Computing and IT are often described as “future-proof” careers, but the reality is more nuanced. The sector is broad, fast-moving, and offers very different experiences depending on the role, employer, and entry route.
If you’re considering a career in IT — whether you’re leaving education, changing careers, or returning to work — this guide breaks down what the sector is really like, how people get in, and what to expect.
What kinds of jobs are there in Computing & IT?
Computing and IT roles go far beyond software development. The sector includes a wide range of roles across different industries.
Common career paths include:
- Software development and engineering
- IT support and systems administration
- Cybersecurity and information security
- Data analysis and data science
- Cloud computing and infrastructure
- Digital product, UX, and service design
Some roles are highly technical, while others focus more on problem-solving, communication, or managing digital projects.
What is the work actually like?
Day-to-day work in IT varies widely depending on the role and organisation. Many jobs involve a mix of independent problem-solving and collaborative work.
Typical aspects of the job include:
- Troubleshooting technical issues
- Working with systems, data, or code
- Learning new tools and platforms regularly
- Supporting colleagues or users with digital services
Flexible and remote working are common in the sector, although workloads can be intense at times, particularly during system changes or outages.
Do you need a degree to work in IT?
You do not always need a degree to start a career in Computing or IT. Many people enter the sector through alternative routes.
Common entry pathways include:
- Apprenticeships and trainee roles
- Bootcamps and short technical courses
- Self-teaching combined with entry-level jobs
- Career conversion or return-to-work programmes
Some employers still prefer degrees for certain roles, particularly in larger organisations or specialist areas, but practical skills and experience are often just as important.
Pay and progression in IT careers
Pay in IT roles varies depending on experience, location, and specialism, but progression can be faster than in many other sectors.
Typical patterns include:
- Entry-level salaries that increase quickly with experience
- Higher pay for specialist or in-demand skills
- Opportunities to move between sectors using transferable skills
Job-hopping is common in early careers, as people build experience and develop their technical expertise.
Barriers people face in Computing & IT
Despite its growth, the IT sector can still present challenges for some people.
Common barriers include:
- Under-representation in certain roles and senior positions
- Workplace cultures that favour narrow ideas of “technical” ability
- Limited support for career-changers in some organisations
- Expectations of unpaid learning or out-of-hours development
Being aware of these issues can help you make more informed choices about employers and career paths.
What to look for in an inclusive IT employer
If inclusion matters to you, it’s worth looking beyond job descriptions and company statements.
Positive signs can include:
- Clear progression routes and transparent pay
- Investment in training and development
- Flexible working policies that are genuinely supported
- Supportive management and inclusive team practices
Speaking to current employees or reading independent reviews can offer useful insight into how organisations operate in practice.
Is Computing & IT a good long-term career?
For many people, Computing and IT can offer long-term stability and flexibility, but it is not the right fit for everyone.
The sector can provide:
- Strong demand for skills
- Opportunities across many industries
- The ability to change roles without changing sectors
It also requires:
- Ongoing learning and adaptation
- Comfort with change and problem-solving
- Willingness to speak up about support and progression
The most important question is not whether IT is a good career in general, but whether it suits your interests, working style, and long-term goals.
Explore current Computing & IT roles
Browse Computing and IT roles currently advertised on Diversity Dashboard to see what opportunities are available and what employers are looking for.