Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Provide Consultation and Advice to Others Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

The Work

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Verify stability, interoperability, portability, security, or scalability of system architecture.
• Develop system engineering, software engineering, system integration, or distributed system architectures.
• Collaborate with engineers or software developers to select appropriate design solutions or ensure the compatibility of system components.
• Identify system data, hardware, or software components required to meet user needs.
• Communicate with staff or clients to understand specific system requirements.
• Research, test, or verify proper functioning of software patches and fixes.
• Provide advice on project costs, design concepts, or design changes.
• Perform security analyses of developed or packaged software components.
• Provide technical guidance or support for the development or troubleshooting of systems.
• Document design specifications, installation instructions, and other system-related information.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

There are many paths to develop your skills towards a career in Information Architect - IT. 

Training & Development 

FET Centre Traineeship: Business Admin, Customer service, Management in centres around Ireland NFQ Level 5-6 Search our FET Coursefinder

FET PLC Courses: Cloud Computing, Cloud Computing with coding, Computer Applications and Mobile Technologies, ICT and Networking (Pre-Apprenticeship) at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search our FET PLC Coursefinder

Apprenticeship: ICT: Cybersecurity, Network Engineer, Software Developer, Software Solutions Architect
NFQ level 6-9 Search Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO Entry Computing, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Systems, STEM related area (Science, Technology, Engineering or Maths) courses at NFQ level 6-8 Search our CAO coursefinder

Professional Development 

Postgraduate Study Options cloud computing. MBA Cloud computing, Security, Computer infrastructure, Cloud technologies. 

Digital Skillnet 

Springboardcourses

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €70k - €120k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Brightwater / CPL / Sigmar / Morgan McKinley

Last Updated: March, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This occupation has been identified as a Job in Demand by the most recent National Skills Bulletin.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

The negative average annual employment growth rate over the five-year period for this occupation is partly related to changes in the LFS in 2017; however, employment has declined annually since 2020. Those employed were primarily male, working full-time and held third-level qualifications. The share of non-Irish citizens employed far exceeded the national average (41% compared to 19% nationally).

Despite the decline in employment, over 3,500 new employment permits were issued in 2022 across a range of roles including IT analysts/engineers (cloud, security, systems, network, test), There was a high volume of mentions in the Recruitment Agency Survey for network/security and site reliability engineers while vacancies for software testers were cited as difficult to fill by employers in the Skills for Growth data, particularly for those with cybersecurity, cloud computing and HTML skills. The number of online job adverts declined by 12% in 2022, predominantly due to the fall in postings for systems analysts which alone accounted for nearly half the total decline in ICT job postings in 2022.

Despite falling employment numbers, strong demand remains evident across the indicators in key areas such as network/cloud and security engineering. The move to remote working since the onset of the pandemic, along with the war in Ukraine, have increased the prevalence of cybersecurity threats39 with demand for these skills likely to persist. The fall in online vacancy advertisements indicates a slowing in demand but shortages remain, at least in the short-term.

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