IT Resource Center The Changing IT Landscape

Focus on Positioning your IT Career during this Buyers Market

April 19, 2002

Recent survey data suggests that IT professional salaries have actually declined from the peaks of the 90's. The economy is slowly and steadily rebounding, giving rise to corporate health. Yet employers are not yet coming back to their IT capital expenditure norms. The CIO's we talk to say their bosses are still looking for on-going development in IT infrastructure to support continuous improvement in business processes. The good news for the IT Manager is the opportunity to leverage the IT budget by keeping a keen eye on human capital expenditures. For the IT professional, especially the IT Consultant, it is time for positioning your career in terms of stability, skill development and involvement in projects with market appeal. The "Kiss of Death" in the foreseeable future goes to those IT professionals who focus on top dollar.

It isn't wise to look at taking a lower rate as personal or think the company, the manager or the consulting firm you work for is taking advantage of you. It is the nature of business today as a result of the trickle down from the broad squeeze on the economy. Use this "salary implosion and stagnation" time to explore different kinds of career advantages such as flextime, telecommuting, skill advancement opportunities, education, and opportunities which create a balance between work and your personal life.

There are many confusing signals going on in this market for the IT Professional and IT Management. Many IT Managers and IT consulting firms we talk to are still struggling to find and retain skilled IT employees, but the current market will still not accommodate those who hold out for top dollar. Attracting top talent through dollars is not an option for most IT managers and consulting firms in today's market. These same managers are often creating environments to attract the best people in other ways. They openly discuss the career or assignment advantages they offer to those IT professionals, who are proactive in taking charge of their own career, by recognizing the signs of the times with a demonstrated willingness to be flexible on compensation. When considering that next move, pay particular attention to the expected life of the technology in the project you will be involved in. Is it strengthening what you want as your core competencies? Is the technology right for this economic climate?

Look at that reduction in hourly rate for that next assignment or that lateral in salary for your next career move as an investment for your future. Focus on your career destination and recognize the road is sometimes straight and sometimes fraught with bumps and curves. The economy is turning around so keep your priorities straight and use today's reality as a springboard to the future.

Bottom line: Don't tie your value to current market rates. Rates will always fluctuate with economic conditions. Instead focus on positioning your career by gaining new skill sets thereby improving your marketability. These market conditions can be ideal for career positioning for those who seize the opportunity.