While most of us are making the best out of the last few days of summer, some are already bracing themselves for a fresh academic year.

The opportunities in the ICT world are great and those who have set their sights on an ICT education are a growing number. In fact, over the past couple of years, the local ICT industry has seen some pretty significant investments, spurring the creation of ICT courses offered locally, or through distance learning.

The various local educational institutions, such as the University of Malta, Mcast, and private colleges, all offer a detailed prospectus containing the outline of courses provided. But when trying to decide what ICT course to follow, a prospectus alone is not enough. Four technology enthusiasts recount how their education helped them build a career in ICT.

Emmanuel Carabott, 32

Security research manager

What is your educational background?

I read for a National Computer Centre (NCC) Diploma and Higher Diploma (ISC) CISSP (Certified Information System Security Professional). This course was being organised by MITA (then MITTS) in 1998 and is now offered by the ETC.

No course is enough on its own – the knowledge gained will need to be further expanded through practice and experimentation- Emmanuel Carabott

Are you happy with your choice?

When I signed up for the NCC course in 1998, my intention was to follow it up to degree level. Unfortunately, this was not possible and by the time the degree course was offered by MITA a few years after completing the higher diploma, I missed the opportunity. In a way I regret never having fully completed the degree. As for the CISSP, it was quite interesting and very demanding. Security is a vast subject and the CISSP certification tries to explore as much of it as possible.

Do you feel this course helped you in your current job?

Every course can contribute to the individual’s knowledge. However, no course is enough on its own – the knowledge gained will need to be further expanded through practice and experimentation.

Do you feel this course was enough?

ICT is such a vast area of learning that even people who specialise in one area won’t stop learning throughout their entire lifetime. However, any degree or certification is enough to give you a good idea on the subject so that you’ll be able to better tackle it in everyday life.

Would you recommend it to people who would like to study in the same area?

I would highly recommend the CISSP certification to anyone interested in working in security.

What’s your advice?

A quote from a book I really like says, “Fear is the mind killer” and I think this is very relevant in the ICT industry. Do not be afraid to experiment, as this is one of the best ways to learn computer science. There are tools to make such experimentation painless while virtual environments allow you to try anything you want without fear of breaking the system you’re using. Also, do not be vendor specific and try to gain experience on as many diverse systems as possible.

Melissa Mifsud, 32

Currently a stay-at-home mother, Melissa has worked as a software developer and team leader for over 10 years.

What is your educational background?

I read for a BSc. (Hons) in Computer Science and A.I. and Mathematics

When you start programming in industry, some of the abstract things you learn at university become concrete- Melissa Mifsud

Are you happy with your choice?

With hindsight yes – if you had asked me the same question while I was studying, my answer would probably have been different. Now I can say that I got my curiosity for mathematics out of the way and at the same time entered the world of computer science.

Do you feel this course helped you in your current job?

Reading for a degree helps you develop your thought process and gives you a valuable tool to be able to analyse and look deeper into problems – this is priceless for a software developer.

Do you feel this course was enough?

Definitely not, as industry practice is what really counts. I immediately found out that programming at university is not the same as programming on the job. When you start programming in industry, some of the abstract things you learn at university become concrete, and it’s a big relief to realise why you were taught a particular module, part of the module or a particular technique. With industry experience you can also adapt your learning to a more real-life situation.

Would you recommend it to people who would like to study in the same area?

If you have a particular interest in Mathematics and you know your A level syllabus like the back of your hand, then yes. Otherwise, I would opt for a B.Sc in ICT, which is enough to get you in the industry.

What’s your advice?

IT is an exciting area and it’s worth putting in all those late nights studying. If you intend to become a software developer, then get as much practice as you can and possibly a summer job experience. Also, think of a thesis with material that can be adapted to the workplace, possibly by getting some inside information from someone you know who works in the industry.

Rene Zammit, 23

Web technician

What is your educational background?

I studied for a First Diploma in Computing, National Diploma in Computing, and Higher National Diploma in Computing, at Mcast ICT.

Studying is never enough, especially in the ICT sector- Rene Zammit

Are you happy with your choice?

Yes I am, although if I could turn back time, I might consider going for something totally different, such as studying to become a commercial pilot.

Do you feel this course helped you in current job?

The course prepared me for issues I could meet while working within an ICT environment.

Do you feel this course was enough?

The course was spread over five years of intensive learning. It was enough for that time but obviously you have to upgrade your skills. Studying is never enough, especially in the ICT sector.

Would you recommend it to people who would like to study in the same area?

Yes, because the course is more practical than theoretical, so you get a better understanding of what your job entails. That said, you still need to keep yourself up-to-date.

What’s your advice?

Studying is never enough.

Sarah Spiteri, 22

Web marketing assistant

What is your educational background?

I read for a B.Sc in Internet Application Development with STC in partnership with Middlesex University.

I believe that there is always much more to learn, especially in the ICT field which is constantly changing- Sarah Spiteri

Are you happy with your choice?

Yes.

Do you feel this course helped you in current job?

Although web marketing is not directly related to internet programming, I believe my IT background and knowledge have helped me a lot especially when it comes to talking about technology and understanding technical details. I work for a software company so my knowledge and practice have helped me a lot.

Do you feel this course was enough?

This course was good enough to achieve the necessary knowledge and practice to become a professional software developer. However, I believe there is always much more to learn, especially in the ICT field which is constantly changing. In fact, I plan to read for a Master’s degree.

Would you recommend it to people who would like to study in the same area?

I would recommend this course because I was very happy with the knowledge and practice I attained. I believe that as a class we were all prepared and trained not only to pass our exams but more importantly to prepare ourselves for the working world.

What’s your advice?

I would really encourage anyone interested in working in IT to look into it and learn more because it is a field that offers so many opportunities.

Ms Goggi is an English graduate currently working as a web marketing copywriter.