several different careers in information technology. Which one(s) are of interest to you?

§          Some careers include those listed in figure 15-12

§          Computer support specialist

§          Computer technician

§          Computer trainer

§          Cryptographer

§          Database administrator

§          Data entry worker

§          Desktop publisher

§          Information systems manager

§          Network administrator

§          Programmer

§          Software engineer

§          Systems analyst

computers are changing the business world.

§          It can change the way they market products

§          It can change the way they build goods and services

§          Example: Internet banks allow on line banking without traditional buildings

four ways people react to new technology

1.      three negative ways people cope with technological changes in the workplace.

a)    Cynicsm

§          The cynic feels that the idea of using a microcomputer is overrated.

§          They feel as though their time could be spent doing something more important.

§          Cynics may express there doubts openly, or may only pretend to be interested in computing technology.

b)    Naiveté

§          Many naïve people are unfamiliar with computers.

§          They may think computers are magic boxes capable of doing everything, even things they can’t handle.

§          On the other hand, some underestimate the capability of computers.

c)     Frustration

§          The frustrated person may already be quite busy and may hate having to take time to learn about microcomputers.

§          Sometimes it can be the person, sometimes it can be the system e.g. poorly written manuals, etc

2.     one positive way people cope with technological change in the workplace.

a)    Proactivity

§          Proactive means “acting in anticipation of future problems, needs, or changes”.

§          A proactive person looks at technology in a positive, realistic way

Stay in contact with both formal and informal lines of communication

a)    Stay current

§          Whatever their particular line of work, successful professionals keep up both with their own fields and with the times.

§          Learn how computing technology is used in your profession.

§          Read trade journals in your industry

§          Participate electronically with special interest newsgroups on the Internet.

b)    Maintain your computer competency

§          Try to stay ahead of the technology.

§          Books, journals, and trade associations are good sources about new technology.

§          Read the general business press – Business Week, Fortune, Inc., The Wall Street Journal, etc.

§          Read some IT magazines – InfoWorld, PC World, MacWorld, etc.

c)     Develop professional contacts

§          Besides being members of professional associations, successful people make it a point to maintain contact with others in their field.

§          Both electronic and “face to face” contacts are important.

d)    Develop specialties

§          Both general skills and special skills are important.

§          Don’t become identified with a specific technological skill that is becoming obsolete.

§          Expect to take additional training throughout your life to stay current and learn new skills

e)     Be alert for organizational change

§          Every organization has both formal and informal (e.g. the grapevine) lines of communication

§          You need to keep in contact with both these lines of communication

§          Watch for new trends in the organization – future hiring, layoffs, etc.

f)      Look for Innovative Opportunities

§          Look for ways to be more efficient – how can procedures be automated?  How can technology make your tasks easier?

§          Approach changes as ways to “save money” rather than “improve information”

§          Concentrate on the business and organizational problems that need solving, then look at the technology needed to solve them.

How to be a WINNER?

To avoid getting left behind, important to realize that life is now becoming a continual learning experience. Many students think “Once I get my degree, I’ll be set.” Important to realize that your education will not stop after high school, your degree from a two-year college, or even your degree(s) from the four-year universities.

Technology is continually changing and we need to change with it or we will get left behind! Sometimes these changes seem to be ruling our lives rather than our controlling our own futures.

Read trade publications; go on line to find out the latest; stay in touch with people in your industry to find out what they know, how they are coping, and what they are doing to stay up-to-date.

Important to develop skills in particular areas – but don’t limit yourself. Those who limit themselves to just Web development or just networking or just programming a particular language may find themselves struggling with the future. Overlap – don’t spread yourself thin, but know enough to be able to jump from one area to another within a specific area. If you’re interested in programming, learn two or three that are related. Know what is coming down the pike so you can easily fit into the next generation.

Web development and networking can work together… remember that the Internet (and the Web) is just a great big network. Know how one works help understand how the other works. Specialize in one, but learn to translate that into understanding the other.

Look for opportunities to improve yourself and to advance yourself. Be careful with whom you talk, but let people know what you do know and what your skills are!