Saturday, April 9, 2011

Your Future & Information Technology

How to Cope with Information Technology Outsourcing

IT workers in the U.S. are already witnessing some impacts of IT outsourcing, but the future impacts will possibly be even greater. What can you do to prepare? Consider the following ideas:
  • Don't Panic - The prospect of job searches or career changes can be quite stressful to Information Technology workers. IT students may understandably begin to question their choice of career. However, the more stress and worry a person takes on, paradoxically the more difficult it becomes to successfully reach their career goals.
  • Don't Wait for The Upturn - So-called experts predicted a sharp upturn in the U.S. economy and increase in IT jobs for several years, that largely did not happen. Expect that IT will operate in the current climate with respect to outsourcing for the foreseeable future.
  • Become a Generalist - Years ago in Information Technology, specialization was king. Those with the heaviest technical backgrounds and loftiest job titles, like Enterprise Architects, commanded the highest salaries. Nowadays, a person is much better positioned if they are skilled in multiple areas of both technology and the business side of IT. Flexibility is king.
  • Look to Smaller Organizations - Fortune 500 companies will primarily pursue offshoring ventures but smaller firms less so. Outsourcing creates a substantial amount of overhead before the gains kick in, and small companies can't afford to pay that price for the foreseeable future.
  • Start Your Own Business - Uncertain economic times, and occasions of industry change, are often the best ones for starting a new business, due to lower prices for capital, less competition, and the natural emergence of big new market opportunities. All it takes is an entrepenurial attitude and a few good ideas.



How You Can Be Successful in 2011
  • There is no reason that you should NOT be successful. Yes, we’ve heard it before, but you actually have to believe it. Instead of thinking “Ugh, I don’t want to be broke, alone, unsuccessful, (fill in the blank)!” You may find it more useful to choose to focus on what you do want and what you do value in your life.

  • Your Actions must follow your thoughts and feelings. Thinking and feeling that you will be successful is essential. It is critical that you take action to put yourself in situations that will create your success. Create new plans, choose a new direction, call someone who you think may be able to help you. The important thing is to keep in mind that you really haven’t tried everything (even if you may think you have). It’s normal to reach a road block, the key is in finding a new way around it and pressing on.

  • You must Gain support and revisit what has worked in the past. One thing I’ve noticed is that apathy is on the rise. It can sneak up on you and keep you frozen. If you suspect you may have taken a back seat in your own drive to personal and professional success, you might try talking to a trusted friend about your concerns and goals, and new ways to approach both.

  • However, the best approach may be to find a mentor to help you objectively look at your goals and priorities, develop a strategy, point you in the right direction, and help hold you accountable for your success.
 



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