The question: How do I become a systems
analyst?
I am a 24-year-old British Asian woman. I have a BSc in
information systems and I am completing my masters in information
systems management. I am set on having a career as a systems
analyst or working as part of a rapid application development
team.
I have no IT experience but have volunteered to work for an
engineering company as part of my project. I am also told it is
difficult for women to pursue this type of career. Is this so?
The solution: Chase the entry-level graduate
positions
Your background makes you ideally placed to take advantage of
the number of graduate roles that are currently in the market.
There is a real dearth of entry-level people who have gone on to
study for an MSc after completing their degree. You have done the
very things that would promote your application with any
employer.
Undertaking voluntary work is a real winner. It shows you have
been able to apply your scholastic knowledge in a commercial way
and also indicates that your interest is in gaining experience, not
just money.
There are always companies that are happy for you to work for
for free but you are at the stage in your career that you need to
be paid for your efforts.
There is very little barring women entering this field, in fact
there is still a lot of positive discrimination going on. Most IT
teams are male-heavy and companies will actively look for females
to redress the balance.
I was interested to see you mentioned your ethnicity and
wondered if you were concerned that there was any prejudice against
this. Rest assured that I have never found that to be so.
Candidates in the IT field, more than anywhere, tend to be judged
solely on their ability to do the job.
Solution by Tracey Abbott, divisional director, Zarak Group
The panel: Plan-Net Services, Hudson, Reed Technology, Zarak
Technology, No Limits Coaching, The Training Camp
E-mail your career questions to
computer.weekly@rbi.co.uk