It will come as no surprise that computer science is a career field with a bright future in the Czech Republic. However, IT experts have rarely been in such high demand as they are today – primarily due to the shortage of skilled workers. As a result, prospective IT professionals are spoilt for choice with a huge number of vacancies at their disposal.
Yet not all jobs are the same. Job titles in the IT sector are not very standardized. Interested candidates should read the job advertisements very carefully to gain a clear understanding of what the role entails. There can also be huge differences in pay depending on the role, industry, degree obtained, and location.
Five IT graduate jobs with promising salaries
1. More sought-after than ever: IT security expert
Average starting salary: CZK 900,000 annually
Cyber security is a crucial success factor when it comes to digital transformation. After all, new business models and digital processes are useless if a ransomware attack paralyzes the entire organization. The intensity and complexity of cyber threats continue to increase, which makes new approaches to defense necessary – alongside the need for additional specialized staff.
2. Master of code: Software developer
Average starting salary: CZK 750,000 annually
Code is the core element of all IT. Even though coding skills are relevant in all areas of IT, developers must of course have particularly in-depth knowledge and expertise. They usually have a command of a whole range of programming languages and can also learn new ones if required. Application development is a broad field that needs to be defined more precisely when looking for a job.
For example, software developers, mobile app developers as well as specialists and testers for SAP development are in high demand. Typical languages that are currently important or have been for a long time include Java, SQL, JavaScript, Python, C#, C/C++, Kotlin, and Rust.
Although the boundaries are not always clear when it comes to content; they often are when it comes to training: a software developer often does specialist further training after their degree, whereas an IT specialist in application development usually is an occupation that requires a specific degree.
3. On the pulse of innovation: Data scientist
Average starting salary: CZK 750,000 annually
Everyone is talking about the capabilities of artificial intelligence and machine learning today. Underpinning these forward-looking technologies is the huge amount of data that is accumulating at an increasing rate in this era of digital transformation. To evaluate and use big data, however, companies need data scientists who can recognize patterns in both structured and unstructured data and perform the necessary analyses.
Typical areas of application for data scientists are business intelligence or advanced analytics. There are also interfaces to the business, although the distinction between roles such as data analyst and data engineer is not always clear-cut.
4. Keeping the big picture in mind: IT project coordinator
Average starting salary: CZK 600,000 annually
Many companies are undergoing major digital transformation, meaning projects can become rather extensive and complex. As such, having effective project management that steers the individual processes, analyses progress, and keeps an eye on targets is all the more crucial for success.
IT project managers not only use classic methods; they are increasingly adopting agile approaches as well. Knowledge of Scrum, Kanban, DevOps, etc. is therefore sometimes required. IT project managers with disciplinary responsibility who have leadership skills in addition to technical competence will earn considerably more.
5. Tech meets the customer: IT client success experts
Average starting salary: CZK 600,000 annually
IT client success experts are also in high demand. This is because they ensure that the advanced technologies are used efficiently and make a tangible contribution to the utmost satisfaction of their users. They manage, prioritize, and document incoming queries from the end users and resolve them quickly and effectively – an exciting role for those who like to seek solutions and enjoy working with customers daily. This field usually offers plenty of opportunities for candidates who speak multiple languages.
Other factors influencing a starting salary in IT
When it comes to starting salaries, there are other decisive factors in addition to the role. For example, the qualifications of the applicant, i.e. their degree, are really important here. Some IT employers start their graduates higher up the pay scale if they have a master’s degree or doctorate. Although the degree also has an impact on long-term earnings and career opportunities, graduates with vocational training also enjoy good opportunities in IT. The same would apply to laterals with IT expertise.
The industry in which a graduate wants to start is also crucial – and also depends on the products the respective company offers. For example, the average IT graduate in the automotive sector would typically expect to earn more than in the retail sector. Location also plays a key role, with job roles in London for example commanding much higher salaries than elsewhere in the UK. And of course, the size of the company has an influence: in a start-up, IT graduates would usually earn a modest salary, whereas in a large company, they could expect to earn much more.
Careers in IT: Tips for finding a job
Being spoilt for choice is an attractive position for job seekers to be in. However, it can also be exhausting given the wide range of jobs on offer. Applicants should realize that they can earn a good salary but also remember that room for negotiation is rather small at the beginning of their career. Alternatives such as trainee programs, which are offered by many companies and include internal training, should also be of interest. The starting salary is lower, although the long-term career prospects improve as time goes on.
To make the search more efficient, IT graduates can also use the services of IT professionals such as Experis. Experis offers jobs on a temporary and permanent basis – exciting roles, varied, come with good pay, and provide excellent job security. It’s also worthwhile for freelancers to look at what Experis has to offer: the IT staffing specialist takes the acquisition burden off freelancers, comes up with a broad client portfolio, and ensures a seamless order situation.
This article was written in association with Manpower. Read our sponsored content policies here.
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