I did take a computing degree, though it had a rather interesting title – “Manufacturing Computing with Textiles”. The textile content was minimal and a simple political necessity due to takeover by a larger institution with an existing degree course. As for why I took it, it was simply reading the way the world was going, I thought it would provide a wide career path. I wasn’t wrong!

The course itself was general, covering business topics as well as “pure” computing (database theory, math and C++). I am not a math person, but I managed to get through it.

Since graduating in 1995, my career path has moved around a bit, going from safety-critical systems (hard), to network and desktop support (really enjoyed that), and then back into development on Microsoft platform (still doing that for the majority of my time).

A formal course does not necessarily force a specific route to follow after graduation, but it gives a solid springboard from which you should be able to tackle a variety of computer-related careers, right through to management. It certainly helps to have some leaning towards technology related subjects, but it by no means excludes you if you don’t.

What have I gained from my degree? The job opportunities it opened up have provided great experience. I now really think of myself as a “business facilitator” rather than specifically a programmer or systems manager, although these are roles that help make the service. I currently work at the head office of a SME as their sole IT person, so I do everything – I designed their network and installed servers, got them connected to the Internet, designed and built their website, created and extranet for the remote staff and continue to develop more applications to make the company more efficient. Basically, it’s about increasing the company’s capabilities and the profit margin - and IT certainly plays it’s role firmly in that picture.

There is still a huge section of UK businesses (particularly small businesses) that don’t make good use of IT to make themselves more efficient. An untapped market…

Alec MacLean