In the past, it was mainly programmers and system administrators who kept a company’s IT infrastructure running. Today, however, there are many career paths open to IT graduates. But how do you actually become an IT professional? As in many other fields, there’s no one-size-fits-all path. The most common routes are a university degree in (business) informatics or an IHK-certified apprenticeship as an IT specialist. Within the apprenticeship, you can specialize in either application development or system integration. Both the degree and the apprenticeship typically take three to three and a half years. After that, many doors are open. Below, we’ve listed a few examples of what kind of roles you could pursue with a background in computer science. (By the way: jobs marked with an * are positions we’re currently hiring for )

What does a…

• Software Developer do? *

A software developer programs tailored solutions for clients or customizes existing modules according to their needs. They work with programming languages such as Java or C#. Besides developing new systems, they also maintain and enhance existing software.

• Data Engineer or Data Analyst do?

A data engineer extracts valuable insights from vast, scattered datasets. Both data engineers and analysts model processes and structures, often building data warehouses that help companies make meaningful use of their data over time.

• DevOps Engineer do? *

“DevOps” combines “development” and “operations.” DevOps Engineers bridge the gap between software development and IT operations. Their mission: improve productivity and reliability in development workflows. They act as a hybrid between developer and system administrator.

• Software Tester do? *

Before software is delivered to clients, a software tester ensures it runs flawlessly. They specialize in quality assurance and are the last checkpoint before release. Using tools and strategies, they identify bugs and weak points in the software.

• Cyber Security Consultant do?

Cyber attacks are becoming increasingly common. Cyber security consultants identify vulnerabilities in systems and recommend protective measures. In the event of a breach, they lead the company’s response to mitigate damage and secure the system.

• Site Reliability Engineer do?

Site Reliability Engineers (SREs) ensure that websites and digital services meet performance and user expectations. They define infrastructure requirements (availability, latency, capacity) and act as the bridge between administrators and developers.

• Project Manager do? *

Project managers define solutions for client needs and communicate closely with development teams. Once the software is completed, they oversee implementation and often lead training sessions at the client’s site to ensure smooth adoption.

• Full Stack Web Developer do? *

Full stack developers work on both the front end (what users see) and the back end (the logic and server-side functions). They use a variety of programming languages and focus heavily on creating a smooth, user-friendly experience.

• Software Architect do? *

Much like an architect for buildings, a software architect designs the structure of a software system. They create the foundational blueprint for development teams and must understand modern frameworks and client requirements in detail.

• Trainer or Teacher for IT careers do?

Just like in other industries, IT professionals can also pass on their knowledge. With digital education growing, especially in schools, teaching IT will become increasingly important. MINT fields (STEM in English) are future-proof and offer strong career prospects.

Of course, there are many more roles for IT graduates — and the list keeps growing. We’re currently hiring in several areas (marked with an *), so check out our latest job openings if you’re interested!