| In addition to passing along my Information | | | | at a pace far exceeding supply. If one analyzes these |
| Technology experience, in this article series I will also | | | | demand/supply relationships from 1987, when the |
| attempt to help you choose an IT career path and | | | | stock market crashed, to the dotcom bubble bursting |
| plan how best to pursue that path by providing input | | | | in the late 1990s, to Sept. 11 2001, through |
| from subject-matter experts about specific | | | | today�s recession (if I may be so bold!), it is clear |
| IT-related topics. | | | | that, even during slow economic periods, IT demand |
| While my previous articles have provided overviews | | | | is always at the top of the list of "recession-proof" |
| of what to expect in an IT career, this column | | | | skills. |
| features an analysis of the IT labor market by Mark | | | | IT training + people skills + business knowledge = |
| Aylward, a 23-year veteran of Information | | | | strategy for success. Professionals with formal |
| Technology recruiting who has placed every type and | | | | Information Technology education and certification |
| level of IT practitioner and consultant in small, large, | | | | who also possess "people skills" and fundamental |
| national and international companies. Mark has a | | | | business knowledge can leverage this combination to |
| positive outlook on Information Technology careers | | | | become analysts, management consultants and |
| and a great deal of experience working with both | | | | strategic advisors in a business world starving for |
| employers and employees from the field. I hope that | | | | these skills. |
| his input will build your confidence in pursuing a Career | | | | Considering the current Stimulus Plan, the globalization |
| in Information Technology. | | | | of the economy and the continuing increase in foreign |
| Mark�s thoughts come from a recruiting | | | | competition, the business community and Federal |
| perspective and support what I have previously | | | | Government are clearly committed to continuously |
| explained from an IT manager�s perspective. His | | | | upgrade systems such as performance and security |
| points concern continuing education, ancillary people | | | | systems, among other capabilities. Our country's |
| and business skills, and they show that Information | | | | government agencies and commercial businesses will |
| Technology can be an exciting and viable career. | | | | need to continue to invest in these technical |
| THE DEMAND FOR I.T. SKILLS IN THE U.S. MARKET- | | | | advancements moving forward to remain competitive |
| 2009 | | | | as well as secure. |
| By Mark Aylward, Owner, Lucid Government | | | | Considering the historical evidence and momentum |
| Solutions | | | | that information technology innovation has in |
| I thought it might be helpful to offer my opinion on | | | | today�s world, any guidance or educational |
| the demand and supply for Information Technology | | | | professional would be safe in recommending IT as a |
| skills both now and in the foreseeable future. | | | | viable career. |
| The market for IT professionals isn�t necessarily | | | | Thanks, Mark! I hope you found this article |
| candidate-driven. It would be an understatement to | | | | encouraging for advancing your Information |
| suggest this. We live in a world where Computer | | | | Technology career objectives. I also want to invite |
| Science and Information Technology training and | | | | others to provide input that could be of use to the |
| education cannot keep up with the demand for these | | | | military community in helping them understand the |
| types of skills in today�s marketplace. In addition, | | | | many available IT paths, and the opportunities for |
| we have made it more difficult for companies in the | | | | completing the education and training they need to |
| United States to utilize the talents of those | | | | succeed in an Information Technology career. |
| candidates educated outside of the U.S. | | | | Get in touch with a college or university and ask |
| The nature of the current IT landscape is such that | | | | about your TA, Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30), or |
| Information Technology professionals are increasingly | | | | the new Post 9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) benefits. Many |
| likely to need better/more current Information | | | | schools offer reduced military tuition rates and |
| Technology skills to leverage technology that affects | | | | military scholarships that help extend those benefits |
| business process improvement. | | | | even further, minimizing your out-of-pocket |
| All of these influences suggest that demand is rising | | | | expenses, so why wait? |