Demand Rises for IT and Network Experts

CU360
March 3, 2009 | COMMENTS

The need for skilled IT workers is expected to increase by 30% in the next four years, making up a total of 780,000 workers, according to the results of a Cisco Learning Institute study. The study, reported in the American Society for Training and Development's T+D magazine, evaluates the overall trend for Internet protocol (IP) networking professionals, who currently make up 14% of the IT workforce.

The declining number of graduates who enter the networking profession may be attributed to a lack of interest in the field or a belief that outsourcing limits the long-term career prospects. Graduates might mistakenly believe that such jobs are outsourced and thus not available to local candidates, according Fred Weiller, director of marketing for Learning@Cisco.

"It could be true for some IT support or software design jobs, but you need networking jobs, and you need people to install and design these networks. Many of these networking jobs are and will remain local," Weiller adds.

The research also found more of an emphasis on specialty skills among current IT professionals, with the competencies required expanding to meet greater demands on their networks. For example, 73% of respondents said they needed new or extra network security skills in the future, and 59% are planning for additional wireless networking skills. Because all organizations have a network, many of which are evolving with the business, experts say it's crucial to groom enough network-capable professionals for a company's future needs.

Shortage of IT Workers

At the same time, 22% of chief information officers (CIOs) believe that finding qualified IT workers is somewhat or more challenging compared with one year ago, according to a survey by Robert Half Technology reported in T+D magazine. Fifty-two percent of CIOs believe there's a shortage of qualified IT workers.

Changing demands in technology are also transforming the role of IT workers. Often they're asked to play a significant role in launching a new product or service, marketing the organization, and offering ideas about how to leverage technology. In the past, they might have been viewed as skilled specialists, but now they're on equal footing with financial officers and marketing directors.

Interest in IT project management has increased, and managers are often much younger than in years past. In management roles, they must be prepared to give presentations and be comfortable amid peers in the boardroom.

Today's IT workers need to be able to integrate social media tools with customer relationship management. Podcasts, for example, were once considered toys but now are standard marketing tools for organizations with a media arm.

Given the expanded expectations of these technology workers, organizations need to show appreciation for emerging talent that goes beyond the paycheck. Don't take technical talent for granted. If they're responsible for innovations, demonstrate that to the entire company.