In order to reach the top in one’s chosen career in the information technology (IT) industry, bear in mind that technical skills are now becoming almost a commodity that needs to be enhanced by polishing one’s business skills, according to Org Geldenhuys, MD at IT recruitment agency Abacus.
Geldenhuys said on Thursday that at the “entry-level coalface” everyone is battling to find employment.
“Everyone is struggling to enter the formal job market, whether they are black, white or Indian. It is the old cart-and-horse story. You need the experience, but no one is willing to give you a job so that you can build up that experience,” he argued.
Employment and advancement in the IT industry is becoming more difficult, despite the skills shortage, he added.
“If you have a job right now, be sure that if you move to a new company it is worth your while. Not just for the money, but make sure it is advancing your career from an opportunity and fulfilment point of view,” he said.
According to Geldenhuys, technical skills are also becoming almost a commodity with regards to middle and higher management positions. Companies generally have a big candidate pool to choose from.
“If you want to get to the top you cannot just rely on your technical skills. If you are in the IT retail sector, for instance, coming to the market as a business analyst with retail skills — and the necessary IT skills and understanding — will be a powerful employment cocktail. This mix is also likely to propel you to the top if you have enough business savvy and are willing to work,” he observed.
Geldenhuys warned that those who are reviewing their current career positions should be very careful.
“These days a job is gold. If you don’t have a degree and you are thinking of leaving your current position to gain a degree and then re-enter the job market — be careful. Having a degree these days certainly does not guarantee you employment. So, if you are gainfully employed stay where you are.”
He said the wise way to get an additional degree is to by doing it after hours, otherwise there is a risk of falling off the employment truck.
“If you want to enhance your chances of advancing your career, find a way of improving your skills by ‘skilling’ up in specialist fields which are currently in demand, such as C# and .Net,” he added.
People should not blindly follow the IT skills trends, Geldenhuys argued, stressing that workers need to look to add value from a business perspective. People in the business sectors can gain an edge by adding IT skills to their qualifications and experience.
“There are lots of good miners, bankers and retailers, but if these people come packaged with relevant IT skills on top of their already established business experience, then they will be in big demand, especially at a senior level,” he said.
Geldenhuys felt matriculants face a “torrid time” when looking for employment but maintained that a degree certainly helps. The degree, however, is just a way to open the door. Many employers are able to pick from a sea of young graduates.
“Employers have a lot of candidates to choose from at the entry level. These days a degree often becomes a minimum requirement — even for an administration-focused job,” he said, adding that having a degree is still, however, more beneficial than having a diploma.
“It must also be noted, that there is an oversupply of certain IT qualifications — like MCSE — as well as all the different quick programming and technical diplomas being offered by colleges and training centres around the country. These hold very little allure for potential employers.
“It is also very important to remember that money is not everything … You need to look at the stability of the company employing you on top of your future employment path, as well as a host of other issues such as the work environment and the company’s attitude and commitment to its social responsibilities and its overall corporate governance,” he asserted. — I-Net Bridge