Category: Publications

By Dr Eamon Costello

Many software developers will have Bryan Adams nostalgia moment about when and where they bought their “first real six string”. For me, it was books. A red Wrox book on VBA for MS Access, a very fat book on XML, a java book with a tiger on the front.

I didn’t formally study computing. My primary degree was in English and History. It was when I started working in software development that I decided I needed to go back and do a conversion course. Although I had built up the skills, and could develop software in multiple languages, I did feel a “glass ceiling” of sorts hovering over me. Colleagues on my Higher Diploma in Computer Science course came from diverse backgrounds – the veritable butcher, baker and candlestick maker. The maths graduate, the engineer, the business analyst and me, the rogue arts grad.

Now I’m on the other side of the fence. I am privileged to be an educator in an area that I am passionate about. Software development is one of the continued success stories of our economy. While the dodgy GDP rates and accounting practices of multinationals may make the headlines, the reality is that there are many thousands of people working in a very vibrant industry in Ireland in a diversity of roles and companies.

This year, for the first time, the Government have funded part-time ICT conversion programmes. DCU will be running a Higher Diploma in Software Development over two years for those already in employment. Moving sidewise in a career can be tricky but being able to both study and work towards that goal is very important. Morever the Government are funding the student fees. This course, and others like it, should really help build a pipeline of skilled graduates in software development.

Although it is a challenging and intensive course of study we believe the mix of tools, technologies and techniques that students will learn will help give them an edge in the labour market. Although applicants must have a degree in a non-computing area, the key requirement is passion. You will know if it’s for you or not.

The “Summer of ’69” is not a great metaphor as you don’t need to have been programming a ZX spectrum since you were 12 to have a rewarding career in software development. The industry will benefit most from a diversity of practitioners.

Applications are now being accepted for the fully-funded Higher Diploma in Science in Software Development at DCU. For more information and to apply check out https://www.springboardcourses.ie/details/4531

The original article was first ublished by Dr Eamon Costello on his Linkedin account.

By Dr Eamon Costello

Many reports have highlighted the ICT skills gap in the Irish economy. Shortages of skilled ICT workers are not unique to Ireland, but sectors such as the software development industry, are a particularly important growth area here. The IDA for example tracks 900 Software companies, both multinational and indigenous, which employ 24,000 people and generate €16 billion worth of exports. Ireland has become a European skills hub for ICT.

There are several factors that bring software development jobs here but graduates with specific core skills are particularly important. The joint Government-Industry ICT Action Plan 2014 – 2018 has been targeting funding at specific initiatives to upskill workers. This year, for the first time, the Government are funding a two year part-time Higher Diploma in ICT and DCU have been chosen as a core partner in this welcome initiative. It is an important innovation as now for the first time people with a desire to break into the Irish software industry can do so whilst continuing to work.

It is never too late to change career and graduates with a non-computing related degree now have a great opportunity to upskill and re-invent themselves. Here at Dublin City University we have designed a course of study, in concert with our ICT Industry partners, to give students key skills and competencies in modern software development. With Government support this Higher Diploma in Software Development has no fees and runs over two years part-time. Students study online at a self-directed pace over two years towards their Diploma, learning web development, java programming, modern database design, mobile application development and how to apply these skills in industry with ICT companies.

If you believe you have what it takes to develop your potential in the ICT industry as a software developer we want to help you get there. Applications are now being accepted for the fully-funded Higher Diploma in Science in Software Development at DCU.

For more information and to apply check out https://www.springboardcourses.ie/details/4531

The original article with this think piece was posted by Dr Eamon Costello to his Linkedin account.