Today, technology is no longer the reserve of specialists – rather, it’s in the realm of every individual in the developed and the developing world. The intensity of technology is on the increase even in our daily lives: as an example, just consider that a traditional household today contains thousands of microprocessors which make it function.
I’m, therefore, surprised to note that, after so much has been achieved in ICT in Malta, it seems that less – not more – young people are interested in pursuing a career in ICT. My surprise is even more compounded because, if there is a career which did not suffer at all from the upheavals in the globalised world, it has been in ICT.
As economic thrift grips the developed world – which is trying to counter the effects of the emergence of two thirds of the world’s population from being third world into developing economies – the solution of firms and organisations from the west is to innovate heavily. This can be achieved through the use of technology in a superior manner.
Last week, everybody was waiting to see if Apple would come up with a dramatically innovative product. People are somewhat disappointed that Apple doesn’t seem to be keeping up with the innovative rhythm it had set during the tenure of Steve Jobs.
The reality is that such disruptive innovation doesn’t come easy. Moreover, society itself sometimes ignores innovation even when this is staring it in the face. Timing is everything and probably the time is not yet ripe to experience another revolution such as the one we experienced during the first decade of the millennium, which took us from a desk-bound processing personal computer to a myriad of personal digital devices that can be used on the fly.
Technology’s direction is pointing towards more embedded processors in everyday devices and products. The food that we eat, the purchasing of goods and services, transportation and logistics, recreation and relaxation, and work: it is expected that as processing power diminishes further in size to become purely inconspicuous and cheap, we will have a multitude of such microprocessors which help in everyday life.
Job openings in Malta and overseas are plentiful for the right people
At Saint Martin’s Institute of Higher Education, we are proud to have launched and sustained the development of a computer science degree which is based on the innovative use of computer science. The BSc (Hons) in Creative Computing is a degree which, apart from introducing the necessary knowledge and skills necessary for a computer scientist, also contains a massive dose of knowledge on the role of computers in our lives and how we can think outside the box in using this technology. This is not only for entertainment purposes – digital games, computer generated imagery for movies and film, and audio – but also for everyday practicalities such as safer vehicles on the road, more pleasant experiences at museums and schools, and even the creative use of computers at the place of work.
The choice of a career in ICT means a very exciting experience throughout life. Technology is continuously changing and improving, and technologists expect that they will show off what technology can provide. It is also a known fact that society is very expectant from technologists, even if a computer scientist cannot solve all problems of this world, let alone of the universe.
Job openings in Malta and overseas are plentiful for the right people. Employers know which qualifications truly illustrate the ability and attainment of a graduate. Employers today realise that they have made enough mistakes in the past and are now savvy on what traits a good computer scientist can illustrate during an interviewing session. Those who really want to become employable throughout their lives and are ready to work for the privilege of joining the fraternity of true computing specialists, should seek to read for a solid degree in computing.
Registrations for the level 6 BSc (Hons.) Creative Computing and the BSc (Hons) Computing and Information Systems conferred by the University of London are available at Saint Martin’s Institute of Higher Education.
For more information contact the institute on 2123 5451 or infodesk@stmartins.edu.