IT specialties
IT specialties
A modern office cannot function without computers and IT specialists — commonly called "IT." Who are these specialists? They are divided into IT professionals who deal with computer hardware and those who work with computer software.
The first group includes system administrators and computer hardware engineers.
The second group includes programmers, CAD developers, and website developers.
If we break down these professions in more detail, the specializations may include the following:
• Applied Informatics
• International Information Systems
• Information Systems Management
• Software Systems Science
• Communication Science
• Informatics in the Humanities
• Digital Technologies in Heritage Preservation
• International Information Systems Management
• International Software Systems Science
• Informatics
• Informatics and Multimedia
• Informatics in Engineering
• Geoinformatics
• Electrical Engineering, Information Technologies, and Technical Informatics
• Informatics
• Computer Game Design
• Informatics and Computational Linguistics
• Informatics and Statistics
• Computer Engineering
Choosing a Specialization for Computer Science Bachelors
In the second year, a student must choose a specialization. Each university independently determines the available areas of specialization. Usually, students are offered a choice from the following:
- Computer Science – in-depth study of algorithms and software development theory, artificial intelligence, databases, computer graphics, operating systems, and programming language development.
• Information Technologies – practical study of software creation, system programming and administration, database design, and computer design.
• Information Security – study of basic principles of data protection, methods of preventing network intrusions, cryptography theory, and principles of developing security systems.
• Software Engineering – study of the design, evaluation, and analysis of software systems, including principles of development, implementation, and testing.
In addition, in many educational institutions, medical programming is offered as a separate specialization.
Dual Bachelor’s Opportunities
Considering that computerization today has penetrated all fields of science, art, and economics, many universities allow students to pursue two bachelor’s programs simultaneously, upon completion of which they may be awarded the following degrees:
- Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science
• Bachelor of Applied Science in Computer Science
• Bachelor of Mathematics in Computer Science
• Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Science
Bachelor of Computer Science: Diploma, Career Prospects, and Admission to IT Faculties
Bachelor’s Diploma Requirements
To obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, writing a diploma thesis is generally not required. Students’ knowledge is assessed through accumulated grades in various subjects. Additionally, the quality of coursework assignments is evaluated separately.
Prospects for Computer Science Bachelors
Graduates holding a Bachelor’s diploma may continue their studies in a Master’s program. Those who achieve high grades and demonstrate talent and diligence can, by studying for one or two additional years, obtain an Honors Bachelor of Computer Science degree.
During this period, the student participates in serious scientific research, the results of which must be systematized into a diploma project. An Honors Bachelor’s degree allows admission to a Master’s program while skipping several courses, or in some cases, applying directly to a doctoral program.
Bachelors who do not wish to continue their studies may enter the job market. Since the Bachelor of Computer Science program provides a high level of knowledge and skills, graduates are highly competitive and in demand.
How to Choose an IT Profession
As mentioned above, IT specialists are generally divided into:
• Hardware professionals – such as system administrators and computer hardware engineers.
• Software professionals – such as programmers, CAD developers, and website developers.
Website development requires knowledge of how the Internet works. Within this field, there are web designers and web programmers. Once a website is created, it is managed by an Internet project manager or site administrator. Other roles include site moderators and content editors.
Recently, e-commerce projects (online stores) and large Internet portals dedicated to various types of information have become widespread. Each media company typically has its own website and a team that includes web programmers, web designers, site administrators, and content managers.
Special mention should be given to SEO specialists (Search Engine Optimization), as well as site analysts and auditors.
Software development is carried out for business processes in various sectors — telecommunications, transport, manufacturing, etc. The goal of such software is the automation of production management processes (APCS). Developed programs are tested by a software tester, a highly demanded profession.
To manage company document flow, ERP systems are widely used, leading to demand for 1C programmers and SAP programmers.
Finally, information security specialists are among the most in-demand IT professionals. Every bank, company, and government organization requires data protection. Developing information security methods is a highly intellectual and extremely sought-after area — one of the highest-paid positions in the field.
How to Enter IT Faculties (Computer Science, Programming)
IT is one of the most demanded and dynamic specializations in the world, except in the poorest and least developed countries.
In several European countries, higher education is completely free — for example, in the Czech Republic, Germany, Slovakia, and Austria. As a result, many international students study there. After three years, by the fourth year, they are usually already employed in their field, with an average monthly salary of about €2,000.
Example: Admission to Czech Universities
Admission to a Czech university (even to Charles University) for computer science is relatively easy: the competition is about two applicants per place, and students can apply to several universities at once. Many students even take the entrance exams simply to test their knowledge.
Entrance exams usually cover three subjects: Physics, Mathematics, and Computer Science. Regardless of the department applied to, these three exams are required. The lowest score among them is disregarded, meaning that one exam can be failed or skipped without affecting the overall result.
In some universities, there are no entrance exams at all — either due to low applicant numbers or because candidates have participated in Olympiads.
Entrance Exams
The exams are fairly simple and standard. For example, in Mathematics, you may be asked to solve an easy trigonometric equation, a basic geometry problem, or a simple logic puzzle such as “George and Bobby have 5 apples. Who stole the sixth one?”
In Informatics, a typical question might be: “How many asterisks will this program print?”
You are given 60–90 minutes to complete all tasks.
Studying After Admission
That’s a different matter. It is no secret that less than half of admitted students actually graduate. This can be explained by one simple fact: many want to become programmers, but few truly understand or are willing to learn the subject.
The Bologna system of higher education is designed so that students are not easily expelled, since neither the university nor the student benefits from that.
- For each subject, you are given three attempts to pass.
• If you fail, you may re-register the subject for the next year (only once), with three more attempts.
• Altogether, you have six attempts.
• If you fail all six, you are expelled.
• However, you can always re-enroll, and the university may exempt you from subjects you had already passed.
Study Process
As elsewhere, instead of “specialization” or “department,” the term program is used — for example:
• Theoretical Informatics
• Programming
• Databases
Each program has:
• Category A (core/mandatory subjects): Mathematics, Algebra, Programming, Algorithms, etc. These are essential and should not be failed or postponed (though it is technically possible).
• Category B (semi-mandatory subjects): You don’t need to complete all; it’s enough to earn the required credits by choosing 3–4 out of 12.
• Category C (elective subjects): Any subject offered by the university — such as Physical Education, Philosophy, or History of Ancient Egyptian Archaeological Research. These are mainly for earning extra credits; failing them has no consequence.
Credits and Flexibility of Study
Europe uses a credit-based higher education system. Each subject is worth a certain number of credits. By the end of your studies (after three years), you need 180 credits:
• The majority from Category A
• Fewer from Category B
• A small number from Category C
In theory, you should earn 60 credits per year. In practice, 40 is often enough, but this is risky — the next year you’ll need to retake failed courses, increasing your workload.
Since students independently choose their subjects (except Category A), they also create their own schedules. You decide which days to attend, how many classes, and how often. This gives a high degree of freedom — and some take advantage of it by choosing the easiest courses.
Universities Offering Computer Science (Programming) Studies
There are many universities. Here are four faculties that prepare such specialists:
Faculty of Mathematics and PhysicsSpecializations:
• Mathematics for Information Technologies
• Software Security and Reliability
• General Informatics
• Programming and Software Systems
• Computer Graphics
• System Programming
• Software Networks and Databases
• Web Development
• Bioinformatics
• Teaching (Mathematics and Informatics in pedagogy)
Application deadline: usually by the end of March.
In the first year, the faculty offers only one specialization — Informatics.
By the third semester, students choose from six tracks:
• Security and Information Technologies
• Information Systems and Management
• Computer Engineering
• Theoretical Informatics
• Website and Software Development (including Computer Graphics, Software Development, Web Page Development)
Applications accepted until the end of March.
Specializations:
• Electrical Engineering
• Power Engineering and Management
• Electronics and Communications
• Open Electronic Systems
• Cybernetics and Robotics
• Informatics
• Medical Electronics
• Bioinformatics
• Software and Technology Development
• Electrical Engineering, Electronics, and Communication Technology
Applications accepted until the end of March.
Specializations:
• Applied Mathematics
• Bioinformatics
• Czech Language with a specialization in Computational Linguistics
• Geographic Cartography and Geoinformatics
• Chemical Informatics and Bioinformatics
• Informatics in Public Administration
• Mathematical Informatics
• Mathematics for Pedagogy
• Parallel and Distributed Systems
• Computer Graphics and Image Development
• Computer Networks and Communications
• Computer Systems and Data Processing
• Entrepreneurial Informatics
• Social Informatics
Applications accepted until the end of February (check university websites for updates).
After University
That depends on you. With the high demand for IT specialists, their salaries are also increasing.
The Center for Educational Policy conducted a study among 35,000 graduates of Czech universities within the first five years after graduation:
• Graduates of the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics of Charles University earned an average of €2,200 (before tax) — the highest among all faculties in the Czech Republic.
• Graduates of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering of the Czech Technical University and the Faculty of Informatics at Masaryk University in Brno earned an average of €2,000 (before tax).
List of In-Demand IT Professions
|
Profession |
Description |
|
Database Administrator (DBA) |
Forms requirements for databases, designs and implements them. Ensures continuous functioning of the database and user access to the server. |
|
ERP Programmer |
Develops and maintains systems for accounting, management, and planning automation in enterprises (ERP systems). |
|
Software Tester / Software Testing Engineer |
Tests software functionality, evaluates it from both expert and end-user perspectives. The main task is to detect and eliminate software errors. |
|
Forum Moderator |
Regulates forum operations: answers visitor questions, acts as a censor (ensures proper behavior of participants, prevents offensive or inappropriate remarks and spam). |
|
HTML Coder (HTML Layout Designer) |
Converts a designer’s visual layout into code understandable by any browser, turning a mockup into a live website that users can see and interact with. |
IT Professions and Roles
|
Profession |
Description |
|
System Administrator |
Manages the IT infrastructure of a company or enterprise. A sysadmin sets up, maintains, and develops IT systems. |
|
IT Evangelist |
Not a profession in the strict sense. An IT evangelist’s duties include writing blogs, communicating with audiences through articles and interviews, and authoring books about IT technologies and products. |
|
Technical Writer |
Creates documentation (manuals, instructions) that helps regular users understand how to use a device or software program. |
|
Website Administrator |
Responsible for all issues related to the functioning of a website: network security, content and advertising placement, website promotion, etc. |
|
Business Analyst |
Analyzes business processes with the goal of automation, develops technical requirements and specifications, tests software, and prepares analytical reports. |
|
Information Security Specialist |
Develops security systems for specific enterprises, protects local computer networks from viruses or hacker attacks. |
|
Web Developer (Web Programmer) |
A highly demanded IT profession. Web developers create and maintain web applications: websites, portals, internet services. |
|
Programmer |
Develops algorithms and computer programs of varying complexity. It is a promising, well-paid profession with career growth opportunities, suitable for those with analytical thinking, interest in mathematics, and foreign languages. |
|
1C Programmer |
Develops, configures, and maintains the Russian accounting and enterprise management software “1C.” |
|
System Programmer |
Develops operating systems and software complexes that ensure the coordinated operation of computer components. |
|
eSports Player (Cyber Athlete) |
eSports is a hobby-turned-profession. It starts with passion for an online game, and once a player achieves high results, it can become a professional career. |
|
ERP Consultant |
Assists in the implementation and customization of automated business process management information systems (ERP – Enterprise Resource Planning systems). |
Modern IT Professions (Part II)
|
Profession |
Description |
|
Enterprise Architect |
Considered the highest career stage for a programmer, as this specialist has a holistic view of the entire system within a company and can organize its development process. |
|
QA Engineer |
Responsible for improving the software development process, preventing defects, and detecting errors in the product. |
|
Team Leader (Team Lead) |
Leads and manages a team of developers. |
|
SEO Specialist |
Promotes websites and increases their traffic through Search Engine Optimization (SEO). A strong SEO specialist also understands internet marketing. |
|
Data Scientist |
Specialist in processing, analyzing, and storing large datasets, known as “Big Data.” |
|
Frontend Developer |
A combination of designer and programmer who builds user interfaces, focusing on both code and style. |
|
Backend Developer |
Handles the server-side of web applications: databases, system architecture, and business logic. Works with websites, apps, and sometimes games. |
|
Mobile Developer |
Creates applications for mobile and portable digital devices: smartphones, tablets, wearables, e-books, laptops, etc. |
|
Usability Specialist (UX Researcher) |
Studies and improves user interfaces to make them user-friendly. Works on both new projects (from scratch) and existing ones for modernization. |
|
Web Analyst |
Collects and analyzes data about website visitors to improve efficiency and performance. |
|
Digital Media / Web Content Specialist |
Creates, maintains, and promotes online information resources (internet projects). Known internationally as Digital Media Specialist (Europe) or Web Content Specialist (worldwide). |
|
Link Manager |
Finds partner platforms and manages link exchange or purchases to improve website search engine rankings. |
|
Information Systems Specialist |
Designs, develops, maintains, and implements information systems for various fields and industries. |
|
VR Architect |
Designs and manages virtual reality environments. |
|
Flash Animator |
Creates animated products (videos, games, banners, icons) using Adobe Flash/Animate. |
|
Interface Designer |
Focuses on designing intuitive, user-friendly interfaces and user pathways rather than complete websites. |
|
Systems Engineer |
Designs and implements network computer systems, sets up hardware/software, and provides ongoing support. |
|
Game Developer (Gamedev) |
Develops game concepts, code, visuals, and selects technologies for creating video games. |
|
Network Administrator |
Designs and configures company computer networks, installs equipment, and ensures information security. |
|
Database Developer |
Designs, builds, tests, optimizes, and maintains data storage systems. |
|
Embedded Developer |
Creates and maintains embedded software for systems that combine hardware and software components. This field bridges programming and hardware engineering. |
|
Database Architect |
Chooses storage technologies, develops database plans, designs, optimizes, and ensures database security. |
|
PHP Developer |
Builds websites, web applications, and related tools using PHP — a language designed specifically for web development. |
Modern IT Professions (Part III)
|
Profession |
Description |
|
Ruby Developer |
Develops applications of various purposes, writes automation scripts, application configuration tools, and administrative utilities for Linux, Mac OS X, and BSD. |
|
Java Developer |
Creates applications of varying complexity using Java, one of the most widespread programming languages. Writes, tests, localizes, and modifies code. Most Java-based products are made for the enterprise sector. |
|
Android Developer |
Develops mobile applications for the Android platform. |
|
iOS Developer |
Develops applications for the iOS platform. |
|
C# Developer |
Creates cross-platform web and desktop applications, games, and cloud services. The C# language is considered relatively easy to learn and is highly paid. |
|
Neural Interface Designer |
Designs systems for interaction between the human brain and computer-controlled devices. Requires knowledge in computer science, neurophysiology, and biomedical engineering. A profession of the future. |
|
Python Developer |
Writes code, integrates, tests, debugs, and deploys products across different domains. Often used for web applications, data analytics, system administration, and automation scripts. |
|
Swift Developer |
Develops, maintains, and publishes apps and updates for Apple platforms (iOS, macOS, tvOS, watchOS) via the App Store. |
|
Game Scriptwriter |
Develops and adapts plots and storylines for video games of different genres. |
|
Software Architect |
Designs and evolves software architecture tailored to client needs, usually for commercial enterprises. |
|
Bioinformatician |
Develops and applies computational algorithms, methods, and automated tools for processing large biological and medical datasets. |
|
C++ Developer |
Builds complex software, digital services, high-load network applications, games, graphics engines, and operating system components. |
|
JavaScript Developer |
Creates client-side and server-side applications, browser operating systems, and more. JavaScript is one of the easiest languages to begin a programming career. |
|
Kotlin Developer |
Develops Android apps, desktop/web applications, software for iOS, Linux, Windows, as well as data analysis tools. |
|
BI Developer (BI Architect) |
Provides business data in a structured and concise format. Uses specialized tools to collect and process data for decision-making. |
|
Data Mining Specialist |
Extracts hidden patterns from big data repositories and determines their value for companies and industries. |
|
Quant Developer |
Specializes in finance and trading software. A promising career path combining programming and quantitative finance. |
|
Intelligent Systems Developer |
Designs intelligent systems (IS) that autonomously solve creative, non-standard tasks in technical and software domains. |
|
C Developer |
Works with the C programming language, one of the most long-standing and prestigious technical specializations. Provides high career prospects and competitive pay. |
|
Linguistics Expert (Lingvoexpert) |
Studies languages from the perspective of algorithms and structural rules. Closely tied to modern IT and natural language processing. |
|
UX Designer |
Designs user-friendly interaction experiences. Combines programming, design, and usability testing. |
Modern IT Professions (Part IV)
|
Profession |
Description |
|
UX Analyst |
Ensures the effective development of software products that are user-friendly and intuitive. Suitable for analytical thinkers who enjoy teamwork. |
|
UI Designer |
Specializes in the visualization of user interfaces. Requires knowledge of graphic design, programming, and art. |
|
Autonomous Transport Systems Architect |
Develops intelligent control systems and software for unmanned transport and traffic flows. A profession of the future for those passionate about innovation and technology. |
|
Software Engineer |
Engages in management, analysis, planning, consulting, development, and design of software. Requires higher education. |
|
Computational Linguist |
Creates programs that simulate human speech, comprehension, and translation. Combines linguistics, programming, and machine learning. |
|
Data Analyst |
Analyzes large and diverse datasets to identify patterns and insights. Requires strong analytical skills. |
|
Mobile App Tester |
Ensures the quality of mobile applications by evaluating user interfaces, identifying bugs, and improving usability. |
|
Systems Analyst |
Defines how to optimize business efficiency using information systems and coordinates software development. |
|
Product Analyst |
Works with business data and statistics to improve company performance, identify growth opportunities, and correct errors. |
|
Go Developer |
Highly paid programmer specializing in the Go language. Suitable for those with technical education and a desire to work in IT. |
|
DevOps Engineer |
Bridges developers and system administrators, automating processes to speed up software releases and updates. |
|
Data Engineer |
Works with diverse data sources, designing pipelines and systems for efficient processing. |
|
Big Data Analyst |
Collects, processes, and analyzes massive datasets to support business growth, scientific research, and trend forecasting. |
|
PHP Fullstack Developer |
Proficient in both frontend and backend development using PHP. Participates in all stages of project implementation. |
|
JavaScript Fullstack Developer |
A universal developer capable of handling both frontend and backend tasks. |
|
Python Fullstack Developer |
Builds websites, games, and web services. Requires technical skills and multitasking abilities. |
|
Game Analyst |
Works in the gaming industry, analyzing player behavior and identifying issues, but does not develop games. |
|
Chatbot Developer |
Creates chatbot solutions for business automation using builders or custom programming. |
|
Unity Developer |
Develops PC games using the Unity engine, often handling the full development cycle. |
|
QA Automation Engineer |
Ensures product quality by automating testing processes across the entire development lifecycle. |
|
Mobile App Analyst |
Collects and interprets data on mobile app performance to ensure profitability and minimize risks. |
|
Fullstack Developer |
A universal developer who works with both frontend and backend parts of digital products. |
|
UX Researcher |
Studies user needs to help developers and designers create useful, user-friendly digital products. |
Modern IT Professions (Part V)
|
Profession |
Description |
|
Drone Programmer |
Develops software for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). |
|
VFX Designer |
Creates visual effects (VFX) for games, animations, commercials, and films. One of the most in-demand creative professions today. |
|
Cybersecurity Specialist |
Protects automated systems, software, and networks from cyberattacks. Salary levels depend on required skills and company scale. |
|
Unreal Engine (UE) Developer |
Creates computer and mobile games using the Unreal Engine platform. |
|
Tech Lead |
Responsible for the technical implementation of a project, usually in software development and testing. |
|
Freelancer |
Works independently, not as part of a company’s staff; completes client projects, often remotely. |
|
Node.js Developer |
Uses JavaScript to build server-side logic for web applications, develops backend components, and integrates web services with other products. |