Think there are too many American IT workers? Think all the IT jobs are going to India? Think there’s no future in an IT career? Think again.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of jobs for computer network, systems, and database administrators will increase by 30 percent from 2008 to 2018. That’s an increase of about 286,600 new jobs.
The picture is even rosier for computer software engineers and computer programmers. Employment in those fields is expected to increase 32 percent with nearly 300,000 jobs added by the year 2018. That’s a rate of growth more than twice the average for all occupations, the Bureau reports.
Which skills are in particular demand? Networking skills, such as cloud computing, are hot. VoIP and SaaS (Software as Service) skills are also valuable. And, of course, IT professionals with security skills are always in demand, as are computer professionals who can save money by developing and maintaining cost-effective data bases.
In addition to technical skill sets, companies are looking for IT workers with strong communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills. Ideally, the successful IT professional is flexible, able to adapt to changing environments and business priorities. The more hats you can wear, the better.
So, despite all the doom and gloom we hear about the American economy, the future looks good for IT professionals, now and well into the future.