http://downloads.techrepublic.com.com/abstract.aspx?docid=392490
Advancements in Information Technology Lead to Job Growth
The Information Technology (IT) industry is well known for experiencing growing pains related to the technological advancements that are the foundation of the field itself. Advancements in technology, while necessary, often force IT professionals to focus on a particular area of expertise in order to meet the specialized needs of different industries. This newfound emphasis on specialization has led to the creation of new positions within the IT field with expansion resulting in job diversification.
Not so long ago, IT managers and administrators were responsible for all facets of a company’s data systems, including development, accessibility, storage and security. These rising stars of the computer age were often single handedly responsible for maintaining the systems that businesses relied upon to function. For many, budgetary free reign was allowed for software and hardware purchasing with the singular requirement that all systems continue to run smoothly and effectively. Larger organizations often had in-house IT administrators who worked alongside the employees of companies that provided implementation services. The outsourced agents were a necessity for the maintenance of massive IT installations, while their company counterparts served to relay information regarding the purchased systems to management in a jargon free and palatable manner.
Today, the majority of small to medium sized businesses operate completely in-house. Even larger organizations are limiting outsourced personnel to the bare minimum, preferring to hire specialized permanent employees to fill the positions that were once manned by a labor force provided by another company. Upper echelon IT managers are more likely to have business heavy education and experience credentials while their subordinates may be experts in either the software, hardware, or security side of IT infrastructures, but rarely all three. With data tampering and theft becoming a major concern in recent years, the job market for data security personnel alone has risen substantially.
As we move forward into the future of information technology, the trend for a specialized workforce in the IT sector of employment will likely continue. Even educational institutions are beginning to recognize this expansive diversification and IT degree programs with an emphasis on even the most obscure facets of the industry can now be found. While the onset of the computer age has certainly resulted in the reduction of many positions in the overall workforce, the weight of its own complexity may yield new positions that can balance those losses as we move forward.
Information Technology Jobs on the Rise
Posted on March 23, 2009 by Som Seng
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Employment of computer support specialists and systems administrators is expected to increase by 18 percent from 2006 to 2016.” Below are other statistics provided by Allcomputerschools.com that confirms IT job growth is on the rise.
- 106,000 — Projected number of new network systems jobs by 2012
- 179,000 — Projected number of new applications software engineering jobs by 2012
- 16% — Percentage of high-tech companies planning to increase head counts
- 4% — Percentage of high-tech companies planning to decrease head counts
According to Society for Information Management, problem solving and communication skills are highly valued. Problem solving, ethics and tolerance, communication (oral and written) and business analysis are among the top valued attributes of entry-level IT staff. Similar attributes are defined for the mid-level IT staff with the addition of project leadership and decision-making abilities.
Like many other working adults, IT professionals are using the down economy to strengthen their skills in IT and business to build a solid foundation in the IT field as well as the broad expertise required today to succeed or stand out from the crowd in seeking employment. IT has long been a solid career path in even the best of economic times, but even more than ever according to these recent statistics.
Think this might be for you, but not sure? Then take some time, research various institutions that offer programs in these disciplines, talk to current and former students (most universities like UMass keep close tabs on alumni and can help you in this regard) and check out the professors in terms of their teaching credentials and experience. If you’re like most UMassOnline students, you’ll want the same world class faculty that teaches on traditional campuses; you’ll want to get your credits or degree from an accredited institution. But the right fit comes down to many factors, not the least of which is your comfort level, your trust in the program, and your career goals. Taking a little time now to research your choices will make a very big difference in the end.
- IT_schools.pdf (908.5KB) (1,007)