Preparation is everything
Even technology is changing fast, it is possible for college students to anticipate future job opportunities and prepare for it. One way to do that is to look at current trends and determine how these new technologies when introduced into the business environment, will create demands. Another way is to look at what happens in technology advanced countries to determine when these new technologies will come to your country and what type of jobs they will create.
It is important for college students to spend extra time to follow technology trends to understand how they could influence where the industry is going and be prepared. Today, students are often too busy with so many things. They do not like to read newspapers, magazines, or even websites to follow technology trends and that is why many missed good opportunities because they are not prepared. For example, today the most active areas are the computer gaming area, the mobile and telecommunication areas, and the cloud computing service area. Few years ago, nobody would expect the mobile applications would become hot but today with the popular of smart phones, tablets and interactive media sectors, the demand for workers in these area are higher than ever. With 4G wireless networks, the market to integrate mobile with entertainment and media services is becoming “very hot”. People who can figure out how to update their skills in these areas will find more job opportunities than ever.
Social networking is another hot trend. It is no longer just from friends to friends in Facebook or Twitter but the increasing use of social networking is already having an effect on business. Companies are seeking ways to use it for business communications and enable people to collaborate with others within their company as well as with customers. Although the desire to offer social networking tools is hampered by potential security issues, students who have network security skills, as well as an understanding of how social networking tools can be used effectively will easily get several job offers with higher wages than most.
Students who graduate from college with skills such as programming, and testing would not have problem finding employment in outsourcing companies. There is high demand in this market as the amount of outsourcing continues to increase due to the critical skills shortage in the U.S and Europe.
The business environment for IT workers today is much more complex than it was just a few years ago. Globalization continually introduces new competitors, new suppliers, and new customers to business areas, which puts more pressure on company owners to stay competitive. The amount of information exchange by networking and communications technologies makes everyday business more demanding and intense. IT workers have to figure out how to bring more value to their companies with new technologies and new skills. Technical skills are not enough, workers need “soft skills,” or the abilities to communicate, write, speak, give presentations, and work with customers. More jobs are opening for IT workers that have those skills than ever. A company owner said: “If you graduate with both technical skills and soft-skills, you can almost get any job in any company.”
The last year in college is a good time to start positioning yourself for future career. If you find a company that you would want to work for then you must try to know someone who works there to get information that you need and let them know that you would like to work there. Most good jobs never been advertised so it depends on who you know, who could let you know when that company is looking for people. Your readiness will help you to get a job interview even the company has not advertised it. Preparing is everything. Never wait until graduate then go to find job. It is too late. You must start now.
Sources
- Blogs of Prof. John Vu, Carnegie Mellon University
