company Excessive expectations from the company Conflict of interests (2 masters)

© M. Scheurer 2002Professional Issues / Lecture 216 Self Employment Suits people who are : Self motivated Self disciplined Self confident Technically competent Independent Ambitious(?) Prepared to work hard now for future rewards

© M. Scheurer 2002Professional Issues / Lecture 217 IT Contractor working for IT Agency ( in the UK or Abroad) Advantages They find the work and chase payment They are responsible toward the client You get paid even if the client defaults You don’t have to take the work offered Disadvantages You have no control over terms You get paid less (Agency commission)

© M. Scheurer 2002Professional Issues / Lecture 218 IT Contractor working for Direct clients Advantages: You negotiate terms You get paid more Disadvantages You have to find the work You are responsible toward the client The client may not pay you You may have to pay sub-contractor