Professional Bodies

Professional bodies can supply careers information, update you on changes in the profession, provide information on jobs, fairs etc and give useful links.

The following professional bodies are of particular relevance to Computer Science students

• National Computing Centre
• British Interactive Media Association
• British Computer Society
• Institution of Analysts and Programmers
• British Web Design and Marketing Association
• Institute for the Management of IT Systems
• Intellect
• e-skills UK
• Institute of Scientific and Technical Communicators
• Institute of Management Consultants (some info on IT consultancy)

• Women into Science & Engineering

Other professional bodies

A good source of information on professional bodies and the qualifications needed for the occupations they represent, is British Qualifications (a copy of which is in the Careers Library). This lists associations according to their occupational field, e.g. Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply, Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, etc. They often have regional representatives who give advice to potential or new entrants.

Also, see the list, maintained by Reading University Careers Service, of Professional Associations