The document provides an introduction to careers in the IT industry for young people. It discusses why the IT field is appealing due to its broad scope, high demand, opportunities for career growth and good pay. It then debunks common myths about IT work and outlines different types of IT jobs. Finally, it provides advice on how to enter the IT field including educational requirements, skills needed, and tips for finding internships and job opportunities.

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A Career in IT
April 2015
A quick introduction to the IT industry for young minds
Shehan Peruma
S o f t w a r e A r c h i t e c t
Twitter: @ShehanPeruma

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Topics
1 2 3Why IT? Myth Busting IT Jobs
4 5 6Getting into
IT
Snapshots Learn More

3. © 2014 Virtusa Corporation. All rights reserved | 3
The Future is Bright!
WHY IT?
• All large corporations rely on IT – business
needs business systems; people are needed to
build and manage these systems
• Broad in scope and applicability – every
field/industry you can think of requires IT
• High demand – Universities cannot meet the
demands of the industry
• Fast career growth – combined with good pay
• Global exposure – work with teams and clients
across geographies
• Continuous learning – change is frequent in
the IT world; you need to keep up or be left
behind

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Topics
1 2 3Why IT? Myth Busting IT Jobs
4 5 6Getting into
IT
Snapshots Learn More

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Not everything you hear is true!
MYTH BUSTING
I T mean s Java,
C#, an d n oth in g
els e
You n eed to b e
an ex p ert in
s cien ce & math
I t ’s a b oys on ly
clu b
On ly p rod u ct
companies do
excitin g work
On ly mu n d an e
work is sent to
offs h ore/As ia
I T is a casual,
s low-p aced
environ ment
L ate n ights an d
weeken d s are
th e n orm
Tech j obs are
on ly at tech
comp an ies

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Topics
1 2 3Why IT? Myth Busting IT Jobs
4 5 6Getting into
IT
Snapshots Learn More

7. © 2014 Virtusa Corporation. All rights reserved | 7
A broad spectrum of job types
IT JOBS
Project &
Program
Management
User
Experience &
Interface
Design
Database
Admin &
Development
Sales &
Marketing
Hardware
Engineering
Technical
Support &
Maintenance
Technical
Writer
Systems &
Network
Engineering
Business
Analysis
Software
Engineering
Quality
Assurance

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Topics
1 2 3Why IT? Myth Busting IT Jobs
4 5 6Getting into
IT
Snapshots Learn More

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Your pathway to a career in IT
GETTING INTO IT
Educational
Requirements
Entry Level
Other
Qualifications
Career
Progression
Core Skills
English,
Mathematics,
Attention to Detail,
Computing,
Business Awareness
Industry/Professional
Certifications
MSc / MBA / PhD
Degree in Computer
Science / Software
Engineering /
Information Technology
Software Engineer
Software Tester
Business Analyst
Database Developer
Technical Writer
Network Analyst
Chief Technology Officer
Software / Test Architect
Network Architect
Project Manager
Business Consultant
Data Scientist
Technical Leader

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Tips to help you land that dream job!
GETTING INTO IT
Internships
Many organizations offer internship programs
(especially during the summer vacations)
Network
Attend/Participate in workshops, conferences,
code camps, hackathons, etc.
Read
Tech blogs, news
sites…
Get Certified
Professional certification gives you an edge at
interviews
Study! Study! Study!
Fundamentals are very important (no matter
what track you select).
Teamwork
Get used to working in
teams
Attitude
A positive and ‘can do’ attitude will earn you
respect

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Finding the right company is important!
GETTING INTO IT
More Companies:
http://www.slasscom.lk/member-directory

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Topics
1 2 3Why IT? Myth Busting IT Jobs
4 5 6Getting into
IT
Snapshots Learn More

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ALL IN A DAY’S WORK

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WORK HARD, PLAY HARD

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CORPORATE CITIZENSHIP

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Topics
1 2 3Why IT? Myth Busting IT Jobs
4 5 6Getting into
IT
Snapshots Learn More

17. © 2014 Virtusa Corporation. All rights reserved | 29
Resources to help you learn more about the IT industry
LEARN MORE
Future Careers
Career Guidance for Sri Lanka’s IT and BPM Industry
http://www.futurecareers.lk/
ICTA
Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka
http://www.icta.lk/
SLASSCOM
Sri Lanka Association of Software and Service Companies
http://www.slasscom.lk/

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Virtusa is a US based company that provides innovative Global
Business Consulting, Innovation, and IT Outsourcing Services
• US Corporation (NASDAQ:VRTU)
₋ Over 10,000 employees
₋ Delivery Centers: US, UK, EU, India, Malaysia & Sri Lanka
• Strong Revenue Growth & Profitable
₋ Revenue ~$500 Million
₋ 10 year CAGR 32%
• What We Do
₋ Prime Services: Consulting, Innovation, Digital Transformation, Outsourcing
₋ Core Industries: Insurance, Financial Services, Healthcare, Media & Communications, Manufacturing
₋ Digital Technology Solutions: Mobility, Social, Personalization, Digital Analytics, Customer Experience
Management, Cloud
₋ Industry Solutions: B2C Retail, B2B Sales & Distribution, Policy Administration, Claims, Finance,
Compliance
• Key Differentiators
₋ Platforming Heritage
₋ Strong Industry and Consulting Focus
₋ Right Sized – Ability to execute large complex programs
₋ Strong innovation history
VIRTUSA OVERVIEW

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© 2014 Virtusa Corporation. All rights reserved. Virtusa and all other related logos are either
registered trademarks or trademarks of Virtusa Corporation in the United States, the European
Union, and/or India. All other compa
and service names are the property of their respective holders and may be registered trademarks or
S h e h a n P e r u m a
Software Architect
aperuma@virtusa.com
Twitter: @ShehanPerumaThank You!