Article on the Outlook for IT jobs in the coming year
I came across this article today that talks about the outlook for IT jobs in 2008 (it appears to be just for the US, though the article does not say that specifically). In general, the outlook is good. Even though employees are feeling a bit pessimistic, employers are expected to increase hiring in IT in 2008. You can find the whole article at Internet News
Look especially at the final paragraph, with this quote from Robert Half Technology Executive Director Katherine Spencer Lee:
“Managers also are emphasizing the importance of business and soft skills as they relate to technology. With IT now integrated into all other aspects of a company’s operations, the demand for IT professionals who are able to tie a firm’s technical capabilities to its business needs is strong,” Lee says. “Employers are willing to pay competitive rates to recruit and retain those who can communicate effectively with people outside the computer world, are familiar with the unique needs of various end-users — both within and outside the organization — and are able to use technology to solve business challenges.”
Does that sound like you? It sure sounds to me like a description of a good Business / System Analyst. So sharpen your skills for 2008 - there are great opportunities available for you.
February 22nd, 2008 at 2:23 pm
What skills would you suggest sharpening (or acquiring) to round out a good BA?
February 22nd, 2008 at 8:11 pm
Soft skills are really important - listening, writing, leading meetings, building consensus.
But also important are analytical skills. We need to be more than someone taking notes in an interview or JAD session. Really think about what someone has told you are their requirements. Do the requirements make sense? Is there something obviously missing? Based on your own experience, is your customer asking for something that won’t work? Is the person telling you how things work today? Is that the best approach for the future?
You might want to check out my report on skills for BA’s which you can get at the link below. Signing up for the report will also add you to my automated tips list - there are currently about 38 tips that go out once a week in email on all kinds of things of interest to BA’s. You would start at the beginning and get one a week to the end.
http://www.writingusecases.com/wordpress/index.php/report-succeeding-as-a-business-analyst-in-information-technology/