Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
high starting salaries. In addition, students are increasingly completing business degrees with
a global or international orientation. Skills that some experts believe are important for IS
workers to have include the following:
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1. Machine learning
2. Mobilizing applications
3. Wireless networking
4. Human-computer interface
5. Project management
6. General networking skills
7. Network convergence technology
8. Open-source programming
9. Business intelligence systems
10. Embedded security
11. Digital home technology integration
12. Languages, including C#, C++, and Java
The IS job market in the early 2000s was tight. Many jobs were lost in U.S. companies
as firms merged, outsourced certain jobs overseas, or went bankrupt. Today, demand for IS
Labor Statistics predicts that many technology jobs will increase through 2012 or beyond.
Today, the median salary for IS personnel is almost $80,000, while the average IS manager
as an IS professional.
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Table 2.5
Best Places to Work as an IS
Professional
Source:
Brandel, Mary, “Best
Places to Work in IT 2007,” Comput-
erworld, June 18, 2007, p. 34.
Company
Description
Quick Loans
The Internet loan company offers many training opportunities and has excellent
promotion practices, benefits, and high retention.
University of Miami
The university is highly rated for diversity. It has good training and career
development.
Sharp Health Care
The company has a training budget for IS professionals of about $3,500 annually per
person. About half of its managers are women.
The Capital Groups Companies
This investment management firm has a low turnover rate for IS professionals.
The company has a reputation for business managers working closely with IS
professionals.
The Mitre Corporation
This is a nonprofit organization started at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
(MIT). The organization has good work/life balance programs with flextime,
part-time work, and telecommuting.
BAE Systems, Inc.
This large defense company offers many opportunities for IS professionals to work
on the latest technologies and computer systems. The company has a training
budget for IS professionals of about $30 million.
General Mills, Inc.
As a maker of such brands as Green Giant and Betty Crocker, the company has a
successful “Women in IS” program that helps women advance in their IS careers.
The company also has an IS Manager's forum that helps IS managers with global
issues, project management, and recruitment issues.
University of Pennsylvania
The university offers an excellent child-support program for its IS workers, including
its Baby Prep 101 seminar. The university also offers other programs and seminars,
including retirement planning.
Anheuser-Busch Companies
This popular brewer offers good vacation programs for its IS professionals. Eligible
employees also get free beer or nonalcoholic beverages every month.
Fairfax County Public Schools
This large public school system helps young IS professionals advance in their
careers by offering the IT Leadership Development Cohort Program. The school
also gives out a number of awards, like the Going The Extra Mile award.
