An Information Technology Shortage? The Evidence...
by Dawn Papandrea
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for
information technology
professionals will grow by nearly 50 percent through 2012. That gives computer schools only six years to introduce hundreds of thousands of IT professionals to the business industry. About 1.5 million new computer and IT-related job openings are expected to open. The only problem is, studies report that the United States will have only half of that number filled with declining enrollment in math and science courses.
Companies Strike Back on the information technology Shortage
To address the information technology professional shortage, computer schools are opening doors to incoming students. And companies are supporting the cause. For example, Cisco Systems (a worldwide leader in networking for the Internet) and the Cisco Networking Academy Program are teaming up to promote IT careers in the United States. With perks and arrangements like Job Shadow Days, NetWork Strategic Recruiting Events, and All-Academy Days, Cisco, as well as various other computer-related companies, is hoping to prepare for the future of IT. As they lure new students to graduation with IT degrees, they're also offering employees extra training so they can be at the top of their IT games as changes occur.
"The main focus of the Promoting IT Careers initiative is to raise awareness of the need for IT professionals, position Cisco Networking Academy Program students for the best chance at employment, and provide Cisco partners and customers with a skilled selection of IT workers to help their business grow," explains Gene Longo, senior manager of Cisco Networking Academy Program Field Operations in United States and Canada. "The initiative underscores the Cisco Networking Academy Program's commitment to provide access to the knowledge-based economy for students of all backgrounds, enabling them to further their educational and occupational goals, while keeping America competitive in the global economy."
So what does this mean for computer schools? As information technology students jump at the opportunity to be a part of a growing industry, computer schools will be bombarded with enrollment. Are you interested in joining the lucrative field and becoming part of the solution to the IT professionals shortage?
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