Algorithm engineers, lead developers and IT architects - dream jobs for Chalmers students

Swedish universities are accused of poor collaboration with working life. However, Chalmers is going against the tide, and as part of the compulsory working life course for IT students, I and two colleagues from the industry got to meet a group of keen guys and girls yesterday. But it's not the usual roles and workplaces that appeal. The old dragons will have to stay on their toes if they want to attract the algorithm ninjas!

For a couple of years now, together with industry colleagues Katja Sjölander and Mattias Bagge, I have had the opportunity to spend a morning presenting the industry and its professional roles to some 60 Chalmers students studying IT in their third year. The seminar is part of a two-week course where the students get acquainted with professional roles and business contacts. Since it is not "exam-relevant", the commitment among the students can be a little so and so, but not yesterday. Here was a group of guys, and quite a few girls (10 out of 60...), who engaged in a lively discussion.

When asked which companies they would like to work for, the following were mentioned: Google, Paradox, Jeppessen and Opera. Apart from the first one, they were not traditional companies, so. We asked about a big local player starting with V, but no, nothing that really appealed.

When it came to job roles that appealed, the options of algorithm ninja, lead developer, IT architect and software developer came to mind. While there are many imaginative role titles in this industry, algorithm ninja was innovative. Other professions that were attractive were UX and business development and leadership, and here Mattias, Katja and I could attest to the fact that these were in high demand - something that is evidenced by the report on the skills shortage that we at IT&Telekomföretagen produced last spring.

So, for those who want to look for a sharp group of candidates, keep an eye on Chalmers IT class enrolled in 2013...