Information Technology Training and IT Careers Your information technology training will lead you to the best IT careers. Information technology training leads to high-paying computer jobs. In 2008, the average starting salary in IT increased by 5.3 percent over 2007 levels, with some high demand positions posting 7 percent increases. This is due to a talent crunch in the IT industry – the demand for talented computer professionals is higher than it's been in five years. The scarcity of technology talent has various causes. College students are avoiding majors in computer science and IT, perhaps scared by headlines about outsourcing. The number of freshman majoring in computer science dropped by 70 percent between 2000 and 2005, according to a UCLA study. At the same time, the IT industry is expanding. Today, more companies are making new investments in technology and require additional IT staff to support their updated technology. The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts that 1 million new IT jobs will be created between 2004 and 2014. Start your information technology training now to take advantage of these job opportunities. "Technology professionals with the most desirable skill sets are beginning to receive multiple offers," says Katherine Spencer Lee, executive director of Robert Half Technology. "Individuals who may have been dissatisfied in their positions in recent years also are starting to pursue other opportunities, making employee retention a growing concern for companies." Information Technology Training: Networking in High DemandAccording to top technology executives, the specialty most in demand within IT departments is networking (19%). "Network architects and engineers with security expertise are highly valued," says Katherine Spencer Lee. "A growing number of companies are upgrading outdated systems, and executives also want to ensure that their networks are secure from attacks by the latest virus or worm," she adds. Companies recognize the growing risk to the sensitive and valuable information in their computer systems, and have been looking for good network security administrators. Windows, SQL and Cisco AdminsIn terms of specific skills, 79% of respondents said Windows administrators (NT/2000/XP) were in shortest supply in their organizations, followed by 39% for SQL Server administrators and 34% for Cisco administrators . Help Desk & Applications DevelopmentBusinesses also seek help desk/end-user support specialists (16%), applications developers (12%) and database managers (11%). IT Job Growth 106,000 — Projected number of new network systems jobs by 2012 Related Articles:
Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Robert Half Technology, itmanagement.earthweb.com (September 2008) All Computer Schools Home |
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