The computer/Internet business has never been better! While some worry about what MIGHT happen when the millennium arrives, it's hard to miss the reality of what actually IS happening... The strongest and longest period of economic prosperity to come along in decades. Historically low unemployment along with the explosive growth of Internet technology has created an unprecedented demand for workers with technical skills.

Internet development and computer consulting companies are, of course, in the forefront of this boom. There are more jobs than experienced people and many companies are having trouble finding or keeping people. The Internet boom has created demand for technical people in other industries as well. Advertising agencies, publishing, education, and retail sales are but a few of the industries that are hiring large numbers of Internet people. Many traditional non-computer companies now have web departments to maintain their company websites, intranets, or e-commerce sites.

There are more jobs than experienced people and many companies are having trouble finding or keeping people.

Experienced technical workers are being lured by other companies and headhunters by offers of higher salaries and benefits. It's not unheard of for a worker to simply quit his job and take a vacation, confident of his ability to get a new, higher paying job when he decides to go back to work.

This shortage is a real problem to corporations. Many are forced to pay top dollar for the technical people they need to implement exciting Internet technologies so important to today's companies. Paying top money sometimes is not enough as employees seem to leave for unknown reasons, frustrating employers.

What are companies doing to find and hold technical employees? Of course, competitive salaries are important, but not the only factor in keeping workers. Benefits such as health care, retirement plans, and even signing bonuses add value to the workers package, but at high costs to the employer.

Some companies find ways to build company loyalty by clever and sometimes inexpensive ways. Stock options are a way to give workers a real stake in the company. By giving a certain amount of shares over time, the employee is enticed to stay. The employees hope their options might someday pay off much like those originally associated with Microsoft. Sales incentives, productivity bonuses, or employee award programs are relatively inexpensive considering the cost of hiring new employees.

Companies sometimes overlook other, non-financial incentives. Communication between management and employees is very important. Sometimes what is left unsaid in a company can lead to rumors and discontent among employees for no reason. Employees that are regularly informed, and better yet, allowed to contribute their ideas, feel like they can make a difference. A few companies actually have mentoring programs to guide employees and offer a path to advancement and increased responsibility.

Keeping in touch with people you know is the single most important way to stay informed about what's happening your industry or to hear about a new job.

Get in on the Action!

So, how can you get in on these exciting career opportunities? If you're already a computer professional, you know your skill set, and are probably comfortable with your job. If you've been at the same company for a while, you might be surprised at other opportunities that may be presently available. Looking at new opportunities can also be a wakeup call. Qualifying for the next level of a well paid higher level technical job may require new skills you've possibly neglected to learn. Even if you're not looking for a change, it's a good idea to keep up to date with the current technologies that companies are looking for.

Maybe you've gotten a few calls from headhunters, scanned the online job sites, or searched the online newspaper want ads. Don't forget about the most basic and effective job search technique… NETWORKING! Keeping in touch with people you know is the single most important way to stay informed about what's happening your industry or to hear about a new job.

How can a newcomer get into the computer business?

There's plenty of room for newcomers in the Internet computer business. Before you think about becoming a computer geek, you might want to do a little soul searching to see if it's right for you.

Most technical computer people have a few things in common.

1. Most pros are in this business because they love fooling around with computers.... not because of the money or some computer course they've taken.

2. Learning new skills is essential to keep up with fast developing technologies. Successful programmers think learning new things is cool, and they learn on their own.

3. Computers take a patient person. It's not uncommon, even for an experienced pro, to spend hours on a problem until it's solved.

Most pros are in this business because they love fooling around with computers.

There are many good computer careers such as networking, conventional programming, security, and others, but let's talk about the Internet business.

Computer jobs are more than anything judged by skill sets and experience. Not so much years but rather examples and scope of your past work.

Website creation takes a variety of skilled people. Any one area can be a successful career, and many talented people make themselves valuable by know a variety of these skill sets. No one, of course, will know them all, but the more you know, the better.

Designers
Artists that create computer art for Internet.
Skill Sets: Know Adobe PhotoShop, Illustrator, Director, other graphics software.
Training and Experience: Good portfolio, many have Art degrees or Art training, know how to lay out websites.

Developers
Build Web sites and make them work.
Skill Sets: HTML, (write code, not just use FrontPage or other WYSIWYG editor)
JavaScript, Java Applets, DHTML, ASP, Flash, PhotoShop, Browser compatibility, Search engine techniques, Graphics optimization. Training and Experience: good portfolio and experience, experienced with professional projects, know HTML very well and other skill sets as well.

Web Application Developers/Programmers
HTML, Databases, SQL, JavaScript, Java, ASP, VBScript, C++, Visual Basic, other programming languages. Network Admin, Web Servers, UNIX, security, etc.
Advanced web programmers/developers/administrators are in VERY high demand!

Currently, a very high demand skill is JAVA programming.

Production, Sales, Management, Marketing, Copy writers, etc.
A wide variety of other positions are needed in high tech companies. Many times these careers may be transferable from other industries. For example, a production person from the publishing industry may have a lot to offer an Internet development company.

How can you get some of these skill sets?
Somehow, you've got to know some skills, and then get some on the job experience. Of course, a degree in computer science, or a certification is terrific, but even a computer course is a good start. Be sure you have a usable skill set, not just a diploma. A course in HTML is no good if you can't actually build a web page. Many computer pros are self taught, and the good ones keep learning all the time. Many combine course study and self learning with on the job experience.

Getting the job.

Interviewing can give you valuable insights into what skills the industry is looking for and how you fit in.

The high tech job search can be intimidating to the newcomer. You'll find a lot of opportunity out there, but you'll need to convince someone to give you a chance. Don't get discouraged by the first few companies you talk to. Interviewing can give you valuable insights into what skills the industry is looking for and how you fit in. Each company needs different skills and may have varying job titles for the same job.

Don't be afraid to get an entry level job and learn all you can. If you're switching careers, work part time and continue with your old job until you get established. Perhaps you could start by answering phones, get into tech support, and then move into building web pages, for example. Keep learning, work hard, and you can move up real fast... in less than a year.

Some more tips? Tell the truth about your skills... they'll find out in a hurry what you can do. Don't expect a company to train you. They want people that can do it now. You must constantly learn on your own in this business. That's not to say that many good companies will not have ongoing education... some will. Don't expect that computer course you took 15 years ago to get you a job. Conventional degrees are certainly helpful but in the computer biz they're looking for skill sets.

Keep learning, work hard, and show up on time. They need talented people in the computer/Internet field and you might as well be one of them!

iBiz 

Rick Johnson is a web developer at Risdall Linnihan Advertising. He can be reached at rick@risdall.com.