Choosing where to study is a major decision. Most schools explain what students will learn. Far fewer publish what happens after graduation: whether graduates find work, where they are employed, and how their careers develop.
At IT Academy STEP Cambodia, we follow up with graduates after they complete their programs. Our 2025–2026 graduate employment data covers students from the 2.5-year Software Development and Computer Graphics & Design Professional Programs. The results show strong employment across both fields, and real career progression from junior roles and freelance projects to specialist and management positions.
97% of graduates are working, and many are employed even before graduation
We asked our graduates in 2025 and 2026 if they are employed, and 97% confirmed that they are working in companies, government institutions or as independent professionals. Some others continue their studies in other educational institutions and cannot yet start working full time.
That means 97% of graduates with a confirmed status are working, and 100% are either working or continuing their education.
Employment outcomes were similarly strong among students from Software Development and Computer Graphics & Design. The data therefore does not point to one “safe” major and one “risky” major. As to employment, what matters the most is students’ abilities, motivation, interests, and long-term direction. Education at IT Academy STEP Institute creates equal opportunities, providing practical, skills-focused, and international-level education, laying a strong foundation for any student in choosing a major, but success, of course, depends on the initiatives taken by the students.
Where STEP Cambodia graduates work
We are proud to see that STEP alumni are building careers across banking, telecommunications, technology, creative services, education, international business, hospitality, government, and civil society. This clearly demonstrates that employees with strong digital skills can find employment in any industry, since all of those are impacted by the strong demand for digital transformation. Our graduates reported their employment in both local and international companies, governmental institutions, and NGOs:
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Banking and finance: ACLEDA Bank and Vattanac Bank
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Government: Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Department of Land Management
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Telecommunications: Cellcard and Smart
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International companies: DKSH, Decathlon Cambodia, Raffles Hotel Le Royal and Starbucks
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Education and development: Institute of Technology of Cambodia, CamEd Business School, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, NGO Forum on Cambodia and Sipar
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Technology and creative studios: 1Byte, Wiresk, Xware, Blue Veranda Studio, Maya Studio and Kbeung Creative Studio
Other graduates work independently as designers, video editors and developers, serving clients in Cambodia and abroad. This range matters: digital careers are not limited to technology companies. Banks, schools, government departments, hotels, retailers and NGOs all need people who can build software, manage systems and communicate visually.
From the data to real careers: five graduate stories
Pann Sreyoun: Full Stack Developer at Wiresk
Pann Sreyoun studied Software Development and now works as a Full Stack Developer at Wiresk, earning $850 per month. She credits the balance between classroom instruction and self-study, small class sizes, and hands-on practice for helping her grow quickly as a developer. Her story illustrates the salary progression visible among the more established 2025 graduates.
Chea Bunlong: Data Engineer & DevOps at Smart
Chea Bunlong moved from the Software Development program into a Data Engineer & DevOps role at Smart. He highlights an up-to-date curriculum and project-based practice as key strengths. His career also shows that software education can lead beyond a job titled “developer” into data infrastructure, cloud systems, and DevOps.
Chin Chandaravathy: UX/UI Designer at Kbeung Creative Studio
Chin Chandaravathy completed Computer Graphics & Design and built a career as a UX/UI Designer at Kbeung Creative Studio. He points to specialist instructors, structured training, and practical application as important parts of his preparation for professional creative work.
Ang Sarintola: IT Support Analyst at 1Byte
Ang Sarintola now works as an IT Support Analyst at 1Byte. He describes a flexible, supportive learning environment and access to current technologies and frameworks. His results closely reflect those of other graduates employed by partner companies.
Hak Virak: Senior Branch Manager at ACLEDA Bank
Hak Virak completed the Weekend Software Development program while continuing his professional career. He is now a Senior Branch Manager at ACLEDA Bank. His story demonstrates a second pathway through STEP: using technology education to strengthen an existing career and prepare for greater responsibility, rather than starting again from zero.
Read more STEP Cambodia student stories from graduates working in technology and the creative industries.
How graduate salaries start and how they grow
Digital skills not only have a wide diversity of career opportunities, but also offer better salaries for fresh graduates, compared to more traditional fields. Most graduates reported that their starting salary is between $300 and $500 per month. Many creative graduates begin with freelance work while building a portfolio, reputation, and client base.
The longer-term picture is stronger. Among the 2025 graduates—who have had more time to establish themselves:
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One quarter earn $600 or more per month.
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Nearly one in ten earn $1,000 or more per month.
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With just 2 or 3 years of experience, salaries can double.
The pattern is clear: freelance work is an entry point for many graduates, particularly designers, but it does not define their long-term earning potential. Skills, portfolio quality, experience, and the ability to work with clients or teams create the next step and better salaries.
Studying while working can accelerate career growth
Some of the strongest results came from part-time students—people who already had jobs and studied in the evening or at weekends. Weekend graduates reached a median of $500 per month, being able to combine studies and work.
For working adults considering a career change or promotion, this is important. You do not necessarily need to leave your job to gain practical technology skills. IT Academy STEP Institute offers evening and weekend study options designed around professional responsibilities.
Why these employment results happen
No school can guarantee an individual job or salary. Employment depends on performance, effort, market conditions, and experience. But three features of IT Academy STEP Institute Professional Programs help graduates prepare for the market:
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Project-based learning. Students do not only study theory. They complete practical assignments, term projects and graduation projects that can become a portfolio for employers and clients.
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Industry-relevant tools and curriculum. Software students work across programming, databases, web and mobile development, cloud technology, and team projects. Design students build skills across graphic design, branding, UX/UI, 3D, and other creative disciplines.
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Professional and soft skills. Teamwork, communication, problem-solving, discipline, and presenting ideas are embedded in practical work. These skills help graduates contribute within real organizations, not only complete technical tasks.
Choose the program that fits your career direction
STEP Cambodia offers four 2.5-year Professional Diploma programs for students and working adults:
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Software Development — for programming, web and mobile development, databases, cloud and software projects.
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Computer Graphics & Design — for graphic design, branding, UX/UI, animation, interior and digital creative work.
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Digital Marketing & Communication — for digital campaigns, content, branding, analytics and communication.
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Digital Business & Artificial Intelligence — for applying data and AI to business, marketing, operations and decision-making.
Students can study full-time, in the evening, or at weekends. The right schedule depends on whether you are entering the field for the first time, studying after high school, or developing an existing career.
Ready to discuss your study and career options? Contact the STEP Cambodia admissions team or call 085 777 120 / 086 781 737.
