Following the proliferation of the internet, there is now scarcely a business that does not depend heavily on information and communication technology (ICT) for ease of operation. In turn, this has also meant that the career opportunities for those with the appropriate skills are virtually unlimited. Nevertheless, the industry is experiencing a skills shortage as demand continues to outstrip supply in most developed and developing countries. This ongoing shortfall pinpoints the need for career counselling to provide guidance and highlight the benefits of working in the ICT industry.

Finding Your Place in the ICT Industry

With so many available options, there is an opening to suit everyone, but making the right choice is not always easy. Maintaining a legacy system in a bank or insurance company may not be the most exciting occupation. However, it can offer a feeling of stability that some people need. Others may seek more of a challenge, such as developing new systems or creating mobile apps. Determining which of the many openings might best suit a given individual is a significant component of effective career counselling.

Dispelling Common Misconceptions

Many people have a false impression of what is needed to become a computer programmer. For a start, you don’t need to be a binary maths boffin. Binary code or machine language is the elemental language read by a computer’s central processing unit. Today, built-in compilers translate the code created with high-level programming languages, with syntax similar to written English, into machine code ready for execution. Furthermore, many frequently-used and complex functions can be called from a library and require minimal coding. Discovering such facts is essential to dispel misconceptions among those receiving career counselling.

Playing to Your Strengths

Operating a website has become a crucial requirement for many businesses. More and more companies are now relying on online commerce to supplement or, in some cases, substitute for an offline presence. Naturally, they depend on staff with programming skills. However, they must also ensure their sites have a functional user interface with sufficient visual appeal to attract as many clients as possible. Learning HTML, CSS and Javascript should pose no problem for those with a bit of artistic merit. Pertinent advice gained through career counselling could expose the option to become part of a team by working as a front-end developer. However, if you might enjoy some more in-depth programming experience, studying Java or Python opens the option to work as a back-end or full-stack developer.

The Advantages of Career Counselling for Companies

The role of the counsellor is to help individuals select a career that best matches their personal skillset or to advise on how best to extend it. However, their activities can also directly impact the industry, especially in South Africa. Firstly, it can help to deal with the continuing shortage of ICT skills. However, submitting existing employees for career counselling can lead to upskilling, improving their career path within the company and earning some welcome B-BBEE points.

Geeks4Learning is an accredited training centre specialising in ICT skills and their role in digital transformation. In addition to offering a wide range of programming and web development courses, we also assist young people in selecting the openings within the industry for which they appear best suited. If you are considering a future in ICT, why not click here to view some of our student testimonials and book a career counselling session?