IT Career and the Future of Information Technology Jobs
The economic downturn has affected almost all aspects of the technology and telecommunications industry, but one thing has not changed — the continued need to attract and retain talented workers.
"Hot" Careers
A university in the Washington, D.C. area recently advertised professional development programs under the header, "three hot new careers." What are the three "hot" careers? They are information technology, interactive multimedia, and Web design.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the core IT occupations have grown at an increased rate in recent years. Annual average growth for computer systems analysts and scientists has been 11.8 percent with computer programmers scoring a 3.7 percent annual average job growth. Employment growth for IT occupations seems to be as strong now as in the past.
A major IT employer recently said that, "with some experience, a candidate with a I-Net, NT and network management background should have no trouble finding a good position anywhere in the country." A recruiter put it this way, "by far, the workers most in demand are those who can set up, maintain, and design networks. A typical technical worker with about four years of experience can command a really good salary, benefits, and even a flexible schedule."
Interactive Multimedia
For job seekers who enjoy change as well as using a diverse skill set-this career could fit the bill. The most widely used interactive multimedia tool is a Website. However, interactive multimedia is also content distributed on CD-ROM or DVD. For job seekers in this area there are three distinctive skill sets needed:
- Analytical or critical thinking in order to define project management requirements.
- Programming skills: Lingo, ActionScript, ASP, Cold Fusion
- Creative skills that includes everything from video production to graphic design, to music production and typography.
Interactive multimedia offers job seekers a combination of entertainment, graphic art, and programming. As one multimedia company CEO said, "It [interactive multimedia] is not hard to sell when you show your potential customers the benefits. It is no surprise that the entertainment industry is the leader of this effort. In addition, Web sites should be entertaining, not only with music but with other forms of entertainment like video."
Web Design
A Web designer is usually required to have flexible skills in visual and interactive design. An understanding of usability issues and information architecture is imperative, as is the ability, for more senior design positions, to lead a web design team.
What is the background and experience required for a senior-level designer? According to the HR director of one of the larger firms, "We look for a minimum of 3-5 years of Web design experience as well as an understanding of brand strategy and identity development."
The job seeker also needs:
- Strong conceptual design skills in 2D and 3D
- Expert in design software on the Macintosh platform, Photoshop, ImageReady, Illustrator
- Superior communication, organization and time management skills
- Ability to multi-task and work in fast paced environment
Colleges and universities are offering certificate programs as well as degrees for those job seekers wanting to join one of these three "hot" careers.
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