Answers to this question will depend on the organization type. If you are into purely IT organization (i.e. Software development) then the prioritization in technology is absolutely correct. But if we’re talking about IT divisions in other organizations (i.e. large manufacturing firms, FMCG, etc) then the priority will be changed. Since entire technology now in era of transforming into SaS and cloud base architecture I think it will be much better to have skills in that area. Because IT divisions is seeking for IT professionals who have set of skills in SaS and cloud.
Here are the IT skills that will be in demand in 2012 according to Computerworld’s annual Forecast survey:
- Programming and Application Development – This covers the gamut from website development to upgrading internal systems and meeting the needs of mobile users.
- Project Management (but with a twist) – The twist is that companies are not going to just be looking for people who can oversee and monitor projects. They also want people who can identify users’ needs and translate them for the IT staffers – the increasingly popular business analysts.
- Help Desk/Technical Support – Mobile operating systems have added a new dimension to help desk and tech support.
- Networking – This demand is being fueled partially by virtualization and cloud computing projects. The survey also revealed that execs will be looking for people with VMware and Citrix experience.
- Business Intelligence – A shift in many companies, from cost savings to investing in technology. That will be nice if it pans out that way.
- Data Center – Virtualization and the Cloud could also be behind the increased need for IT professionals with backgrounds in data center operations and systems integration.
- Web 2.0 – Tech skills centered on social media will be in demand, with .Net, AJAX and PHP as key back-end skills, with HTML, XML, CSS, Flash and Javascript, among others, on the front end.
- Security – Security stays a top concern.
- Telecommunications – The survey indicates a demand for people with IP telephony skills, and for those familiar with Cisco IPCC call center systems.
- Mobile – The future is heading mobile. Skills in the various OS systems as well as HTML5
Besides hard skill, I would also list soft skill and the ability to align and connect with business. At the end we need to deliver to the business and add value. Understanding business strategy and processes are important.
What do you think?
I think you’re damn right….