In technology, networking is connecting a system of computers to share information and new ideas and better systems are being developed every day.
Future Networked Systems deals with how things become smart and connected, from mobile social networking to managing city resources such as road traffic. Dealing with such large-scale, cyber-physical and distributed systems requires novel approaches that address timeliness, safety, privacy and scale challenges.
Universities and colleges in Ireland are offering courses in Future Networked Systems in the following subject areas:
There are many courses in Future Networked Systems that may take place over a few days, weeks or even 1 year to 4 years depending on the course and modules selected. There are also part-time courses and night courses available so you can be sure to fit in your studies no matter what your schedule is like.
Courses will cover theory work through lectures, assignments, tutorials and taught modules. Assessments will take place on a continuous basis with written examinations and practical assignments combined in order to achieve a qualification.
You could also consider work experience or a work shadow in the industry. It's useful to develop a personal portfolio of your own projects, such as those involving programming, building a website or carrying out tasks online as a moderator. Evidence of, for example, your initiative and ability in fixing bugs, improving functionality or building an app will help show your skills and interest in the subject.
Work Experience will not only give you the opportunity to obtain a deeper knowledge and understanding of the industry, but it will also give you a chance to do some essential networking with other industry professionals and gain valuable contacts for the future.
After completing a Future Networked Systems course you will be able to get started in a career that uses specific knowledge of network systems and applications.
Within the field of I.T and Computer Science, you'll work in a constantly evolving environment, due to technological advances and the strategic directions of the work available. You'll create, maintain, audit and improve systems to meet particular needs, often as advised by a systems analyst or architect, testing both hard and software systems to diagnose and resolve system faults.
Popular roles include information technology and telecommunications professionals, IT business analysis, architects and systems designers, web designers, development professionals and IT user support technicians.
Common employers are IT consultancies and IT service providers. However, as most businesses rely on computers to function effectively, there are also opportunities within the IT departments of major organizations in sectors such as aerospace and defense, agricultural, financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, public and third sectors, retail and telecommunications.
Another option is to set up your own business, providing IT services such as development and consultancy.
Working hours will depend on whether you are self-employed, employed by a company with set business hours or if you are contracted to various businesses or companies. Working hours in most positions are typically 9 am to 5 pm. However, longer hours are often necessary towards the end of projects as deadlines approach, as well as during the testing stage so that systems can be tested when they're not being used. In some cases, you may be required to be on call to deal with problems. This can involve evening and weekend work in a shift pattern.
After completing a course in Future Networked Systems you may choose to pursue further study in a specialist field to increase your knowledge base and skill set. Postgraduate study can also be used as a means to change career focus or to gain professional qualifications required to practice in certain career areas such as software engineering, computer security, forensic computing and data science.
What skills could be helpful for a career in Future Networked Systems?
Computing careers combine theoretical study and practical projects and may require some knowledge or previous experience in subject-specific skills including programming languages, hardware architecture and construction, network design and engineering, software engineering, multimedia design and software tools and packages.
You'll learn how to specify, design and construct computer-based systems, evaluate and recognize potential risks and design creative solutions.
More generic skills that are beneficial for most careers include teamwork and leadership, communication, problem-solving, negotiation, time management and organization, report writing, numeracy and commercial awareness.
Explore your options here
