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Stay Competitive in a tight job market
As you know, the world economy is tighting up. Already we're seeing companies going into cost saving mode and reacting to lowered consumer confidence. It doesn't mean you'll be left out, but it does mean that you need to be more competitive with your skill set whether you're looking for a job or trying to keep one.
The good news is that education is always a positive thing. In hard economic times the extra education might give you edge over your competion. In times of growth education gives you more options so you ride the economic wave. From time to time we'll be looking for signals in the marketplace and let you know what we see.
Job Market Snapshot for 2009
Nerves are frayed in the current recession, and the IT field is not immune to that. Still, according to Mathew Schwartz of Dice.com, "all is not bleak in the tech jobs sector".
Of course, some IT careers are destined for faster growth than others. Says Thibodeaux: "There's a need for systems engineers, application developers and database gurus." Also, don't discount the help desk. "Many employers still struggle to find computer support technicians, which is still the best first job for new workers to break into the IT industry," Thibodeaux says.> read the IT job forecast for 2009
Need IT Career Advice? Ask Trish.
In her "Ask Trish" column, OST Guidance Counselor Trish Gray answers your questions about your IT career goals and how to reach them.
Today's column:
I Have a Degree -- But Not in I.T. >
Support Your Employees without Interfering with Their Jobs
As an IT manager, you need to maximize your employees' skills, while minimizing your time
and budget investment. Conference-style seminars can provide short-term training, but are
expensive and easily forgotten. Online courses can be inexpensive, yet restrictive - and
often are no more effective than books. Without real, ongoing practice and instructor feedback on the
actual technology being learned, employees find themselves starting at zero again when faced
with applying new technology skills in the workplace.
> more
Earn a Certificate
for Professional Development from the University of Illinois' Office of Continuing Education upon completion of a selected series of courses.
