IT Career Trends

Rapid advances in technology are changing our world every day. Did you know that some IT jobs may not exist as they do now by the time today’s high school students are in the work world?

The world of software and IT is a world of exploding possibilities that almost defy definition. Change in the ways and means in which information is created, stored, shared and used affects virtually every other industry in the economy. As the software developers and hardware manufacturers come up with even more products, they exponentially increase the possibilities of IT.

Yesterday’s dreams are today’s possibilities and tomorrow’s realities.

The following links offer some perspective on software career trends:

"Tomorrow’s IT jobs" & "IT labour market statistics" outline the employment picture for large, medium and small employers.

Tomorrow’s Job Market

In the near future, people will work at jobs we never even imagined today.

Technology will continue to set the pace for jobs. As technology becomes a greater part of doing business, more computer-related jobs will be created. Most employers will look for people who not only have technical skills, but also have workplace skills such as the ability to:

• listen
• solve problems
• interact with co-workers

Jobs in demand in the near future include:

• Systems Analyst
• Database Administrator
• Computer Engineer
• IT Manager
• Network Engineer
• Network Support Specialist
• Web Specialists
• CAD Operator

*Source: IDC Canada – Leading IT Skills in Demand within Canadian Organizations in 2004

"IT Innovations" presents possibilities to spark ideas for career planning.

Director, IS Management

What is it?

An information Systems manager has the job of making sure that both the employees and the organization they work for are being served properly by the Information Technology they use on a daily basis.  An Information Systems Manager is concerned with sourcing, security, governance, and leadership with respect to the Information technology they require.

How is IT involved?

The primary concern of the Information Systems Manager is to work with and around IT to provide an intimate knowledge of the ways in which it commingles with both the jobs and roles of the company or organization, and the employees themselves.  Information technology is so central to this position, without it, the position would not exist.

Where can I see it?

Information Systems Managers  are present in most organizations with enough employees to require more than a standard amount of daily work on IT Governance, Strategic Support and Data processing.  An Information Systems Manager works closely with both the management and administration of the organization as well as the employees, to ensure that the company's IT needs are being met.

How can I be a part of it?

An Information Systems manager has a large computer and networking knowledge base, complimented also by strong business and management skills.  Interpersonal skills, as well as communication skills are also strongly desired for an Information Systems Manager.

What else might I like?

Information Systems Managers work closely with Web Developers and Designers, Technical Architects, Systems Analysts and Data Network Designers

http://www.discoverit.org/director_is_management.aspx

IT Consultant

What You Do

As a computer consultant you have developed, over years of experience, an expertise in a particular informatics field. Your client hires you to provide them with strategic advice and a level of assistance which they do not have inside the organization. You are hired usually on a project basis and in a particular field of your expertise.

Who You Do It For

Working either through a consulting company or as an independent consultant, you will assist a wide variety of clients. Both public and private sector organizations and companies use consultants on a project basis when they do not have the resources to handle a project.

At times consultants can also be hired to supplement the client organization’s own staff – to fill a vacancy on a project team or a permanent group on a temporary basis.

How You Do It

The work of computer consultants varies from employer to employer and project to project. Some projects will require you to work with several other consultants, each specializing in one area. At other times you will work independently. Generally speaking, as a computer consultant, you are usually hired on a contract basis to assist an organization with a particular project.

No matter what the assignment, your job as a computer consultant is to provide your expertise and advice on how to make the project successful.

Challenges

The constant pressure of deadlines and client expectations can be extremely stressful for computer consultants. Since computer consultants are from outside of the organization, they may also be faced with hostility from employees within the organization as they try to implement changes. As a result, computer consultants must be able to work with people diplomatically.

The work of a consultant is always temporary. Each assignment eventually ends. You may become frustrated by being unable to remain involved in implementing a system for the long term. The objective of a successful engagement is to leave the client organization’s personnel able to carry on without your assistance.

Working Conditions

Typically, computer consultants work at least 40 hours per work. Overtime is very common in this profession, especially when deadlines must be met. In addition, since computer consultants spend a significant portion of their time with their clients, they usually will divide their time between their offices and their client’s location. Frequent travel may be necessary.

Like other workers who spend their time in front of a computer terminal, computer consultants are susceptible to eyestrain, back discomfort and hand and wrist problems.

With the demand for skilled IT professionals increasing around the world, and the increase in the number and type of consulting companies, the employment options available for computer consultants are increasing. However, to be successful in this profession you must possess the right skills. Opportunities also exist for self-employment.

http://www.discoverit.org/it_consultant.aspx

Project Manager

What is It?

A Project Manager is someone who is in charge of making sure that all parts of a specific operation, project, or piece of software are well-coordinated, and running smoothly, as well as facilitating communication and data exchange between the various elements of the project.

How is IT involved?

Of the Project Manager's many tools and skill sets, his knowledge and expertise in Information Technology is the most pertinent and useful. To help with making sure a large project runs smoothly, a Project Manager needs to know all about how to communicate effectively and quickly, coordinate the software used by the different parts of the project, make sure that the different elements are all compatible, and ready to go.  A Project Manager also needs intimate knowledge of all of the elements of the project themselves, so that they can understand why a certain part works the way it does, and how it fits in with the others.

Where can I see it?

Project Managers are evident everywhere in today's corporate society. Most major projects these days are too large for a single person, or even a single team to handle, and so a project manager is needed to coordinate.  You'll find project managers working at software companies, coordinating for major launches, at environmental associations, making sure things run smoothly, and at nearly every high-profile entertainment industry company you can find.

Project Managers use tools such as Microsoft Project, Calendar applications, and office productivity suites in order to effectively do their job.

How can I be a part of it?

Project Managers need strong inter-personal skills, as well as a large capacity for remembering small details, and coordinating people.  If you enjoy working as part of a team, and helping to direct the eventual goals of your team, you would do well as a Project Manager

What else might I like?

Project Managers work closely with Software Designers, Computer Engineers, Public Relations and Quality Assurance.

http://www.discoverit.org/project_manager.aspx

Database Administrator - video

IT Consultant - video