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Software And IT Jobs Still Plentiful
The industry needs to boost 'TechForce' ranks by emphasizing appropriate education, however.
Joe Kumiszcza, TechMaine
To paraphrase Mark Twain, “The reports of the death of software and IT jobs have been greatly exaggerated”. The perception of a weakening in the job market for information technology workers is just that...a perception. The real indicators point out that the current job market in Maine is stronger than it has ever been. The effects of Globalization have forever changed the employment landscape. There is no reason to believe that the offshoring of software jobs will not continue to increase. Even with the international movement of jobs, IT career opportunities in Maine will remain strong. The real question is if today’s workforce can be transformed into the dynamic TechForce needed to grow Maine’s economy. All of Maine, not just one area of the state, can compete globally within this innovation economy. But we have work to do if we want to be competitive.
The US Department of Labor recently published a list of the fastest growing occupations, projected through 2014. The six fastest growing occupations, which require a BS degree, are listed below. Software and IT careers dominate the list.
Employment
% Change
2004 – 2014 |
Occupation |
| 56% |
Network systems and data communications analysts |
| 50% |
Physician assistants |
| 48% |
Computer software engineers, applications |
| 48% |
Computer software engineers, systems software |
| 38% |
Network and computer systems administrators |
| 38% |
Database administrators |
There is an increasing scarcity of educated and experienced technology workers across America. Maine businesses are encountering the same shortage and experience growing difficulties in filling technology positions. The TechMaine Website Technology Jobs Board is an excellent indicator of the current strength of Maine’s job market for technology professionals. The current demand for technology professionals began to escalate during the last quarter of 2004. At any given time since then, more than 300 job listings could be found. During the previous 18 months we have helped fill more than 2800 open positions. Tens of thousands of visitors arrive online every month to view the strength of Maine’s current job market; many of them ‘from-away’. At a recent industry meeting I met a family from Oregon who moved to Maine because of an opportunity found on our Website. New technology professionals are coming to Maine.
More than influx is needed, however. Education of the workforce is fundamental if Maine is going to participate in the global innovation economy. Skilled information technology and knowledge workers are the necessary ingredient for the future of Maine's economy. Today’s technology worker’s success demands continuous learning; an ongoing educational commitment to maintain knowledge, skills and career opportunities. Education does not end with a college degree; but continues with seminars, conferences and advanced training. The technologies change very fast and new ideas and applications are developed every day.
Unfortunately; dire reports have influenced many of today’s students to opt-out of computer science programs. Computer Science program enrollments at the University of Southern Maine are less than half of what they were in 2000. This year’s graduating class can expect more job offers than in previous years, and internship opportunities for students seem more plentiful than supply. Don’t be deceived by statements of declining opportunities. Do be aware, however, that technology jobs have changed significantly since the dot-com boom. The rapidly changing IT landscape demands a solid education as a base and dedication to the principle of life-long learning. Technology professionals now reach across all areas within an organization and must sharpen their "soft skills" involving communication, management, teamwork and becoming familiar with other cultures. Business skills are now crucial as technology managers, engineers and developers have become more business-centric.
The Maine Technology Institute and the companies IDEXX Laboratories, Oracle Corporation, Starlit Software and Tyler Technologies understand the necessity of continuous learning for Maine’s future TechForce. They are actively investing in and supporting TechMaine’s efforts to create an exciting new educational infrastructure in the state of Maine. We need more companies to come forward as we build out a state-wide Communities of Practice network that will enable Maine’s technology professionals to keep their skills current and expand opportunities for Maine businesses.
Tomorrow’s IT professionals will be working in a global marketplace. Future opportunities for individuals and organizations are dependant on their ability to invest in both the personal and corporate tools and infrastructure that foster innovation and invention.
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