Survey and Analysis of the IT Employment Market in Australia - Assignment Example

Survey and Analysis of the IT Employment Market in Australia Table of Contents Introduction 5 Job 1: IT Systems Engineer 6 Job Responsibilities 6 Major Job Functions 6 Position in Organizational Hierarchy 7 Overseeing Authority 7 KSA Requirements 7 Recent Advertisements 8 Advertisement 1 8 Position Title 8 Position Description 8 Organization 9 Applicant Requirements 9 Advertisement 2 9 Position Title 9 Position Description 9 Organization 9 Applicant Requirements 10 Advertisement 3 10 Position Title 10 Position Description 10 Organization 10 Applicant Requirements 10 Advertisement 4 11 Position Title 11 Position Description 11 Organization 11 Applicant Requirements 11 Advertisement 5 12 Position Title 12 Position Description 12 Organization 12 Applicant Requirements 12 Job 2: Systems Architect 14 Job Responsibilities 14 Major Job Functions 14 Position in Organizational Hierarchy 16 Overseeing Authority 16 KSA Requirements 17 Recent Advertisements 18 Advertisement 1 18 Position Title 18 Position Description 18 Organization 19 Applicant Requirements 19 Advertisement 2 20 Position Title 20 Position Description 20 Organization 20 Applicant Requirements 21 Advertisement 3 22 Position Title 22 Position Description 22 Organization 22 Applicant Requirements 22 Advertisement 4 23 Position Title 23 Position Description 23 Organization 24 Applicant Requirements 24 Advertisement 5 24 Position Title 25 Position Description 25 Organization 25 Applicant Requirements 25 Conclusion 27 References 28 Introduction It is a common tendency of students to become apprehensive about their career prospects once they proceed towards the completion of their academic curriculum. Against the backdrop of the current job scenario, competition is at an all-time high. Furthermore, economic uncertainties have forced organizations to become extremely cautious while recruiting and selecting candidates. Under such circumstances, it is necessary that candidates should be highly judicious regarding their choice of career. This report will aim at comparing the job prospects of an IT Systems Engineer and a Systems Architect from the perspective of the Australian job market and recommend a feasible alternative for a fresh graduate. Job 1: IT Systems Engineer Job Responsibilities Broadly speaking, these include the (1) design, (2) selection, and (3) setting up of computer systems. Systems engineers help organizations in acquiring and installing data processing systems that are affordable as well as workable, and are suited to the existing and anticipated needs. Major Job Functions 1) Implementing business as well as technical philosophies “from a Systems perspective” (Coremind, n.d.); 2) “Determine what the new component or system needs to do before setting about designing and testing components” (GetaccessNow, n.d.); 3) Managing the commercial infrastructure that is vital for client(s); 4) Acting as a point of technical escalation for junior staff; 5) Liaising with clients in order to find out their needs; and 6) Documentation. Position in Organizational Hierarchy It has been noted that “systems engineers work at various levels in the design and coordination of large and complex projects known as systems” (Net Industries and its Licensors, 2010). However, fresh graduates are generally placed in the baseline positions. Overseeing Authority One of the major controlling bodies is Engineers Australia which is “the national forum for the advancement of engineering and the professional development” (Engineers Australia, 2010) of its members. According to the official website of the organization, “with more than 85,000 members embracing all disciplines of the engineering team, Engineers Australia is the largest and most diverse professional body for engineers in Australia”; it further claims that engineers who have been given chartered status by it “are regarded as trusted professionals not only in Australia, but worldwide” (Engineers Australia, 2010). Apart from providing official recognition to member engineers, the main activities of Engineers Australia include (1) advocacy, (2) professional development, (3) program accreditation, and (4) Migration Skills Assessment (MSA). KSA Requirements Knowledge: 1) Strong technical understanding of current (and relevant) software; 2) Sound understanding of security mechanisms; and 3) Acquaintance with Web development. Skills: 1) Skill of analyzing intricate technical problems; 2) Ability to recommend viable solutions; 3) Communication skills; and 4) Interpersonal Skills Abilities: 1) Learning attitude. Recent Advertisements Advertisement 1 Date: June 23, 2010 Source: IAEA-Website Position Title IT Systems Engineer Position Description This position is that of “a SharePoint architect, providing technical and design solutions; the focal point for coordinating and delivering SharePoint user support and optimization; a solution provider, troubleshooting and fixing technical issues; an application integrator, integrating SharePoint with other products; and a project manager, defining, planning and executing SharePoint and infrastructure projects” (IAEA, 2010). Organization International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Applicant Requirements The candidate should hold a university degree in IT or computer science and should possess skills that are analytical and interpersonal. He should also have good communication skills. Advertisement 2 Date: August 12, 2010 Source: The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia-Website Position Title SAN Systems Engineer Position Description According to the Website, the candidate “will be part of the team managing Backup and Storage services, including Sun and HDS enterprise storage arrays, for the University of Queensland” (The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia, 2010). Organization The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia Applicant Requirements The candidate should have “a Bachelor’s degree with a significant IT component plus experience in managing operational tasks for Backup and Storage systems” along with which he should also have “effective problem-solving and excellent interpersonal skills” (The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia, 2010). Advertisement 3 Date: August 10, 2010 Source: SAAB-Website Position Title Test and Evaluation Engineer – Hardware/Systems Position Description The candidate “will be responsible for the planning and conduct of the test and evaluation of system level requirements” (Saab Systems Pty Ltd, 2010). Organization Saab Technologies Australia Applicant Requirements The candidate should be highly qualified in Electronics Engineering or Computer Science. He should also have experience in the processes as well as practices in the area of hardware engineering/design. Good communication and interpersonal skills are necessary. Furthermore, he should be self-motivated and willing to travel. Advertisement 4 Date: July 30, 2010 Source: iiNet Limited-Website Position Title Systems Engineer Position Description 1) “Providing technical expertise to resolve escalated problems; 2) Deployment of new hardware and upgrades; 3) Design, administration and maintenance of our Active Directory, Exchange, Windows Server; Microsoft SharePoint Server and VMware (desirable) environments” (iiNet Limited, 2010). Organization iiNet Limited Applicant Requirements The candidate must have experience as a Systems Engineer/Administrator, and he should be comfortable in the use of innovative hardware as well as solutions. Apart from having excellent communication skills he should preferably have “MCSA or higher qualification” and the ability of “deploying and maintaining Microsoft Exchange Server 2007” (iiNet Limited, 2010). Experience of Microsoft Office Sharepoint Server 2007 will be considered as a plus point. Advertisement 5 Date: August 10, 2010 Source: IT Jobs-Website Position Title IT System Engineer – Perth Position Description As per the advertisement, “the IT System Engineer will help maintain and administrate all networks and servers across its clients’ user base remotely and on-site”; additionally, he will “serve as a 3rd level support technician and must be able to handle multiple simultaneous projects across network/servers and desktops” (IT Jobs, 2010). Organization Gemteq Applicant Requirements The candidate should be well versed in Windows 2003/2008, and should be comfortable with (1) server issues, (2) problem solving, (3) design, and (4) implementation. He should also be experienced in VMware and VoIP. He is required to have strong communication as well as interpersonal skills. Job 2: Systems Architect Job Responsibilities The University of Canberra has identified that “a Systems Architect has the task of putting together the skeleton of a software project”, and has further opined that “depending on the specifications gathered by the requirements analyst, the system architect will choose to focus on ease of maintenance, application performance, compatibility with existing systems, or a combination of all three” (University of Canberra, n.d.). Major Job Functions These are as the following: 1) “Interfacing with the user(s) and sponsor(s) and all other stakeholders in order to determine their (evolving) needs; 2) Generating the highest level of system requirements, based on the user's needs and other constraints such as cost and schedule; 3) Ensuring that this set of high level requirements is consistent, complete, correct, and operationally defined; 4) Performing cost-benefit analyses to determine whether requirements are best met by manual, software, or hardware functions; making maximum use of commercial off-the-shelf or already developed components; 5) Developing partitioning algorithms (and other processes) to allocate all present and foreseeable requirements into discrete partitions such that a minimum of communications is needed among partitions, and between the user and the system; 6) Partitioning large systems into (successive layers of) subsystems and components each of which can be handled by a single engineer or team of engineers or subordinate architect; 7) Ensuring that a maximally robust architecture is developed; 8) Generating a set of acceptance test requirements, together with the designers, test engineers, and the user, which determine that all of the high level requirements have been met, especially for the computer-human-interface; 9) Generating products such as sketches, models, an early user guide, and prototypes to keep the user and the engineers constantly up to date and in agreement on the system to be provided as it is evolving” (University of Canberra, n.d.). Position in Organizational Hierarchy Figure 1: Organizational Structure of a Service-Oriented IT Company (Source: TIBCO Software, Inc., 2005) The position of Systems Architects has been illustrated through the above figure. It may be observed that they constitute the link between the central IT foundation of an organization and the IT/Business Hybrid, and they are responsible for service development and enterprise architecture. Overseeing Authority One of the notable organizations that control the domain of Systems Architecture in Australia is the NSW Architects Registration Board which “administers the Architects Act 2003, the legislation regulating architects in NSW” in an attempt to “to protect consumers of architectural services by ensuring that architects provide services to the public in a professional and competent manner, disciplining architects who have acted unprofessionally or incompetently, accrediting architectural qualifications for the purpose of registration, informing the public about the qualifications and competence of individuals or organizations holding themselves out as architects, and promoting a better understanding of architectural issues in the community” (NSW Government, n.d.). KSA Requirements While sourcing candidates for this position organizations generally look “for a professional with determination, a desire to ‘get the job done’ and exceptional technical abilities; preferably with MCITP or equivalent qualifications”; it is also expected that the applicant will be “a driven, independent individual who likes communicating with others”, and “can work well within a team, but also individually, to provide quick responses to problems” (4D, n.d.). Additionally, the following are also required: “5 Years relevant experience in developing solutions and designing IT systems; Relevant degree qualifications are highly desirable; MCITP qualifications are highly desirable; CCNA qualification - can be provided to the right candidate; Demonstrated history of developing system architecture and providing technical advice to clients; Solid proficiency with Microsoft platforms, products and tools; Extensive experience with SOE’s, Development, Installation, Support and Implementation of Microsoft solutions; Strong Problem solving/communicating skills (oral AND written)” (4D, n.d.). Recent Advertisements Advertisement 1 Date: Not Available Source: Australia Government – Bureau of Meteorology Position Title Lead Architect Position Description According to the advertisement “This position is located in the Climate and Water IT Services Branch and the occupant will lead a team of architects, information technology officers and software developers responsible for developing, maintaining and extending the architecture on the Bureau’s climate, water and environmental information systems”; furthermore, it has been said that “The occupant will lead a small team of technical specialists, including consultants and industry expert panels, and will contribute significantly to the planning and management of a larger team of developers working across the Climate and Water Division. The appointee will work closely with the Bureau’s subject matter experts in Climate, Water and Environmental Information, responsible for stakeholder engagement, determining user requirements and providing project management services” (Australia Government – Bureau of Meteorology, n.d.). Organization Australia Government – Bureau of Meteorology Division: Climate and Water Branch: Climate and Water IT Services Section: Climate and Water IT Architecture Applicant Requirements 1) “Demonstrated skills and experience in the conceptualization, architectural development and design of software systems related to environmental or scientific data; 2) Extensive industry experience in leading development and deployment of enterprise-level information systems founded on time-series and spatial data, including extraction, transformation, loading and publishing of a variety of data types and formats; 3) A strong technical background in software engineering including experience with enterprise wide implementations of systems based on SOA, XML-based data models, data standards, relational databases, geodatabases and GIS; 4) Successful leadership of small-medium sized teams of technical specialists, including consultants; 5) Excellent liaison, communication, presentation and writing skills; 6) A knowledge and understanding of the various elements of the Bureau’s Social Justice Strategy and a commitment to apply them in practice” (Australia Government – Bureau of Meteorology, n.d.) Advertisement 2 Date: August 9, 2010 Source: LinkMe Jobs-Website Position Title System Architect Position Description Having said that “excellent opportunity exists for System Architect’s to join leading national organizations”, the advertisement has elaborated that “these opportunities will provide someone with the opportunity to work in a dynamic professional environment, to extend their technical knowledge as well working with some of the smartest people in the industry” (LinkMe Pty Ltd., 2010). Organization Job Supermarket Applicant Requirements The advertiser expects the applicants to satisfy the following criteria: 1) “Perform the technical lead role on the project to understand the wants / needs / requirements / goals of the customer; 2) Develop business, system, component and detailed requirements (functional and non-functional); 3) Design and cost architecture and technical solutions, for business proposals; 4) Perform IT infrastructure tasks to evaluate, architect and design technical solutions; 5) Participate in client reviews and internal technical project reviews; 6) Create and validate estimates and operational models; 7) Assess technical risk for the solution with corresponding mitigation activities; 8) Create Detailed Design documentation to ensure that a sound, high quality technical solution can be implemented; 9) Perform Technical Risk Management – defining the project’s technical risk management plan; 10) Successfully communicate with other professionals (project managers, architects, IT specialists, consultants, and sales professionals) on tools, technology and methodology related to the design and development of infrastructure solutions, and participate in their evaluation and design; 11) Analyze problems and suggest infrastructure solutions involving IT technology, methodology, process, tools and solution components; 12) Excellent written and verbal communications skills and strong presentations skills” (LinkMe Pty Ltd., 2010). Advertisement 3 Date: August 02, 2010 Source: MyCareer-Website Position Title Systems Architect Position Description Having said that “experienced Systems Architect required for 4 month Adelaide based contract”, the advertisement explains that “the role will run initially until the end of November with possibility to extend” (MyCareer, 2010). Organization ICON Adelaide Applicant Requirements The applicants should have “experience on large scale Java Software Development Projects” and an “experience of working with Conceptual Models” (MyCareer-a, 2010). Advertisement 4 Date: August 02, 2010 Source: MyCareer-Website Position Title Systems Analyst/Architect – Multiple Roles Position Description 1) “Fulfill the accountabilities of this role in accordance with client's core values; 2) Ensure effective implementation of project deliverables; 3) Investigate and recommend new information management services and technology initiatives; 4) Provide comprehensive monitoring and reporting on projects to ensure effective execution of project deliverables; 5) Establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders; 6) Monitor and maintain the operational environment by consulting, advising and assisting in system design, development, testing, deployment, and support activities for related software; 7) Provide expertise on the installation of hardware, firmware and software as per departmental frameworks” (MyCareer-b, 2010). Organization Candle Applicant Requirements 1) “Proven experience in analysis, development, testing, standardization and support of enterprise infrastructure including SOA, secure messaging, data modeling/ UML / Rational Software Architect; 2) Strong background in deployment of web services compliant with SMTP, HTTP, S/MIME standards and HL7; 3) Ability to analyze IT system issues and successfully implement solutions; 4) Ability to develop, implement and ensure compliance to technical policies, standards and procedures at an enterprise level; 5) Ability to document Systems Requirements Specifications, Use Cases and Business Process Maps; 6) Ability to achieve deadlines and work individually and in a team environment” (MyCareer-b, 2010). Advertisement 5 Date: July 26, 2010 Source: IT2-Website Position Title Senior Systems Engineer/Solutions Architect - SCCM Position Description On being selected, the candidate will be “responsible for supporting, managing and maintaining the SMS/SCCM and WSUS infrastructure within the target client environments”; furthermore, he will “also be actively involved in the design and implementation of new SCCM and WSUS solutions” (IT2, 2010). Organization Not Disclosed. It has been described as “a leading service provider of business, information technology and communications solutions” (IT2, 2010). Applicant Requirements 1) “Demonstrated experience with SCCM and WSUS design, configuration and administration in enterprise environments; 2) Proven experience with enterprise infrastructure projects involving design and deployment; 3) Specific architecture expertise in SMS, SCCM and SOE deployments; 4) Demonstrated documentation skills; 5) Strong technical base in Windows 200x Server, Active Directory and 6) SQL Server is highly desirable” (IT2, 2010). The applicants should also have the following technical competencies 1) “Install Shield; 2) MSI; 3) SMS installer; 4) SQL Server” (IT2, 2010). Conclusion It has been observed that unlike the job of an IT Systems Engineer, that of a Systems Architect is much more challenging. However, the research has revealed that the second category (i.e. Systems Architect) will call for more experience as well as technical expertise. It may be safe to conclude that a fresh graduate should preferably opt for the job of an IT Systems Engineer because it will allow him to learn a lot of finer nuances and help him augment his KSA levels. References 4D. No Date. Job Opportunities at 4D. [Online]. Available at: http://www.oceancs.com.au/jobs_public.php#sa [Accessed on August 20, 2010]. Australia Government – Bureau of Meteorology. No Date. Australia Government – Bureau of Meteorology. [Pdf]. Available at: http://bom.nga.net.au/publicfiles/bom/jobs/9cd234e3-5dba-6f5a-cd46-5b9cd1f50755/11874%20Job%20Details.pdf [Accessed on August 20, 2010]. CoreMind. No Date. CoreMind: IT Systems Engineer (Position Description). [Pdf]. Available at: http://www.coremind.com.au/2010ITSystemsEngineer.pdf [Accessed on August 20, 2010]. Engineers Australia. 2010. Roles and Activities. About Us. [Online]. Available at: http://www.engineersaustralia.org.au/ieaust/index.cfm?0FA72E22-BBA9-F777-B6C2-5FC12A378FE8 [Accessed on August 20, 2010]. 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Available at: http://ucspace.canberra.edu.au/display/isjobs/Systems+Architect [Accessed on August 20, 2010]. Read More