IT Career Opportunities Abound!
Survey Says
It's simply a matter of supply and demand. Right now, demand far exceeds
supply. According to a February '97 study by the Information
Technology Association of America, there were about 190,000 unfilled IT jobs
in mid- to large-sized, US companies. Note that the study is dated, but growth
in computer jobs has continued by leaps and bounds through the start of the new
millennium. The study also did not include small companies, but they too need IT
professionals.
A recent, US Commerce Department report indicates that, through the year 2006, companies will need 1.3-million new IT professionals. The rapid growth of the Internet, the explosion in electronic commerce, and the year 2000 problem are just some of the factors contributing to the growth in IT jobs, and thus the shortage of IT workers. To complicate matters, some youths fear being labeled as computer nerds and geeks by their peers, so colleges are graduating only a small percentage of the IT workers required. In the meantime, the alleged nerds and geeks are laughing all the way to the bank to deposit their large paychecks.
The shortage is so severe and the potential impact on the US economy so great, that the Feds have stepped in. In May, 1997, Senator John Warner established the national Commission on Information Technology Worker Shortage. Its purpose is to study the causes and impact, then come up with strategies to solve the problem. It will conduct its investigation for one year, then report to the President and Congress.
While the shortage may be bad in many ways, it's great if you're an entry-level or experienced, IT job seeker, if you don't mind working your tail off in the absence of teammates. US high-tech companies are desperately offering ridiculous salaries, and equally ridiculous stock options and hiring bonuses of $10,000 or more! But, they are not so desperate as to hire unqualified workers. Instead, they are combing college campuses and holding job fairs (even pool parties) in search of computer scientists, engineers, systems analysts, programmers, and project managers. Some are even retraining employees, laid-off workers, and retirees.
It doesn't stop with high-tech companies. All sorts of industries are in need of IT professionals, from life insurance companies to security and commodity brokers. The shortage is not limited to the US, either. Other studies indicate that the problem is global. So, if you've been thinking about getting into IT, the time has never been better!
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Even if you don't have time to go back to college for a degree, you can still get started in an IT career. All you need is a few, targeted courses. For example, Microsoft Certified Professionals command high pay and are snapped up. For more information, see Microsoft Training and Services, an initiative that helps you begin an IT career or boost your current IT skills, including information on career loans. Also click IT Training below. |
Survey Says • IT Jobs • IT Training
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Clipart courtesy of Corel Corporation.
Copyright © 1997, J. Steven Niznik. All Rights Reserved.