Salaries tend to be higher, and there is the opportunity to work on a wider range of projects, but there is less job security and you won't have the benefits of paid holiday and company pensions. You will normally need at least two years' experience to become a consultant. Salaries Starting salaries for graduates vary across the country. The increasing shortage of IT skills is causing salaries in the industry to increase very quickly. Between 1997 and 1998, the average wage increase for permanent staff was 8 percent, with 11 per cent for contractors.
Wages vary according to the area of the country, as shown opposite.
In addition to the higher than average earning potential and favourable promotion prospects discussed above, working in IT offers almost endless possibilities for travel around the globe, working with different types of organisations on all kinds of projects. The only limit is your own skill level, and with most companies offering ongoing training, there should be no reason for you to fall behind. If you are keen to take advantage of the opportunities offered by a career in IT, contacting a recruitment consultant is a sound first move. They will be able to provide personal career guidance, and give you a realistic appraisal of your options, in addition to help with CVs and interviews. This way, they can ensure that you find a job in a company that suits your requirements, skills and personality.