Careers

Computers are now ubiquitous in modern life. The most interesting – and best-paid – opportunities in the future are open to those who really know about computing, software and information systems. The dot.com boom may have passed, but graduates with degrees in computing still have excellent prospects of employment, in fields that will shape our society. Here are just a few examples:

Media – Have you ever seen the inside of a television, radio or music recording studio? If so, you will appreciate the extensive interdependence of media and information technology. Applications include advanced CGI for films, creative web access to museum collections, tools for music composition, and new media such as virtual reality.

User-friendly technology - New technology often brings new problems. Improving the interface, for example, by building computer systems that can understand everyday language, will make technology more accessible to all. Complex systems, such as coordinating emergency services or environmental monitoring, require advanced information processing methods.

Mobile systems – From mobile phones to iPods, there has been an explosion in the amount of information we can carry with us, or access on the move. Computation and information processing is at the root of advance in the management of this technology, from compression algorithms for pictures and sounds, to faster and more reliable communication networks.

Medical – Modern medicine depends on IT. Many doctors regularly use expert computer systems to aid them in diagnosis and prescription. Visual inspection has to be automated if large-scale screening programs are to be effective. Unravelling the genome would have been impossible without advanced computation.

Where are they now?

Our graduates can choose from a wide range of opportunities in industry, commerce, government and academia. Here is a summary of what July 2003 graduates who responded to our questionnaire were doing in January 2004.

Artificial Intelligence
41% were in employment
41% were doing further study (Masters degrees)
18% were not available (e.g. travelling/taking year out)
0% were still looking for employment

Computer Science
63% were in employment
10% were doing further study
10% were not available (e.g. travelling/taking a year out)
15% were still looking for employment

Software Enginering
76% were in employment
12% were doing further study
6% were not available (e.g. travelling/taking year out)
6% were still looking for employment

Types of jobs: research associate, software engineer, programmer, IT consultant, technical assistant, sound engineer, business analyst, financial planning consultant, insurance underwriter.

Employers include: Cadence, Civil Service Fast Track, Ingenico Fortronic, Shell International, VIS Entertainment, Credit Suisse First Boston, Citigroup, British Council, Coats Viyella.

This data has been compiled by the University of Edinburgh Careers Service.

Working in Scotland

The Fresh Talent - Working in Scotland program gives international students/graduates a permit to work in Scotland for two years after graduation.