in Opportunities IT exist across a broad range of
industriesfinancial services, retail, libraries and schools, or just about any organization
that has a website or is required to exchange or store information. In fact, despite the technology
sector downturn and the outsourcing trend, the Department of Commerce reported last year that IT
professions are among the fastest growing and highest paying jobs in the economy. You may have to
work a little harder to find and get the job you want, but you can still find good opportunities.
Careers in Information Technology
Careers/Job Search
Careers in
Information Technology
Turn to this WetFeet Insider Guide to explore
Current trends affecting the industry and their impact on job seekers.
How the industry breaks down and where IT professionals can find work outside of the technology
industry.
Detailed descriptions of main IT functions, such as creative, engineering, support, and marketing.
A typical day in the life of a director of engineering, a UI designer, a technology consultant, and
more.
The lifestyle, hours, and compensation you can expect from an IT career.
What industry professionals like and dislike about the work.
Whos likely to succeed and how to impress your interviewers.
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Table of Contents
Information Technology at a Glance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
The Role . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Opportunity Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
The Bottom Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Trends in the Field. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Breakdown of Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
On the Job . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Creative Positions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Engineering Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Support Positions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Sales, PR, and Marketing Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Real People Profiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
The Workplace. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Lifestyle and Culture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Vacations and Perks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Career Path. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Insider Scoop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Getting Hired. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
The Recruiting Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Skills and Education. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Certification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Interviewing Tips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Preparing for Your Interview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Grilling Your Interviewer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Getting Grilled. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
For Your Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
IT Lingo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Recommended Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Job Boards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Certification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
At a Glance
Information Technology
at a Glance
Opportunity Overview
The majority of IT workers work for non-IT companies. Job opportunities
exist in every industry, from the U.S. government, to the Red Cross, to the
bank down the street.
Paid internships and co-op positions are available at larger companies but are
reserved mostly for engineering students and MBA candidates; most can lead
to permanent, full-time positions.
Specialized recruiting and placement firms assist midcareer candidates in finding new positions. Almost all companies recruit directly through their websites.
Many positions are available on a contract or part-time basis. Some contracts
lead to full-time permanent employment after 3 months to a year. Other contracts are for specific projects and end when the project is done.
Major Pluses about IT Careers
Information technologists tend to be well compensated. Average hourly earnings for IT workers are more than twice the average hourly wage for all private
industry, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Continuing education is encouraged and is often subsidized by the employer.
Nontraditional work arrangements such as telecommuting and teleworking
create a flexible work environment.
IT professionals work in a dynamic and challenging environment. Learning
new skills is part of the job.
Major Minuses about IT Careers
The hours are long. Late nights and weekend hours are not uncommon.
Technology changes constantly and rapidly. Personal time is often lost to
keeping up.
1
At a Glance
The job market is tough now: Competition is intense, and benefits are not as
extravagant as they were a few years ago.
The environment can be high pressure.
Repetitive stress injury to the hands and arms from the use of computer keyboards and mice is a health concern.
Recruiting Overview
Companies recruit recent graduates and MBAs at campus career fairs or at
trade shows and conferences throughout the year.
Companies look at intern or co-op experience when selecting their first choice
interviews. Many companies will give hiring priority to their own interns and
co-ops.
New college graduates will be most marketable with a minor or double major
in a field that complements the industry they want to join.
A well-planned job search begins when you declare your major. Research the
job market and decide what type of company you want to target. This research
will help you select and focus on classes. A successful job search does not
begin second semester senior year, as one insider says. You cant start then
and expect to be competitive anymore.
2
The Role
The Role
Opportunity Overview
The Bottom Line
Trends in the Field
Breakdown of Industries
3
Opportunity Overview
The Role
Information technology (IT) means different things to different people. A
software engineer at a technology firm will tell you that the IT department sits in
the back of the office and that you should go see them (not me!) with your
desktop support issue. That said, a census worker would laugh at the distinction
hardware, software, support: Its all IT. At its broadest definition, information
technology is an umbrella term that describes all fields that relate to the organization and dissemination of information: from the worker who lays cable wires
to the telephone switchboard operator to the engineer who designs the circuits in
your computer. In this guide, when we refer to IT, were talking about computerrelated fields: hardware, software, and the people who support and use those
products. However, keep in mind that just because IT is computer-related, doesnt
mean that a job in the field is necessarily with a computer-intensive company.
In fact, the majority of IT services jobs today are in fields that have little to do
with high tech. What this means for you, the job seeker, is that opportunities
are not limited to one industry but cross a wide variety of industries. This translates into more jobs available for IT specialists than for many other professions.
Information technology plays an integral role in asset management, communication, and branding in every field. An Oracle database can contain taxonomists
specie information (e.g., a database of newts would contain all known species
along with the history and habitat of each), bank records, or retail inventories.
E-mail, instant messaging, and mailing lists allow people and companies to
exchange information quickly. Corporate health-care policies are always a click
away on the intranet, and that cheese that you can only find in Wisconsin is
available now, through a well-designed online order form. Today, information
4
technology facilitates the production, storage,
and distribution of informationa role traditionally assigned to clerical workers across all
industries. In fact, over the last 10 years, clerical
8.4 percent, while overall productivity has
expanded.
Information technology is so entrenched in
our daily lives that we are often unaware of
People who dont
want to be in this
industry have left.
In some ways, its
a nicer place to be.
People arent in it
for the money in the
way they used to be.
The Role
employment in the United States has dropped
the job opportunities spread across industries.
Schools use computers for online learning and as part of the education curriculum. In a world where students learn keyboarding in addition to writing and
spelling, workers are needed in IT curriculum development and teaching. Nonprofits
need people to build websites, databases, and online donation systems. Businesses
need people to build intranets, websites, and e-commerce sites. Schools, governments, and businesses alike invest in hardware and software and people to support those systems. Intel and Cisco might not be hiring as many new people this
year, but the library is still looking for a database manager.
Todays economy is riddled with uncertainty. Since January 2000, as many as 10
percent of the leading Internet companies that received formal venture funding
closed their doors. A recent Computerworld survey reports that 70 percent of IT
departments have dropped or delayed especially innovative projects in the
past 2 years, mainly due to budget cuts, and that nearly 25 percent of surveyed
IT workers have concerns about job stability. Thirty-seven percent of workers
reported that their work environment was stressful.
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers reports that the number
of computer-related jobs in the United States dropped from 2.98 million in
5
2003 to 2.96 million in the second quarter of 2004a trend blamed on one of
the industrys most hotly contested issues, outsourcing. Even financially healthy,
non-IT intensive businesses are spending less on computers and peripherals;
prices for these technology goods are declining. You might wonder: Is a job in
The Role
IT a mistake?
Though the trends may sound bleak, they dont reflect a decrease in the use of
information technology. In fact, because hardware prices declined more steeply
than investment, the seemingly dismal trends actually reflect growth. The computer
infrastructure is growing, as is the need for new software and new people to
program and service equipment. In June 2003, the Department of Commerce
reported that IT professions are among the fastest growing and highest paying
jobs in the economy. A 200405 Bureau of Labor Statistics report claims that
the software publishing industry is the most rapidly growing sector of the economy, predicted to grow by more than 68 percent between now and 2012. Despite
the downturn in IT-intensive industries, there is still demand for highly skilled
technical workers, particularly in nontechnical economic sectors
IT workers comprise a wide spectrum of ages and backgrounds. Whether youre
a recent college graduate with a BA in computer science or an MBA looking to
get involved with a new technology firm or product, the possibilities for growth
and employment are as numerous and varied as the fish in the sea. You may
need to cast a line out to catch onethe family business thats looking to hire
an e-commerce manager will most likely not recruit on your college campus
but the jobs are there, and the field is growing.
6
The Bottom Line
The Role
Recent layoffs and the economic downturn have had a tremendous effect on
the IT workforce. Contractors grumble about falling rates, employees worry
about their job security. Its an employers job market now. You cant show up
for an interview unprepared or expect to see the swanky deals that made headlines a couple years ago. Todays hiring packages for IT workers are more standard: Relocation expenses, extra vacation, and perks like free food and soda are
not necessarily a part of the deal. The competition can be tough, and its important to differentiate yourself. Unpaid or underpaid internships can make a huge
difference on your resume. Good references and work history are necessities.
The industry is becoming more consolidated, a seasoned insider says. People
who dont want to be in this industry have left. In some ways, its a nicer place
to be. People arent in it for the money in the way they used to be.
There may be more competition for entry-level jobs this year, starting salaries
and the vacation and benefit packages may not be quite as enticing as they were
a few years ago, but information technology is still a field rife with opportunity.
Because technology is always improving, and computers are becoming faster,
more powerful, and less expensive, companies will continue to invest in new
and to replace obsolete capital.
7
The Role
Trends in the Field
Comply, Comply, Comply
IT professionals call it an onslaught; the federal government calls it regulation.
Regardless, the deadlines for companies to conform to federally set information regulationsspecified in the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the Health Insurance
Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), for exampleare fast approaching.
Corporate executives face jail time if their companies fail to comply with the
law, and IT administrators are struggling to put vast new IT systems into place.
All companies valued at more than $75 million must be able to demonstrate
that their internal controls and audit trails are sound. Document management,
e-mail archiving, transaction surveillance, and disaster recovery must all meet
new standards of security and accountability.
Big IT firms such as Microsoft and PeopleSoft have entered the new compliance
field, and numerous consulting services, such as OpenPages and Paisley Consulting, now offer specialized compliance solutions. In addition, many large firms
have created a new senior IT position: the chief compliance officer (CCO) to
oversee compliance issues. The scope of the current regulations may be vast,
insiders agree, but additional regulations will certainly follow.
IT Everywhere
Over the past year and despite economic uncertainty, businesses have gradually
expanded their use of information technology. The Bureau of Labor Statistics
predicts that the economy will add more than 1 million new software engineering,
8
computer support, and system administrators to the work force by 2010. Software developers and computer service professionals will be in particularly high
demand over the next decade, as companies seek to invest in areas that will
squeeze greater productivity from existing systems.
The Role
Though the recent downturn has been hard on technology-intensive firms, the
need for IT workers is expanding, particularly in fields outside the tech world.
According to a 2001 study by the Information Technology Association of America
(ITAA), 92 percent of IT workers are employed at non-IT companies. Statistics
also show that IT jobs in non-IT industries tend to be less adversely affected by
downturns in the technology industry. Industries such as health care, finance,
and real estate in particular need qualified information technology employees at
all levels to manage data and create and maintain information systems. IT is not
going away. If anything, it continues to be more important and entrenched in
our daily lives.
Play Nice with Others
The oft-romanticized notion of the lone engineer plodding through the night
to create a code masterpiece is more of a myth than a model these days.
Todays IT workers are encouraged to work together. A recent study by the
ITAA revealed that companies ranked interpersonal skills above analytical skills
when considering employees for advancement.
New IT development philosophies that emphasize teamwork are finding their
way into todays work environments as well. Programmers might well find themselves paired, so that two sit side by side at the same machine. One is the driver,
the other an observer. Though it may sound inefficient, its thought that this
practice results in better design, testing, and code. By pairing programmers,
companies also ensure that all work is reviewed by at least one other programmer.
9
In a field with relatively high turnover, having
The Role
To stand out in this
job market, you
need to set yourself
apart by having a
professional package
that demonstrates
technical skills and
outstanding communication. And high
business acumen.
some redundancy in knowledge is beneficial to
everyone. Even in more traditional development
environments, good communication skills have
become increasingly important. One insider says,
To stand out in this job market, you need to set
yourself apart by having a professional package
that demonstrates technical skills and outstanding
communication. And high business acumen.
Diversity in the Workplace?
In a 2003 study, the ITAA shared some statistics about the composition of the
IT workforce: African Americans hold 8.2 percent of overall IT positions, while
Hispanic Americans hold 6.3 percent. Both percentages are disproportionately
low to the population of these groups. This industry has a long way to go in
terms of creating more diverse workplaces, says one insider.
Women continue to be a minority in the IT industry as well, particularly in
upper level management, and studies show that the number of women in IT
is actually decreasing. Between 1996 and 2002, the percentage of women in
the IT workforce fell from 41.0 to 34.9 percent. According to the ITAA study,
women receive only 22 percent of the degrees in engineering and related fields.
I would say that 75 percent of the time I can be the only woman at a table or
at a meeting, an insider says. There are certainly a lot of women working in
the industry and a lot of companies run by women or with strong women leadership, but you have to be able to work within thatthe culture is still more male
than female.
10
Sending Jobs Overseas
Companies tend to minimize their expenses and, when presented with the
option to hire employees for a fraction of the current cost, will likely do so.
Outsourcing, or hiring a foreign firm as a sort of subcontractor, is becoming
The Role
increasingly common in IT-related areas. Last year, 6 percent of the U.S. firms
polled by the ITAA hired foreign companies for IT jobs. Fifteen percent are
considering outsourcing jobs this year, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports
that the economy has moved 4,655 jobs overseas in the first quarter of 2004.
Many job seekers worry that outsourced jobs arent coming back. An offshore
worker cant fix a broken keyboard, but she can program or develop a website.
Though outsourcing is good for workers in India, Russia, and Polandareas
with highly skilled workers and relatively low salariesmany workers in the
United States are not happy about it.
Web Services
Everyone seems to be talking about Web services these days. IBM, Microsoft,
and Sun have elaborate Web service strategies. Businesses speak of Web services with much enthusiasm. But what, exactly, are they? In a nutshell, a Web
service is an Internet application that implements a set of standard protocols,
which allow it to share information with other Web services. Web services perform functionsfrom simple requests (e.g., a stock quote retrieval), to complicated business processes that combine information from multiple sources.
Barnes & Noble, for example, has a Web service that takes an ISBN number
and returns the price of the book. Expect to hear even more about Web services in the coming days.
11
Keep Them Out!
Increasingly, companies are looking for ways to secure their networks from a
host of threats: Worms and viruses might prey on networked systems. War
The Role
drivers (people who cruise around and identify businesses with insecure wireless links) might access networks, or worse, spray paint symbols on the office
building publicly describing how to break in. Remote workers might expose a
company to industrial spies through holes in their less secure remote systems.
The threats are a real and growing concern for companies, and security budgets
have received more attention over the past 2 years than they ever have before.
The demand for IT security experts is on the rise.
12
Breakdown of Industries
The Role
IT workers have penetrated the payroll of companies in every industryfrom
education to manufacturing to real estate, health care, and government. The need
for software developers, computer support specialists, network and system administrators as well as analysts, managers, and researchers continues to grow.
In the broadest terms, IT professionals will work in one of two places: directly
for companies within the various economic sectors (e.g., as a system administrator for a hospital) or for computer and data services companies, which provide
information technology services to firms that do not have adequate in-house
resources. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are more
than 178,000 such technology service providers. These firms tend to offer specialized services, from setting up a corporate website to designing software, to
computer repair and network consulting. The larger firms, Electronic Data
Systems or Computer Sciences, for example, supply IT services to all sectors of
the economy. Smaller firms, such as the American Education Corp, are usually
more specialized.
The relationship between a technology services firm and the company that brings
it in can take several forms, and this makes for foggy lines when determining
where the jobs really are. For example, a retail company might hire a technology
services firm to build an e-commerce site. Once built, the company might choose
to manage and maintain the site in-house or continue to hire the contracting
firm to run the whole show. In general, large companies will have an IT staff,
and smaller companies are more likely to turn to contractors to meet their IT
needs. (Naturally, this is not always true.) Even firms that contract out IT work,
however, still need people to manage the relationship and determine how information technology is and should be used by their firm.
13
Business Services
Business services accounts for nearly half the software development workforce
and the number of developers involved in this area is expected to increase by
The Role
more than 140 percent to 474,495 by 2010. This broad category of work includes
all engineering and technical management and consulting services needed by
businesses. Things like software, communications systems, infrastructure, data
management, and advertising all fall under this umbrella. Ubiquitous and relatively well compensated, IT workers who go into business services can expect
to find a wide variety of opportunities.
Keeping Things Running
The folks who maintain and optimize the business technology infrastructure
represent a significant sector of the information technology workforce. System
administrators and analysts tend to enjoy a relatively higher degree of job stability, as every company that runs a network needs someone to support it. Insiders
say that there is an oversupply of network support people in the market right
now, but the field is predicted to be one of the fastest growing over the next 10
years. The BLS expects that the economy will add about 280,000 of these positions across industries between now and 2010about an 80 percent increase.
Not for people who find it hard to manage stress, as one insider says, this
kind of work can leave you feeling unappreciated. Few people realize that the
last Friday in July is System Administrator Appreciation Day. Dont hold your
breath waiting for gifts.
Market It, Brand It, Make It Look Good
Advertising and branding are more often associated with marketing than with
information technology. But the fact is, most businesses have a website these
days, and if they dont, well, they should probably get on it. Well-designed web-
14
sites incorporate the work of designers, information architects, software and
system engineers, and site managers. Firms like Avenue A/Razorfish and Organic
are famous for working with companies to develop their corporate online presence
(though in the current market, downsizing is also a reality in this corner of the
The Role
industry). Many businesses, from publishers like Chronicle Books to television
networks like MTV keep in-house staffs to manage and develop their websites
as well.
Sell It Now!
Often rolled in with business services is e-business, which encompasses businessto-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) commerce. Even traditional
corporate giants like General Motors and Merrill Lynch are now turning to the
Internet (because it is a low-cost securable platform, and because Internet usage
is wide and still growing) to increase sales. Online selling, or e-commerce, is
growing, despite prognoses that vary from bleak to gushing. Recent reports for
this sector have been positive: According to the U.S. Department of Commerce,
retail e-commerce in the United States hit $15.5 billion in the first quarter of
2004, a 28 percent increase over last year. In Europe, online e-commerce is
expected to rocket from $77 billion in 2001 to $2.2 trillion in 2006.
15
Top Business Services IT Firms
2003
Revenue ($M)
1 Yr.
Change (%)
Employees
BM
89,131
9.8
255,157
Microsoft
32,187
13.5
55,000
Electronic Data Systems
21,475
1
132,000
Sun Microsystems Inc
11,434
8.5
36,100
Computer Sciences
11,347
0.7
90,000
Oracle
9,475
2
40,650
Unisys
5,911
5.4
37,300
Affiliated Computer Svcs.
3,787
23.6
40,000
Computer Assoc. Intl
3,116
5.1
16,000
PeopleSoft
2,267
16.3
12,163
eBay
2,165
78.3
6,200
Sabre Holdings
2,045
0.5
6,200
CGI
2,014
47.3
20,000
Veritas Software
1,747
16
6,518
Yahoo
1,625
70.5
5,500
Perot Systems
1,461
9.7
13,500
EarthLink
1,402
3.3
3,335
Dun & Bradstreet
1,386
8.7
6,100
Compuware
1,375
20.4
9,356
Siebel Systems
1,354
17.2
4,972
BMC Software
1,327
2.9
6,861
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Company
Sources: 2004 Fortune 1000 report; Hoovers; WetFeet research and analysis.
16
Health Care
Health care is the largest single industry in the United States, but it has historically spent only 2 to 3 percent of its total revenue on information technology.
This low investment received quite a bit of attention a few years ago when the
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Y2K bug threatened countless hospital records stored in aging systems. Today,
the need for information technology in the health-care industry has been accepted
and even mandated by the 1996 Health Insurance Portability and Accountability
Act (HIPAA). Though the industry is fraught with debate and financial struggles,
hospitals now look to IT to reduce the cost of administration and improve
patient care, and its predicted that health care will be one of the top industries
for IT growth over the next few years. In July of this year, for example, the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services unveiled a 10-year plan to create a
new health information infrastructure that includes electronic health records for
all Americans and a nationwide network doctors can use to access those records.
In addition to the computer and data services companies listed in the Top IT
Firms for Health Care table, hospitals and integrated health care systems such as
Kaiser Permanente, New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation, Mount
Sinai Health System, and Sisters of Providence Health System are leading IT
employers.
Knowledge Management
Keeping track of medical records is a tremendous job, and one that information
technology is playing an increasing role in. Its not a coincidence that nearly 30
percent of IT workers in the health-care industry identify themselves as directors
of information services. Fueling the need for IT software developers, database
managers, and systems analysts in the health-care industry, HIPAA mandates
that doctors and insurance companies standardize the electronic exchange of
financial and administrative information. This will not only improve adminis-
17
trative efficiency in our health-care system, one insider says, but prevent misuse
of private health information. The HIPAA will also require that nearly all health
care providers update and overhaul existing IT systems. Anyone know a good
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systems analyst?
Research and Development
IT systems and products must be developed with input from IT professionals,
doctors, administrators, and insurance professionals. The process of R&D requires
good communication skills and careful attention to the requirements of the system. (This is true across industries.) Though some of this type of work is done
within health-care institutions, its quite common to see health-care industries
work with outside consultants. Kaiser Permanente, for example, agreed to spend
$1.5 billion over the next 4 years to develop a system with IBM that allows doctors to convert paper records to electronic ones. In June of 2003, IBM announced
that it would also manage the core computing systems of three New York hospitals. The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS)
has a useful website (www.himss.org), which has information about whats going
on in the industry and whos working on it.
18
Top IT Firms for Health Care*
1-Yr.
Change (%)
Employees
2,700 (100)
50
8,000+
Philips Medical Systems
1,933 (32)
13.7
31,000
Electronic Data Systems
1,720 (8)
1.2
135,000
1,550 (27)
10.2
48,000
1,139 (100)
13.4
5,970
ACS Inc
1,018 (24)
1.8
40,000
WebMD
892 (93)
10.7
5,600
843 (6)
2.9
90,000+
840 (100)
7.6
5,100
659 (45)
11.5
13,000
Ingenix
574 (100)
14.8
3,000
Misys Healthcare Systems
467 (100)
13.6
2,600
430 (60)
21.6
1,800
IDX Systems Corp.
399 (100)
14.7
2,100
Per-Se Technologies
334 (100)
5.6
4,800
TriZetto Group
290 (100)
9.5
1,500
MEDITECH
271 (100)
5.7
2,000
First Consulting Group
270 (94)
0.3
2,066
PeopleSoft
261 (12)
16.7
12,000
260 (100)
13.2
2,200
GE Healthcare
Capgemini
McKesson Information Solutions
Computer Sciences Corp.
Cerner Corp.
Perot Systems Corp.
NDCHealth
Concentra, Network Services Div.
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2003 Health
Revenue ($M)**
Company
*Ranked by revenue generated by health-care IT services.
**The parenthetical number represents the percentage of health-care IT revenue to total corporate revenue.
Source: Health Care Informatics 100 (www.healthcare-informatics.com/issues/2004/06_04/100_2004.pdf).
19
Education
Salaries in education tend to be lower than those in other industries. According
to the 2002 Computerworld salary survey, the average salary for nearly every edu-
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cation technology position is about half of what it would be in the financial
services industry. However, if you are willing to compromise on salary, the opportunities in education and information technology can be very rewarding. Last
year, the University of Miami was even ranked one of the top-three workplaces
for IT workers.
Unlike the business services and health-care IT fields, opportunities in IT and
education tend to be with small or privately held companies and universities.
Golden Gate University has a staff of 28 IT professionals, for example. Though
the staff size at many universities and schools is small, when the number of
educational institutions across the country is considered, the extent of the opportunities in IT and education becomes far clearer. Increasingly, business, governments, and universities are turning to online learning programs, and companies
such as SkillSoft, eCollege, Laureate Education Inc, and the American Education
Corp are rising to meet the demand for e-learning tools and content.
Teach from Afar
The field of distance or online or e- learning is growing rapidly. According to the U.S. Department of Education, 84 percent of 2- to 4-year institutions
were expected to offer distance-learning courses in 2002nearly double the 1997
figure. In spite (and perhaps even because) of dwindling education budgets,
online education is rapidly expanding. According to a report presented at the
2003 eLearning summit, the market is expected to swell from $4.5 billion in
2002 to $11 billion by 2005. Even well-known universities are getting involved.
Harvard and Stanford joined forces to offer online continuing education classes,
while MIT announced its Open Courseware plan, with the goal of placing all
courses online in the next 10 years.
20
IT opportunities are not limited to American universities. An e-learning group is
now working with the European Commission to make online learning a reality
in Europe before the end of this year. The U.S. government is also investing in
programs. In July of 2002, the U.S. Department of State, together with SmartForce,
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unveiled a plan to provide online courses on e-mail, Internet, and IT competency
to all 30,000 State Department personnel in more than 250 countries.
Despite the tougher times, the tremendous interest in e-learning will contribute to
the growth of companies that produce learning management systemsplaces
like SmartForce and KnowledgeNet. Universities will also require IT workers to
maintain networks and manage new and often exciting curriculum programs.
The tech department at the University of Miami, for example, is currently exploring a telehealth program, which will provide distance-learning and consulting
services to doctors and clinics in Latin America.
Curriculum Development
Incongruous with the buzz about shrinking IT job possibilities is talk of the
gapIT jobs left unfilled for want of qualified workers. An April 2002 study
conducted by the ITAA reported that hundreds of thousands of IT positions go
unfilled due to a deficit of applicants with the necessary technical skills. Training
a tech-savvy workforce has become a priority at the national level, and the attention has created a need for teachers and curriculum developers. The best way to
make sure that youre up to date on the most current technologies is to develop
curricula to teach those things, an insider says. Theres no better way to learn
than to teach.
Government
Increasingly, federal and state governments and agencies are turning to information technology to facilitate communications, streamline processes (e.g., collecting
21
taxes or renewing a drivers license online), and save tax dollars. As consumers
become more technologically savvy (a Pew Foundation poll found that more
than 40 million Americans went online to look at federal, state, and local government policies in 2002), the government must work to meet the rising expectations
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of its citizenry. The Government Paperwork Elimination Act (1998), for example,
now requires Federal agencies to permit consumers to submit information or
transact business electronically. Agencies like the Department of Labor and the
National Endowment for the Arts now maintain websites, and the U.S. Post
Office is considering a digital identification program to help track and deliver
mail. Creating and maintaining these types of programs requires skilled workers
in all areas of IT, and the need for savvy professionals will continue to grow.
Though many corporate IT budgets are stagnant this year, federal technology
budgets are on the rise. Over the last few years, for example, the Department
of Defenses IT operation and maintenance budget has increased more than 15
percent. This year, the DOD alone has an IT staff of 8,200. Computer specialists
represent the third-largest white-collar federal occupation, and contracting IT
firms, such as Titan and Science Applications International, still have sizeable
federal contracts. This is good news for system administrators and analysts
willing to work for Uncle Sam.
Keeping the Data Safe
Federal funding for information security investments is rising as the government
becomes increasingly concerned for the safety of its systems and information.
In 2002, federal agencies spent $2.7 billion on information security alone. The
Office of Management and Budget expects that number to rise to $4.7 billion
before the end of this year.
The federal government is anxious to invest in security and recruit skilled security
professionals. In 2000, in fact, the federal government created the Cybercorps
22
program, designed to help train IT security professionals. The program, aimed at
midcareer professionals, provides up to 2 years of scholarship funding to study
information security. In return, scholarship recipients are obligated to work an
equal amount of time for the federal government.
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Those interested in a career in information security have other education options
as well. A great number of certificate programs promise a substantial return for
each dollar invested (see For Your Reference for more information). Many
universities also offer advanced degrees in the field. One insider suggests checking
out www.nsa.gov, where the National Security Agency maintains a list of schools
deemed excellent in information assurance education.
During economic downturns, a federally funded position may prove more stable
and even more financially rewarding than a corporate one. According to a 2003
Computerworld survey, government IT defense workers received a 5 percent raise,
despite the fact that most salaries remained unchanged for the year.
Finance
Theres good news for those who choose to work amidst the hustle and bustle
of the financial world: Finance IT workers are almost always compensated more
highly than IT workers in other economic sectors. In 2003, for example, IT
workers in the financial and banking sectors consistently earned more than the
average salary across all sectors. And if a higher salary alone is not enough to
convince you, perhaps the fact that the sector tends to be relatively stable will
help. A 2003 survey on Jobsinthemoney.com reports that the economic environment in the majority of surveyed financial firms has held steady or even improved
over the last yearreassuring news in uncertain economic times.
IT opportunities in the finance sector are well compensated, and the work environment can be excellent. Numerous financial firms placed in Computerworlds
23
2003 list of top workplaces for IT workers. The credit card company Discover,
which employs nearly 2,000 IT workers, placed in the top ten, while MasterCard
and the Vanguard Group along with more than half a dozen insurance agencies
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also placed in the top 100.
Super Systems
Security experts and systems administrators and managers prepare! The finance
industry depends on large information systems that have a constant need for
maintenance and updates. Currently, for example, MasterCard and Visa along
with a number of associated network providers are updating their electronic
transaction systems to the triple data encryption standard (DES), an encryption
method that is very difficult to break. Though costly, system updates such as
this are necessary to ensure the safety of transmitted information and to maintain consumer confidence. In a world where the next BugBear virus (which was
targeted at financial institutions, by the way) is just around the corner, there will
always be a need for good security and systems people.
Working Together
As financial agencies try to squeeze more from IT budgets, optimizing existing
infrastructures has become a priority, as has the need for good system integrators
and administrators. In 2002, Bank One in Chicago hired more than a thousand
people to help consolidate its disparate financial systems. In early 2003, the
NASDAQ Stock Market announced plans to consolidate dozens of systems
and networks as well. As financial institutions grow, often through acquisition,
they tend to acquire incompatible or redundant systems. Simplifying and streamlining these systems improves overall efficiency and ultimately saves money. An
employee who can help a company save money is always desirable, regardless
of the current economic conditions.
24
Top Firms for IT Workers in the Financial Sector
1-Yr.
Change (%)
Employees
Citigroup
94,713
2.3
259,000
Bank of America
49,006
5.7
133,549
J.P. Morgan Chase & Co
44,363
2.3
110,453
Wells Fargo
31,800
11.7
140,000
Wachovia Corp
24,474
3.7
86,670
Electronic Data Systems
21,476
0.1
132,000
Bank One Corp
20,724
3
71,196
U.S. Bancorp
14,571
5.5
51,377
MBNA
11,684
12
28,000
National City Corp
9,594
9.9
33,331
SunTrust Banks
7,072
6
27,578
First Data
8,400
10
29,000
Unisys
5,911
5.4
37,300
Affiliated Computer Services
3,787
23.6
40,000
BearingPoint
3,139
32.6
15,300
SunGard Data Systems
2,955
14
10,000
Fiserv
3,034
18
21,700
DST Systems
1,725
27.6
11,400
Equifax
1,225
10.5
4,600
Intuit
1,582
16.4
6,700
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2003
Revenue ($M)
Company
Sources: 2004 Fortune 1000 report; Hoovers; WetFeet analysis and research.
25
Conclusion
The preceding list of industries is in no way complete. Much like the dark hand
of Mordor, IT reaches every corner of the economy (though of course, infor-
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mation technology helps, not controls, us all . . .). Nearly 9 percent of computer
engineers work in manufacturing. Who else would write the software and operating systems that run on cell phones or car electronics? The manufacturing,
transportation, insurance, and real estate industries employ IT workers in many
of the capacities mentioned above. When you get right down to it, its easier to
be than to avoid an IT worker.
26
On the Job
Creative Positions
Engineering Positions
On the Job
Support Positions
Sales, PR, and Marketing Positions
Real People Profiles
27
Weve broken down some common IT jobs into four main categories: creative,
engineering, support, and sales, PR, and marketing. The categories are by no
means definitive. Though weve placed Web developer in the creative category,
for example, companies often hire developers in engineering departments. And
technical writers are found on IT support as well as engineering teams. However,
the distinctions are useful when looking at the types of jobs and the experience
required of each.
Regardless of the type of IT position you are applying for, one rule holds true:
Employers most often seek applicants with relevant technical experience in the
application and a 4-year college degree. For the new job seeker, the preference
On the Job
for experience can be problematic. However, some types of work and some
types of workplaces have lower barriers to entry than others.
28
Creative Positions
The image of the engineer whose art consists of hundreds of lines of optimized
code has been depicted so often that many people forget that art and technology
intersect in other compelling ways. Those with good communication abilities,
strong visual design skills, and a knack for numbers might find one of the more
creative IT positions a good match. These jobsfrom the industrial designer
who conceptualizes new products, to the Web designer who creates the look
On the Job
and feel of a websiteare ideal for people looking to satisfy both analytical
and artistic needs.
IT creatives, like their engineering and support counterparts, need to have strong
technical skills. However, a degree in an IT-related field is rarely a requirement.
Instead, job seekers should have a strong portfolio, which demonstrates skill
and sensibilities. For those just starting out, building this portfolio becomes a
priority and volunteering for design projects is often a great way to start. Many
creative positions require the use of toolsPhotoShop and Flash for a Web
developer or computer-aided industrial design applications for an industrial
designer. To be successful, IT creatives must know their applications well and
keep current with each new release.
Recent college grads learn the ropes with entry-level positions such as assistant
designer, developer, or producer. Though some of the responsibilities are not
glamorous (I spent 2 hours a day archiving content, one insider says) and may
feel more administrative than creative at times, the work experience is a prerequisite for advancement.
For those looking to switch focusfrom a Web producer to a Web designer,
for instanceprevious work experience and familiarity with the industry will
29
prove invaluable. Though it is unlikely that you can make a purely lateral shift,
many people slip in and out of different creative roles throughout their careers.
In fact, a record of varied experience can be quite useful when applying for some
of the more senior positions. A user interface designer, for example, should
have a strong knowledge of both Web production and design, and some work
experience in each of those areas looks very good on a resume.
Industrial Designer
Degree requirements: BFA or certification with portfolio
On the Job
Job description: Though there is at times a degree of blue-sky freedom for
industrial designers, who might be asked to conceptualize totally new products
from a blank slate, industrial designers just as often have to balance market
research, customer needs, production budgets, and corporate image. There is
some cross-pollination in this position, but generally industrial designers specialize in product genres such as toasters, keyboards, and so forth. A good deal of
the design work is done on the computer via specialized computer-aided industrial design (CAID) applications. Designers often work in their own department,
reporting immediately to a team leader and ultimately to a product manager.
Salary range: $38,000 to $47,000, entry level
30
Modeler/Artist/Designer
Degree requirements: BFA with portfolio
Job description: Working within a team of artists and reporting to a project
manager, a 3D modeler and artist specializes in taking rough designs and realizing them in 3D modeling and rendering applications such as 3D Studio Max,
Maya, and Lightwave. This position doesnt always provide a lot of creative leeway, but it can lead to positions with more design responsibility. It also requires
a high level of computer savvylocking up the computer during a day-long
render is a no-no.
On the Job
Salary range: $31,000 to $42,000, entry level
Producer
Degree requirements: BA or MBA
Job description: The producer acts as both the nerve center and lightning rod.
For projects such as entertainment software, the producer is like the director of
a movie, setting the tone as well as the overall look and feel and taking responsibility for the final version. All the art, content, administrative, and other decisions
go through the producerit can be stressful but rewarding when it works. The
producer still has to report to someone, and in this case its the product manager,
who is in charge of commercial concerns.
Salary range: $65,000 to $82,000
31
User Interface Developer/Designer
Degree requirements: BA with portfolio
Job description: To do this job, you must be able to synthesize design with
business and marketing strategy. A good interface developer has a strong understanding of the technologies behind the designs. An ability and desire to work
with teams and present solutions to colleagues and clients is also important.
Salary range: $72,000 to $100,000, senior
On the Job
Web Developer
Degree requirements: BA
Job description: Web developers are masters of HTML, and they know how to
create Web pages that will look good in any browser on any platform. In addition
to knowing applications like PhotoShop, Illustrator, and Flash, a Web developer
understands databases, JavaScript, XML, and how to work with both designers
and engineers. Tight deadlines can make this work tough at times, but for those
who love to work with rapidly evolving tools and challenges, this job is ideal.
Salary range: $55,000 to $76,000
Webmaster
Degree requirements: BA
Job description: Smaller companies, in particular, tend to roll the areas of Web
architecture, design, implementation, and management into one position: the
webmaster. Webmasters may even be responsible for content creation and
editing. If you hold this job, prepare to know and do a little bit of everything.
Salary range: $52,000 to $76,000
32
Engineering Positions
The majority of IT jobs fall into what weve classified as engineering positions.
In fact, according to the Information Technology Association of America, the
most common type of IT job is programmer, with approximately 2.1 million
positions. Compared to other IT workers, programmers, software engineers,
QA engineers, hardware engineers, tech writers, and database administrators
tend to have the most extensive technical backgrounds, often holding at least a
On the Job
4-year college degree in computer science or a related discipline.
For those interested in breaking into the engineering world, knowing todays
hot skillsJava, Linux, SQL Software, C and C++, Oracle, and Windows NT
is important, but in the end, not as attractive to hirers as a strong foundation of
IT knowledge. Experience is highly valued as well, and co-op and work-study
programs will give students a leg up after graduation. Those seeking entry-level
programming jobs might find larger firms, which offer intensive training programs,
more receptive to their resumes than smaller shops.
Entry-level hires usually work under close supervision or on a team with more
experienced workers. After proving themselves, however, prospects for advancement are good. Programmers may become lead programmers or consultants;
software engineers may become project managers, information system managers,
and eventually chief information officers; junior database administrators may
move on to managerial positions as well.
Seasoned engineering professionals who wish to advance into management will
have a better chance if they acquire business skills first, and an MBA can prove
quite useful. Companies look for managers with not only good technical skills,
but also good soft skills, such as communication and interpersonal skills.
33
QA Engineer
Degree requirements: BS in computer science, MS preferred
Job description: A good QA engineer has to think of every stupid, silly, and
accidental thing a customer might do to and with a product, from using a keyboard in the bathtub to clicking 1,000 times repeatedly on an ornamental widget
on-screen. In some work environments, this can be fun, but often its a strictly
regimented process, usually on a tight deadline as a product moves from prealpha to final. QA people support product teams, track bugs, and write documentation.
On the Job
Salary range: $48,000 to $68,000, entry level
Software Engineer
Degree requirements: BS in computer science (MS preferred for senior
position)
Job description: Junior software engineers mainly do the dirty work of inputting
code, connecting application modules and functionalities, debugging, and porting
to other OS platforms. However, the junior position is a stepping-stone to the
senior position, which offers the potential of having a say in the end product.
Senior engineers also work with end users, OEM customers, and others; they
also take a more managerial role in team structure.
Salary range: $48,000 to $59,000, entry level
34
Application Programmer
Degree requirements: BS in computer science
Job description: This type of programmer/engineer works specifically on a
particular application that will either end up as a shrink-wrapped product or as
a module that will interact with final products. This position entails documentation, product development, and product integrationone example would be
writing or revising software that addresses a specific task, such as calibrating
color monitors.
Salary range: $56,000 to $64,000
On the Job
Hardware or Circuit Engineer, Entry Level
Degree requirements: BS in electrical engineering
Job description: Hardware engineers do just what the name implies: They
research, develop, design, and test hardware, which can be anything from circuit
boards to giant web presses. At the entry level, theres a lot of tedious but exacting work involved, and few skip this important learning step in their career.
Salary range: $41,000 to $51,000
35
Technical Writer
Degree requirements: BA in English
Job description: The true critical skill of a technical writer is the ability to speak
with engineers in their own language, digest the information, and translate it into
something nonengineers can grasp. Most jobs for technical writers are on a
contract basisusually only the largest companies keep a staff of tech writers.
Though Adobe FrameMaker is the standard application used to make the documentation and data sheets that tech writers produce, more companies are demanding HTML and XML experience from tech writers.
On the Job
Salary range: $38,000 to $50,000, entry level
Database Administrator
Degree requirements: BS in computer science or equivalent experience
Job description: Database administrators, or DBAs, participate in database
design and maintain, develop, and test database environments. Often, this person is responsible for making backups and ensuring that information is recoverable in the event of a disaster. Administrators may also plan, coordinate, and
implement security measures to safeguard information.
Salary range: $69,000 to $92,000
36
Support Positions
Though an undergraduate degree in computer science or systems looks good
on a resume, many support positions do not require a related college degree
(or, in some casessuch as call center supporta degree at all). Relevant work
experience is often the most important hiring criterion; and to advance to more
senior positions, support workers must have hands-on training.
The current need for system administrators has made this field a good point of
On the Job
entry for recent college grads. Though companies prefer to hire graduates for
this type of work, they rarely insist that degrees be computer-related. In addition
to technical aptitude, employers look for strong writing and communication
skills, and sys admins can expect to use these abilities often in their interactions
with customers and other employees. Entry-level administrators monitor computer
systems and perform routine maintenance. As they become more experienced,
they may design systems or shift into software engineering.
Only for the patient, QA and technical support jobs require troubleshooting,
communication, and problem-solving skills. Entry-level tech jobs, at least in
support, usually involve direct customer contact. Promotions are usually based
on performance, not formal education, and often happen quickly.
Senior support workers may become application developers or managers. Like
engineering managers, support managers must have not only good technical
skills, but good communication and interpersonal skills.
37
Technical Support, Entry Level
Degree requirements: None (BA or BS preferred)
Job description: This is the front linetech support is an entry-level position,
dealing directly with likely disgruntled customers, usually over the phone. Its
volume work. Though working knowledge of the product is vital, so are patience,
communication skills, and the ability to deal with unhappy people without making
them more unhappy.
Salary range: $37,000 to $50,000
On the Job
Technical Support Engineer/Account Manager
Degree requirements: BS in computer science
Job description: Sometimes promoted from the ranks of tech support, this job
also contains elements of sales in that its more involved with on-site and other
direct support of clients. As a result, this position requires knowledge of the
clients needs and the ability to troubleshoot and act independently.
Salary range: $86,000 to $100,000
38
Training Consultant
Degree requirements: BS in computer science, specialized training preferred
Job description: Most large software and hardware installations arent just a set-
up-and-go proposition, so companies that sell servers, back-end systems, ERM/ERP
solutions, and the like employ IT staff who introduce the clients to the product.
And its not just for arcane, complex items, eithertraining consultants are also
used to get sales, marketing, and other executives up to speed on new systems.
Salary range: $45,000 to $60,000
On the Job
Management Information Systems (MIS)
Degree requirements: BS in computer science or electrical engineering
Job description: High-tech companies dont just sell the stuffthey use it, too.
Working in MIS means handling hardware, software, and networks, all to help
the organization run as efficiently as possible. Its kind of a jack-of-all-trades
position, but it does provide exposure to a wide skill set that could translate
well to a number of more specialized career paths.
Salary range: from $116,000 to more than $150,000 for someone with
experience, an MBA, and proven skills
39
System Administrator, Entry Level
Degree requirements: BA or certificate program
Job description: The most valuable talents in a sys admin are a willingness to
take things apart and the patience to put the pieces together again. System administrators design, test, and evaluate data communications systems such as local
area networks (LANs). A system administrator may also be asked to research
and recommend network hardware and software.
Beware: This can be a thankless job. People never say, Hey, my phone works
On the Job
today. Awesome! But if something goes down, youll hear all about it.
Salary range: $54,000 to $70,000
Information Security Specialist
Degree requirements: BS in computer science
Job description: Information security specialists are responsible for securing
data, devices, and networks against unauthorized external and internal access.
In addition to designing and maintaining a set security standard and policy, the
information security specialist ensures that the policies are adhered to by all.
Remember to change your password!
Salary range: $80,000 to $106,000, senior
40
Sales, PR, and Marketing
Positions
PR Manager
Degree requirements: BA, good communication skills
Job description: Though most high-tech companies employ specialized public
On the Job
relations (PR) firms for the bulk of their needs, larger companies do retain inhouse PR people. A PR persons job is to serve as an advocate for the company
and its products, work with media, and generally make sure the company is cast
in a good light. Note that the job is not to dissemble.
Salary range: $65,000 to $90,000
Sales Associate
Degree requirements: BA or BS
Job description: Everyone has to start out somewhere. Sales associate is a junior-
level position and may require making telemarketing cold calls and answering
questions on the companys toll-free sales line. This position will undoubtedly
include some administrative work, which can help teach an associate how more
senior associates and sales managers work. Though this is a salaried position,
most sales jobs offer bonuses and commissions as a large part of compensation.
Salary range: $30,000 to $38,000
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Sales Manager (Area, Channel)
Degree requirements: BS or BA, MBA preferred
Job description: An area sales manager is responsible for all sales in a specific
region. Travel is required, as visits to clients, stores, dealers, VARs, and others
are crucial. A channel sales manager has similar duties, except that the responsibility is broken down along rubrics such as retail sales or dealer sales, rather
than by area.
Salary range: $52,000 to $81,000 (along with bonuses and commissions)
On the Job
Marketing Communication (Marcom)
Degree requirements: BS or BA
Job description: Marketing differs from PR in that marketing departments work
more closely on advertising and selling a product into a targeted market, whereas
PR people work more with media and the general public. A marcom assistant
will help track ad campaigns, production, marketing material, and the like. Also
important in this position are organizational skills, as marketing is the department
that organizes press conferences, trade show presences, and general events.
Salary range: $36,000 to $44,000
42
Direct Marketing
Degree requirements: BS or BA
Job description: This job can rightfully be called a challengethat is, it will test
the limits of how much your friends and relatives really like you: Direct marketing is one of the elements of modern life most people hate (spam, junk mail,
telephone calls during dinner). Many companies find it invaluable, though. And
its not just annoying people, in that direct marketing also requires in-depth
marketing research and, nominally, creativity.
Salary range: $38,000 to $52,000, entry level
On the Job
Product Manager
Degree requirements: BS in computer science or electrical engineering, MBA or
management experience
Job description: As the producer is on the creative side, the product manager is
the one who takes credit for a successful product and accepts blame for one that
fails or never even makes it to the market. In addition to coordinating design,
development, and production teams, the product manager oversees product
marketing, advertising, PR, and more.
Salary range: $90,000 to $125,000
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Real People Profiles
E-Learning Course Developer
Age: 30
Years in the business: 6 months
Education: MFA, computer artsnew media
Work hours per week: 40
On the Job
Size of company: 20 employees
Certification: none
Annual salary: $42,000
What do you do?
Im a course builder. I am responsible for developing new online courses using
HTML and ASP course templates. I also upgrade existing courses and maintain
the HTML and JavaScript code snippets library. I fix bugsusually incorrect
content, such as missing a paragraph or a spelling or typographical errorin
the courses. My position requires good problem-solving skills, analytical skills,
attention to detail, and dedication to high-quality work.
How did you get your current job?
I got this job from the Craigslist job posting website (www.craigslist.org).
How can someone get a job like yours?
The best way to get a job is to post a resume on some job posting sites, such as
HotJobs, Monster, Craigslist, etc.
44
What kinds of people do well in the business?
People who have a programming background and a good sense of design do
well in this business.
How is your work structured?
I am in a six-person course development team. The team director outlines the
course development proposal and defines the weekly goals. She schedules the
timeline for each project. The technical writers structure the course, outline the
content, and do all the writingintroduction, main contents, all interactive scenarios, summary, quiz, and conclusion (following the company guidelines). The
course builderthats methen builds the online course, which consists of an
On the Job
HTML version and a Flash version, while the graphic designer creates the look
and design based on the course objective and audience. Before the course release,
each course is reviewed and revised by our QA manager.
What are your career aspirations?
My short-term career aspiration is to be a user interface designer. And my longterm career goal is to be an international project manager.
What is the biggest misconception about your job?
People think that course builder means Web designer. But in fact, building
a course is not like creating a website. Building a great online e-learning course
requires a high performance team, not just a good graphic designer.
What do you like most about your company?
It offers great opportunities to expand, particularly as learning systems becomes
more online-based.
What do you dislike about your firm and/or job?
The job is tedious. Once you learn how to build a course and how to upgrade a
course, you repeat the same task over and over.
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What is a typical career track at your firm? Do people stay for years or
move around in the industry?
The company is only a few years old. People come and go, though most of the
founders are still involved.
Describe a sample project.
Generally, I begin to develop a new course after the technical writer has finished
the new content. It takes 3 to 5 days to construct the HTML for a course and
implement new content with the course templates. Each course contains exercise
sections, scenarios, and a quiz that tests the users knowledge. These sections are
On the Job
done in JavaScript and Flash and must follow the company guidelines. Consistency is the key to building a successful course. The QA manager reviews each
courseboth content and functionalityand reports bugs, which I fix. Each
course is given a final proof before release.
Describe a typical day.
7:30
Get up.
8:20
Take the bus to the office.
9:00
Check the schedule and tasks that need to be done today and get ready
to work. I spend the morning working on the current course. I usually
work on only one course at a time, though I may have some bugs to fix.
12:30 Get lunch. Bring it back to the office.
1:00
2:00
Continue to build the new course.
4:00
Continue to build the new course.
5:00
Write down my to-do list in my work journal for tomorrow.
5:30
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Continue to build the new course.
Go home.
Help Desk Specialist
Age: 25
Years in the business: 1
Education: BS, computer science
Work hours per week: 40
Size of company: 5,000+ employees
Certification: none
Annual salary: $45,000
What do you do?
On the Job
I help clients with login and printing problems, and I escalate programming errors
to the next level of support when necessary. I also help in-house users with
problems ranging from software/hardware installs to e-mail account creations.
How did you get this job?
I found a posting thru Techies.com. I interviewed for a full-time position, which
went to someone in-house, but the company asked me to be a contract employee.
After 3 months as a contract employee I was hired on full-time.
How can someone get a job like yours?
First, you need to have a strong computer background. You need to be willing
to learn. Mostly you need to not get frustrated easily.
What kinds of people do well in this business?
People who can deal will all types of people. You need to be able to communicate well and find out what the true problems are. We help clients all over the
world, and in many cases English is not their native tongue, so you need to be
patient and communicate even more clearly.
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How would you describe the culture at your business?
The culture is very casual. People tend to be very relaxed, and there really isnt
too much pressure to get your work doneas long as you get it done.
How is your work structured?
The only structure is that if the phone rings you answer it. It is a very relaxed
environment.
What are your career aspirations?
I am still determining my career aspirations. I could easily stay with this company
On the Job
for many years, and could make it up the ladder. Right now I am determining if
I want to stay in the field or if I want to do something completely different.
Is there anything you wish youd done differently on your career path?
I wish I had done some internships during college.
What is the biggest misconception about your job?
The biggest misconception is that our job is easy and that we are only busy when
the phones are ringing. There are always other tasks for us to do, and most days
I hardly have time to do anything other than work.
What do you like most about your firm and/or job?
I enjoy working with the people in my department and the surrounding departments. Also, I enjoy the wide spectrum of problems that pop up on a daily basis.
What do you dislike about your firm or job?
Since it is a help desk, we are generally looked down upon by our peers. But
they dont realize how much we have to take care of. When a system goes down,
we are the people that talk with users and relay information to them and in
some cases we get some irate users that we have to calm down.
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What is a typical career track at your firm? Do people stay for years or
move around in the industry?
About half the people leave the company within 2 years, usually for another IT
job. The majority of the rest find other jobs within the company, and a few stay
in their current positions.
Describe a sample project.
The majority of my work is dealing with e-mailrelated problems. The first step
in troubleshooting consists of finding out the problem. Usually users report
that they either couldnt get into a group mailbox or that they arent receiving
e-mails on a particular mailbox. If the user cant get into a mailbox, I first check
On the Job
to see if they are in the security group for the mailbox. If they are in the group,
I then find out how they are trying to access the box (i.e., if they are using the
correct username and password). When users (internally or externally) are receiving bounced messages saying that a particular e-mail address is not available, I
find out what e-mail address they were sending to and what mailbox they were
trying to reach. Then I compare the information. Most often users are using
the wrong address or the address they are using is not valid. Once I have determined the cause of the problem, I correct the mistake.
Describe a typical day.
6:00
Get up.
7:00
Get to work.
7:15
Catch up on e-mails and notices.
7:30
Start answering calls and solving problems.
11:30 Get lunch. Bring it back to the office.
12:00 Answer more calls, solve more problems.
3:30
Go home.
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Director of Engineering
Age: 36
Years in the business: 18
Education: MA in engineering/MA in psychology
Work hours per week: 50
Size of company: five employees
Certification: none
Annual salary: $100,000
What do you do?
On the Job
I work for a nonprofit agency that works in biodiversity. I write software, investigate new technologies, work on business plans, and negotiate contracts. I also
attend meetings and conferencesI get to travel plentywhere I talk to other
people who are doing IT in biodiversity. I have commerce with about 100 people
in this sort of work, but there are thousands of people working in the area
for nonprofits, governments around the world, universities, and businesses.
What did you do before?
I was the CEO of an online community site that I helped build. It was great.
The company is still goingits being run by other people. Creating technologies
that millions of people use is certainly very satisfying. Seeing the role of technology from the perspective of a CEO and not an engineer is interesting. You focus
more on the features that make money rather than the features that would be
cool. And sometimes you cant move to the greatest new technology because it
would cost too much. You have to keep on top of costs. Things like how much
bandwidth is your software usingthings I wouldnt pay attention to if I wasnt
running the company.
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Did you hire people?
Yes. The thing that was most attractive to me on a resume was pieces of work
you could point to and prove you built and understood. That, and references. I
always called references before making offers. A lot of people put everything
on their resume, and that just made me wonder what they were good at.
How did you get your current job?
I got it because I heard about the organization, and I hassled them incessantly
until they finally capitulated and gave me a position. It was about 4 months of
constantly asking them if they needed engineering and going over there and
visiting. Luckily I knew somebody who knew somebody who worked there, so
On the Job
I had an excuse to bother them. I had been mentioned as a good engineer, so
there was some word of mouth/networking in there, too.
How can someone get a job like yours?
You have to have a good resume, which shows a history of successfully accomplishing your duties. And you have to show that youre interested in the job. And
[you have to have] good references.
What kinds of people do well in this business?
People who love the technology and are internally motivated to continually learn
are going to do well. IT is always changing, so unless youre really interested in
the technology itself, youll just fall behind. I think people who have good communication skills do well, because its perhaps more rare in this field than others.
You have to be able to keep your cool because youre often under a lot of pressure to finish things. Things break. Things cant be half-done. You have to be
able to deal with pressure. And you have to know what you can accomplish,
because setting expectations is really important. Saying you can get something
done faster than you can will only get you in trouble.
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What are your career aspirations?
Id like to write a few more books about technology and other things and continue to create useful and well-used pieces of software.
What is the biggest misconception about your job?
In my experience, my biggest misconception is that you can separate technology
from business. I have been unable to stay in a situation where all I was doing
was engineering. Technical expertise will eventually flow into helping to direct
policy, negotiate contracts, work directly with clientsa whole host of things
that have nothing to do with working directly with technology.
On the Job
Is there anything you wish youd done differently on your career path?
Nope. I dont think so.
Howd you manage that?
I think Ive been getting exactly the jobs that I want. I keep up on technologies
that are current and focus on finding jobs that are interesting and, because Im
interested in the job Im doing, I do it well. Ive managed to escape situations
where Im not interested in doing the job because I know I wont do a good job
and wont be able to get another job that I like.
How is your work structured?
The company is small; there are only five people, so how my work goes depends
on what kind of phase the companys in. There are times when Im given a
project to complete, and Im on my own. I work with an interface developer,
and its just the two of us coding. The only one who signs off is the CEO.
Other times, were in business development mode, where were coming up with
plans and then everything is by committee. So in those situations, Im contributing to some business plan, but Im not the sole or major contributor.
52
What do you like about most your firm and your job?
I like the subject area, biodiversity. I like that its not about commerce, but about
public good. I like that its not that crowded a spacethere arent thousands of
people developing the same stuff that I am. Theres some competition, but not a
huge amount. I like that I work for a small company. There isnt a lot of bureaucracy, and my voice is heard.
What do you (or others) dislike most about your firm and your job?
Funding is uncertain, which means that job security is low. The focus of the
company changes a little more often than Id like, which makes it hard to focus
on anything. Being the only engineer is a lonely thingit would be nice if there
On the Job
were others.
How does the recruiting process work at your firm? What is the best way
to get a job with the firm?
For high-level positions, theres a board of directors who have a role in deciding
who gets hired. Candidates will be presented to them, and theyll make a decision
based on those candidates. For lower-level positions, the CEO does all the interviews and makes the choice. Recruiting is generally done through word of mouth.
References are huge. You dont get a job there unless your references are good.
What should prospective employees highlight about themselves during an
interview with your firm?
Definitely that youre flexible and can take many roles, because you will be put
in many roles. Say that you can deal with uncertainty and let people know you
are willing to work long hours when necessary. Dont seem too stubborn.
Does your firm offer any special or fun perks?
We have Friday barbecues where we get to meet all kinds of interesting people.
I get to travel a lot. My office is located in one of the most beautiful parts of
town. Hours are flexible, and coffee is free.
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Sample Project
A typical project for a senior IT professional in bioinformatics involves combining data sets created by different people into a form that can be stored, analyzed,
and accessed by the public. I work with researchers collecting data, ecologists
using that data to answer questions, and system administrators, our insider says.
If there is a public component, I also work with a designer. Often, the most
important part of the job is creating an interface and a system to make researched
data accessible. I travel sometimes, it depends on the job, the insider says. Right
now, the project Im working on is based in California. But it may expand to
Central America.
On the Job
Describe a typical day.
7:00
Wake up. I usually get out of the house around 8:30.
9:15
Arrive at work. I check e-mail, because my boss will certainly have sent
something urgent. I spend the first hour and a half dealing with urgent
messages, which usually involves writing a little bit of code to get the
information someone needs, documenting something Im working on
for someone, moving some sort of business relationship forward, or
doing research for the CEO.
11:00 I usually do some programming or data entry until about 1:00.
1:00
1:30
Meeting. Pretty much every day theres some kind of meeting about
some business prospect.
3:00
Documenting. I either document the research Im doing or the code Im
writing. Sometimes I write things up for business proposals.
4:30
Coding or number crunching for business plans.
6:30
Say good-bye. Go home.
7:30
Check e-mail. Theres a chance the CEO has sent something urgent.
8:00
54
Lunch. While Im eating, I read trade magsSlashdot or Nature or Science.
Slashdot is the major one. Theres always something interesting there.
Dinner. Mmm . . .
Cofounder/User Interface Design Company
Age: 32
Years in the business: 8
Education: BA in English literature
Work hours per week: 30 to 60, depending on the week/project
Size of company: two employees
Certification: some graduate course work in interface design and visual design,
no specific certification or certificate
Annual salary: $80,000
What do you do?
On the Job
I do interface design, and that ranges from information architecture to visual
design to motion design. So, basically any of the projects we take on cover frontend work, primarily for the Web. We have a range of clientsfrom corporate
clients making medical technology products to a producer making a documentary for PBS.
What did you do before?
I was the director of user experience for an online job site. I was responsible
for leading the UE [user experience] and visual design of that site, and managing the team of people who supported that.
How did you get this job?
Ive always wanted to work for myself. My previous job was great because I
got the experience of building a product from the ground up. We went through
several revs and changes, and the product evolved as we collected user data and
saw how users reacted. After 2 years, I began to crave the opportunity to apply
this experience to a variety of products. That was one of the biggest reasons I
wanted to create a small studio.
55
While I was working full-time, my partner was freelancing and establishing contacts in the freelance world. Those contacts have been crucial in terms of having
a successful business in a down economy. Contacts are important in any industry,
and especially important in this one. You need people who have worked with
you, can vouch for your skills, and would work with you again on another project.
Thats been important for us.
How can someone get a job like yours?
You need to have real-world experience. Graduating from a program and having
school portfolio samples will be somewhat helpful, but I would encourage people to try to get real-world experience. Designing an interface for a neighbor-
On the Job
hood restaurant or a friends business can provide great experience.
Its also good to have pretty thick skin and be willing to put yourself out there
and take risks. Just keep trying. I dont think that you can get overly attached
to your work; it makes it harder for you. I feel like I was lucky and in the right
place at the right time, and even so, I still think its a really challenging field to
differentiate yourself in. You have to be bold, take risks, put yourself out there,
and make new contacts. I think you have to really want it to make it happen
now. And I feel, as the economy has gotten worse, that a lot of people who
didnt really want to do it have stepped out of the arena.
What kinds of people do well in this business?
When youre working on an interface project, you are sitting at the intersection
of sales, marketing, engineering, and sometimes business strategy. People who
are good at synthesizing those disciplines and people who can serve as a liaison
or translator often do well. I think that as a designer in this field you have to
have a good grasp of technology and how it can impact your design. Even if
you are not coding the back end, you have to know whats going on and how it
will impact what youre doing. People who can balance form and functionthe
56
visual and more practical and functional side of thingsdo well. Be willing to
put out three versions (not one) of a design and be open to letting a group
impact the work. Its also important to experiment and try different things.
How would you describe the culture at your business?
The culture at our studio strikes a balance between professional and down to
earth and easy to work with. The culture of the industry ranges a lot. We work
with companies that are very traditional and corporatemost people sit in cubes
and there are terms like casual Fridays. We also work with artists, where it
would be strange to go to a meeting in anything but jeans. Cultures are incredibly varied, and our success is somewhat dependent on our ability to meet other
On the Job
companies where they are in terms of their culture.
Being a creative tends to give you a certain cultural freedom that may not exist
in other industries. Its okay to be quirky or different. Thats pretty liberating.
What are your career aspirations?
I would like for my studio to be known for creating really amazing sensory experiences onlinethings that balance storytelling and visual design with really
clear user experience. Im looking forward to having more projects that fall into
that realm. Im happy with having such a small studio now and bringing people
in on certain projects, but in 10 years it would be nice to see the studio grow to
six or eight people.
What is the biggest misconception about your job?
Design is not limited to just picking pretty colors. People often think that its
easy or superficial and doesnt require any deep synthesis. We base our design
on concepts and business strategies. It takes a lot of work to understand those
things. Sometimes our work forces business to go in other directions. We force
really tough issues.
57
Is there anything you wish youd done differently on your career path?
Part of me wishes that I started doing this in college or before college. I love
it so much, and I think it would be wonderful to have more years doing it or
more formal training in it. But I dont think I would give up much of my career
path. In a lot of ways, my English major seems far from design, but that sort of
training has given me a good conceptual framework. Lots of designers dont have
that. You take something from each chapter of life that helps in your career.
How is your work structured?
Where we work depends on the project. We work on site, but generally prefer
On the Job
not to. For our current project, we meet with the client twice a week. We talk to
our project team every day by phone and e-mail. I have to get informal sign-off
by the project manager before I present our work to the client. One person signs
off on our work, but thats a little misleading. A lot of what we do is build consensus. The whole team has to be happy with the product, even though one person
signs off. A big part of design is presenting work and getting people to buy
into the concepts you are presenting.
What do you like most about your firm and your job?
I like being a creative lead. Thats a very exciting, fun, and challenging role. I
like working in our studio. I like the variety of creative projects I get to work
on and the variety of people I get to work with. I like the flexibility that comes
with working for myself. I can take a two- to three-week vacation around holidays if I decide its the right thing to do. I like the time when its just me experimenting, but I like that I also work in a very collaborative setting, both with
the client and also with teammates. The balance between creative alone time
and working with others is one of my favorite things.
58
What do you dislike about your firm and your job?
You have to deal with a certain amount of uncertainty in terms of economics.
Managing the ebb and flow of projects and the cash connected with them is
challenging and can be stressful. I dont like the initial part of the sales process.
Theres a certain amount of hustling that you have to do, and I have an initial
discomfort with that. You constantly have to put yourself out there, and some
days you feel more up to it than others.
Sample Project
One of the projects I am working on this year is a content strategy project for
a major national bank, our insider says. I am working with a large team of
On the Job
product managers and usability researchers trying to figure out how to position
some of the banks investment products. As the interface lead, the UI specialist
is involved in the research sessions (which consist of rapid ethnographiesor
interviews done within a natural setting). After the research is completed, the UI
designer will develop several concepts for the banks website. These concepts
will get tested in front of real users, and the best elements will be rolled into
the final product: a series of Web pages that will live on the banks site. While
making these pages, the UI specialist will work with the creative director and an
interface architect to ensure that the designs fit within the banks site
architecture and style standards.
Describe a typical day.
7:00
Get up.
8:00
Drive to the clients office.
9:00
Present design directions to the client and participate in a functional
design meeting.
11:30 Drive back to the city.
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12:30 Get lunch. Bring it back to the office. Theres great Mexican food in my
neighborhood!
Work on changes that came out of the morning meeting.
4:00
Work on a potential pitch and proposal for a new client.
5:00
Work on an animation for another project with the same client.
7:00
60
Check and respond to e-mail. I also belong to e-mail lists for interface
designers and surf to see sites mentioned in those design lists.
2:00
On the Job
1:00
Go home.
Consultant
Age: 33
Years in the business: 13
Education: Some college. Ive never taken a computer class.
Work hours per week: 45 to 50; as a freelancer, its hard to say
Size of client companies: four to 20,000 employees
Certification: none
Annual salary: about $80,000 (varies from year to year)
What do you do?
On the Job
I do two broad kinds of things: contract software development and consulting
about technology and software. I might look at why an IT team isnt doing well.
Clients might ask what they can do to reduce burn rates and increase productivity, or if the software theyre building is what they should be building. If theyve
contracted out work, they might want to know how those people are doing as well.
How does consulting work? Do you work for one company at a time?
It depends a great deal. I try never to work 6 months at a place. If you spend too
much time on one client, the others disappear. I also try to avoid things that
require an hour here or an hour thereunless Im put on a monthly retainer.
How do you find jobs? Do you interview?
The way that Ive almost always found work is through friends of friends and
people Ive worked with before. The hiring process depends on the place and
how I got there. For my current job, there was no formal interview. For a finance
job I worked on, I was recommended to the hiring manager. I met with him a
couple of times and with a few other people before I started. Larger companies
tend to be more formal.
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How can someone become an IT contractor?
Dont quit your day job until you cant possibly avoid it. It takes a long time to
build up contacts and have a consistent stream of work. You are best off doing
consulting work in the evenings and on weekends at first. In terms of building
up the contacts, aside from colleagues and friends, networking is helpful. User
groups and industry events are a good way to make contacts.
What kinds of people do well in this business?
In general, I dont recommend IT as a field for people whose reason is only to
get a good job. Careers in IT require a lot of commitment and enjoyment of
On the Job
the work, partly because its intellectually demanding. The work is continually
changing, and you must constantly update skills. Unless you like IT enough to
play with the stuff, its hard to keep current and be marketable.
What are your career aspirations?
I am currently trying to shift what Im doing toward more consulting on software process. At first, I was very excited about making things for people. Then
a number of projects I worked on failed because of poor process. Now, Im
excited that I can make better software and help engineers suffer less.
What is the biggest misconception about your job?
Many people think that IT is some sort of magic wishing box. Its an understandable mistake, as technology evolves so rapidly. People dont understand
current limitations, and companies make plans before consulting a technically
skilled person about whats feasible.
Is there anything you wish youd done differently on your career path?
One of my biggest mistakes was to stick with a bad job too long. I wanted
things to work out, so I was willing to ignore vast amounts of evidence that
things were not going to get any better, ever.
62
How is your work structured?
My working relationships vary a great deal. Right now, I meet with my client
every couple of months, and we exchange e-mails in between. By and large, Im
on my own.
What do you like most about your job?
The best thing about my job is the ability to choose the projects I work on, in
that I get to explore new areas or learn about things Im interested in. Consulting
keeps me on my toes more than a job would. In a job, you fall into a routine,
and I do not do my best work or put forth as much effort as Id like.
On the Job
What do you (or others) dislike about your job?
Most people dislike the irregularity of the income. You never know where or
when the next paycheck is coming from. Lately, theres been a relatively dry spell.
Unless Im prepared, Ill be living in my parents basement. Another thing people
dont like is the feeling of being the new kid in schoolalways coming into
new places and meeting new people. When you contract, you lose the safety and
comfort of working in the same environment. Typically, jobs are very demanding in terms of hours and effort. Part of this is a flattering sort of demand
your work is important and companies want it right now. The less happy part
of that is that software project management is not a mature field and in a lot
of places schedules and feature lists are based on nothing other than what the
manager would like to happen. Programmers have to make up the difference.
Sample Project
Often called in when things arent working, the consultant has the job of fixing
things. For one project, our insider was called in to help streamline an inefficient
engineering process. He worked with a large team of engineers and, ultimately,
a very grateful software manager. After observing the workflow, he noticed that
63
the team did not use unit tests, which are used to isolate and test individual
software components before they are integrated into an entire system. Because
each engineers components were not tested efficiently, one persons work often
interfered with anothers. After isolating the problems with the process, he
helped develop and implement a solution. The biggest perk of the job: getting
to work with a lot of different people in a lot of different places.
Describe a typical day.
I start my client work. This varies a great deal depending on my clients.
1:00
Lunch break.
1:30
I participate in things that will give me visibilitymailing lists and newsgroupsso that people will say, I should hire you.
3:00
Because I do a lot of work from home, I mix in life with work. If Im
stuck on a problem at three, Ill do laundry and work into the evening.
4:00
In addition to the direct client work, I set aside time to spend learning
new things and doing research.
7:00
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First thing I do is check and go through e-mail. I make sure the machines
I maintain are up and running and answer any urgent queries from people.
9:00
On the Job
7:00
Ill keep working till I run out of steam for the day. Sometimes that will
be a few hours, sometimes much longer. Since I charge clients by the
hour, I wont charge if Im not doing well.
Software Engineer
Age: 25
Years in the business: 4
Education: BS in computer science
Work hours per week: 32 (I try to keep it pretty close to that.)
Size of company: 35 employees
Certification: none
Annual salary: $54,000
What do you do?
On the Job
I design and develop hosted Web software. Ive been with the company since the
beginning, so Ive had an opportunity to really get involved with the product. In
addition to coding, I do a lot of architecture workdeciding how the product
is built overall.
What did you do before?
I worked at another software company. Before that, I was in school.
How did you get this job?
Networking. Id worked with my manager at a previous job, and he recruited
me. We stayed in touch through e-mail, and wed go out to lunch once or twice
a year. I called him when I was looking for a new job, and he told me about the
product he was working on. It sounded really cool.
How can someone get a job like yours?
Networking. My very first job was due to connections I had. Its not always necessary, but now with so many people looking for jobs, it makes you stand out
among candidates employers dont know.
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What kinds of people do well in this business?
I think you need to be pretty laid-back and amenable to sudden changes in
directionparticularly if you work at a start-up. I code something all up, and
then my boss decides not to use itthings like that. You need an engineering
background if your resume is going to stand out in the filtering process.
What is the biggest misconception about your job?
Coding isnt really that hard. The misconception is that it is. Engineers sometimes add all this crud just to make it sound complicated. Theyve got their
lingo. Really, though, none of it is hard to learn.
On the Job
Is there anything you wish youd done differently on your career path?
I wish Id gotten a fuller education in other subjects besides computer science
like music. Its useful to have a degree in engineering now because the job market
is tough. But on the job, you dont use half that stuff. Practically, you just need
a minor in CSjust the coding stuff. The theorymath and logicyou dont
need that.
How is your work structured?
For the most part, I work independently. I work in my own area, as do the
other engineers in my group. There are four coders on the product I work on.
We meet to discuss interesting problems and features. My manager signs off on
my workhe just says its okay. We dont have code reviews, like some firms.
Everything goes through QA.
What do you like most about your firm and your job? Why did you choose
to work there?
My boss is great, and I really like my direct coworkers. I get a lot of flexibility
as to when and how many hours I work. My schedule is flexible enough to give
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me time to train on my bike (I do a lot of racing). I get to work on new products,
and I get a lot of freedom when I code. I can suggest new features, and a lot
of them are added to the product. I took the job because the product sounded
cool, and Id worked with my boss before.
What do you (or others) dislike about your firm and your job?
Theres no software cycle at my company because we have a hosted Web service,
not a shrink-wrapped product. We dont have one big releasejust constant
updates. So theres always some stress. My company is small, and sometimes its
like watching a building fall down very slowly. You have knowledge about everything that goes on, but no power to stop things from happening. Decisions
On the Job
change at the top without any democratic involvement. It can be frustrating.
What is a typical career track at your firm? Do people stay for years or
move around in the industry?
Because its a start-up, presumably no one will be there for years. Our roles are
pretty fluid.
Does your firm offer any special or fun perks?
We can work from home, and our hours are pretty flexible. I work part-time.
We also get free soda and free lunch every Friday.
Sample Project
Usually, a junior software developer works on one component of a larger project.
The junior developer works under the supervision of his or her manager and
mainly with the engineering team. For the most part, junior developers have no
interaction with marketing or sales or other departments or outside firms. Often
given a specification (usually incomplete), the junior developer works out the
specifics of implementation and writes the required code. Once done, the QA
team tests the work. There is usually some back and forth between the developer
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and QA as bugs are entered and fixed. After QA signs off, the code is ready to go
live. The good part of the job is working closely with other engineering team
members. The bad part is having little say about which projects are assigned.
Describe a typical day.
8:30
Thats when I usually get up.
9:30
Drive to work. The commute is only 25 minutes thenno traffic!
10:00 Get into the office and get settled. I read e-mail, plan the day, start coding.
12:30 Time for lunch. Sometimes I eat at my desk. I go out to eat with coworkers a few times each week.
Another meeting with just my engineering team to discuss the same
feature in more depth.
5:30
Drive home and hope theres no traffic.
6:00
Eat dinnervegetarian.
6:30
Train on my bicycle for an hour.
8:00
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User interface meeting with the quality assurance team to discuss a new
product feature.
2:00
On the Job
1:00
Go over to my boyfriends place.
The Workplace
Lifestyle and Culture
Compensation
Travel
Vacations and Perks
Career Path
The Workplace
Insider Scoop
69
Lifestyle and Culture
Really, a misspent youth is how I am where I am today. I got a computer when
I was 12 and spent all my time in the basement, one insider says. Im rarely
apart from a computer for more than a couple days, on average 3 hours. The
fast-paced environment and constant change in IT is exciting and engrossing.
That, coupled often with a love of technology, tends to blur the lines between
personal and professional time. Late nights in the office or at home often find
workers in front of a screen.
Though their interests and experience differ widely, IT professionals tend to
share some qualities. They like to learn, theyre interested in how things work
and why, they tend to be educated. The IT professional is most likely the one
who knows about the latest new tech toy or game. And, yes, the stereotype of
poor communication skills holds to some degree, but is becoming less and less
The Workplace
true as the industry broadens and grows.
The laid-back, flexible work environment associated with the software industry
does not always hold in the IT sectors of other industries. As far I can tell, IT
culture mirrors the broader corporate culture, but is one notch less uptight,
says an insider who contracts with a large financial institution. For example,
the dress code here is business casual. Programmers are more on the casual side
of that. No one wears jeans, but people tend to look more scruffy than the
dress code might intend. The standard of the work environment will dictate
the norm. Dont assume that you can show up in a T-shirt and jeans just
because you know how to program.
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Hours
Work hours and schedules across the industries are varied. One insider works a
9:30 to 5:30 day (though he says he generally stays longer). Another gets to work
by 10:00 a.m. and has a flexible scheduleas long as hes in the office for certain
core hours. People get to work whatever 60 hours a week they want to work,
he says. The one constant seems to be that workdays are long, and weekends
sometimes become a part of the workweek, too.
In a work context thats not pure IT, its less likely that the hours will be flexible
and that youll be able to telecommute. The technology is still improving, and
peoples ability to do such things is increasing across the board. But its definitely
less so in industries that are not pure IT, one insider says. Often, telecommuting
is seen as a means of retaining good employees, rather than a general practice.
If a valuable employee moves somewhere, an employer might let him telecommute, another insider says.
Diversity
The Workplace
Theres no question that a lot of IT workers, especially programmers and system
administrators, are very white and very male. Though Asians are well represented,
African Americans and Latinos are underrepresented in the field. This situation
is not unique to the IT industry and is often explained (though not justified) in
terms of an inequity in the overall economic framework.
Women are a minority in some areas of the IT world as well. Though QA and
project management tend to be more gender balanced, software and system
administration are still male-dominated professions. Few women penetrate the
ranks of upper management.
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Compensation
Salaries in the IT industry vary. On average, the compensation is highnearly
twice the national average, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. Like
any other industry, experience is rewarded with bigger paychecks. The average
salary of a chief technology officer is about $128,000. An entry-level programmer salary is closer to $68,000. (These numbers come from the 2003 Computerworld.com annual salary survey and do not include bonuses.) Different indexes
will report somewhat different compensation packagesits good to consult
several. Salary.com will even allow you to create a customized report based on
geographic location and job title.
Base-level salaries also vary across industries. For example, IT workers in
finance can make as much as twice what IT workers earn in education. From
the nonprofit world, our insider says that there are lots of opportunities, but
The Workplace
they arent very well paid at the entry level: As a junior person you cant get
paid as much as you can in industry. But as someone with experience, you get
paid pretty close to industry standard. When evaluating reported salary packages, look at both entry- and senior-level compensation. After all, you will be
moving into these jobs as your career advances. Individual industries and, in
some cases, IT professional organizations within industries publish reports on
the compensation packages. Keep on top of what is happening in the industry
and across industries to make sure youre being properly compensated. Keep
in mind that salaries also vary with geographic location, usually to mirror the
cost of living.
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Compensation is not limited to a paycheck. Benefits and employee incentives
such as bonuses (and perhaps even stock options!) are an important part of the
package. Though health insurance is a given, things like dental and vision programs are not always offered. A good package will include all three. Retirement
plans are important, though not universally available. When evaluating salary
packages, take the benefits into account as well.
The downturn in the IT industry has affected compensation to a degree. Base
salaries tend to be stable, but bonuses and benefit packages are not as attractive
as they once were. A salary that does not increase is in some ways a pay cut as
well, as the cost of living continues to rise. Contractors may find that they cant
get the hourly rates they once did, or that they have to take a pay cut because
they must work through an agency to find work. For self-employed professionals,
the best way to keep on top of whats going on in the industry is word of mouth.
Compensation data is also available online; a few Google searches will usually
yield some useful information.
The Workplace
73
2004 IT Salaries
Position
Salary Range
$43,00053,000
Database administrator
$69,00092,000
Hardware or circuit engineer, entry level
$41,00051,000
Industrial designer, entry level
$38,00047,000
Information security specialist, entry level
$48,00066,000
Management information systems
$78,000110,000
Network administrator, senior
$64,00081,000
Producer
$65,00082,000
Quality assurance analyst, entry level
$48,00068,000
Security specialist, senior
$80,000106,000
Senior software engineer
$84,000100,000
Software engineer, entry level
$48,00059,000
System administrator
$54,00070,000
Technical support, manager
$86,000100,000
Technical support, entry level
$37,00050,000
Technical writer, entry level
$38,00050,000
Training consultant
$53,00068,000
User interface developer/designer, senior
$72,000100,000
Designer, entry level
$39,00052,000
Web developer, front end
$55,00076,000
Webmaster
The Workplace
Applications programmer or analyst, entry level
$52,00076,000
Sources: Salary.com; WetFeet research and analysis.
74
Travel
Though the average tech support worker wont be flying off on many junkets
travel for IT support people tends to be of the 2 a.m. call to get to the office
to reboot the server varietybusiness trips are a fact of life for information
technology professionals. Conferences, business negotiations, and trade shows
often require travel. And although trade shows are often at fun-sounding locations such as Las Vegas or Cologne, dont expect to have much free time while
youre there. In addition, as more work is done by remote contractors, engineers,
purchasers, and managers often have to travel back and forth, sometimes with
nearly zero turnaround time. Still, a smart traveler can find a holiday in any trip.
The Workplace
75
Vacations and Perks
Though the long days and nights around crunch times might seem to warrant
generous vacation packages, entry-level IT professionals usually receive the
standard 2 weeks along with a handful of personal or flexible days. Usually,
vacation is earned over time. After 2 months of work, for example, you will
have accrued roughly 2 days of vacation. Those who remain with a company
for a year or longer are often rewarded with additional days (and in some cases,
weeks) of paid vacation. Some companies allow employees to borrow against
future vacation days. For example, though you may have only worked 5 months,
you may be permitted to take a full years worth of vacation days. Other companies are not as flexible.
Free coffee and lunches are common perks in the IT industry. Some insiders
describe free soda and flexible hours; others mention great health plans and
The Workplace
education reimbursement. Opportunities for travel (sometimes to exotic locales)
make jobs more attractive as well. Like everything else, perks vary by company
and industry. You may receive free books if you work in publishing or free
movie passes if you work in the entertainment industry.
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Career Path
Opportunities for Undergraduates
A computer science degree does not necessarily guarantee a job in information
technology. Employers are looking for experience and proven communication
skills, and in todays market, they can afford to be picky. Internships and co-op
programs are a great way to gather job experience and learn about the industry.
Not only does the experience look good on a resume, it often leads to an inside
track for a job interview.
Not every job requires a technical background. Sales, marketing, management,
and support and helpdesk positions, in particular, require skills that are not often
emphasized in CS programs. It is not uncommon to see an English major in
any one of these roles. The broader your skill set and experience base, the more
The Workplace
opportunities are available to you.
Career paths will differ according to functional role and interests. Software engineers are more likely than database or system administrators to advance to project
supervisors, for example. For those not interested in management, Senior will
ultimately find its way to the front of your job title, bringing with it more interesting projects, less drudge work, and higher compensation.
Opportunities for MBAs and Other Advanced-Degree Holders
MBAs face the same tough job market as everyone else these days. Venture
capital does not flow as generously as it once did, and young companies thirsty
for MBAs are few and far between. However, MBAs still have several fairly
reliable points of entry: as computer and information systems managers or as
77
system analysts. For either function, a strong background in information technology is desired, if not demanded, by employers. Systems analystswho study
the hardware, software, and personnel in an organization and recommend ways
to streamline procedures and increase efficiencyoften move quickly into management positions. MBAs with strong knowledge and experience in specific
areas can also move on to become consultants.
Those with advanced degrees in engineering and science who dont remain in
academia have traditionally favored jobs in research labs run by tech giants such
as Xerox, IBM, and Bell. Despite cuts in R&D budgets over the last decade, such
places still exist and can support a researchers dreams of discovery, though
what he or she discovers will be the patented property of the company. And its
not unheard of for someone with a liberal arts PhD in, say, history or literature
to move into upper management. After all, the advanced skills of researching,
critical thinking, and analysis required for such a degree are also critical in the
business world.
The Workplace
Opportunities for Midcareer Candidates
It can be quite jarring to switch gears midcareer, especially in the tech industry,
where a person can spend years honing his or her specialized skills and knowledge.
Many such switches are forced when a company is acquired or merged with
another. For example, some software engineers at the small game developers
purchased by Microsoft moved on to other, Microsoft-specific projects. (Those
small game developers included Bungie Software, Rare Ltd., Digital Anvil, FASA
Interactive Technologies, and Access Software.) Keeping a wide skill set keeps
opportunities open.
Conversely, it helps midcareer sales and marketing professionals to stress their
expertise and contacts in highly targeted (and competitive) areas. Exhibiting a
depth of knowledge, specific skills, and an established network of contacts can
make you stand out as a potential hire.
78
Insider Scoop
What Employees Really Like
Ticket to Anywhere
IT skills are like a monthly bus pass; you can use them to reach a variety of
destinations at any time. Programming skills can be used to get closer to any
industry, an insider says. Whatever your interests, there is a related industry
with an IT department. It may take a little patience and persistence, but IT
skills can help you break into any field.
The Skys the Limit
As one insider says, Computers are tools, and you can make them do all sorts
of things that are fun and interesting. The possibilities in information technol-
The Workplace
ogy are vast, and no one knows what the limits are yet. There is a tremendous
amount of excitement and potential in this field, which is still young and growing.
Useful is Good
Theres a reason that every industry has an IT department now: Information
technology is useful. Computers help speed and streamline business processes
and often eliminate redundant and boring tasks. Information technology helps
people, and though the world outside of the IT department might only be aware
of the network when it goes down, the people who build and maintain it provide
a great service. Software developers work on products that are used by as few
as one and as many as millions of people. At the end of the day, a product that
helps save time and resources provides a lot of satisfaction to those who work
(often long hours) to make it happen.
79
My New Family
Its not uncommon to hear an IT worker say, I like my coworkers a lot. The
workforce is educated, interesting, and excited by technology. People tend to
share a liking for new gadgets and toys, and most people enjoy sharing information and experience. The open source philosophy, which promotes the idea that
an open community of developers works most efficiently, is quite common
(though businesses dont often adopt this policy).
One Degree Less Formal
Though IT departments inside industries are subject to the policies of the larger
company, there tends to be a bit more flexibility in the engineering quad. Dress
is a little more casual. Hours a little less rigid.
Watch Out!
The Red Queen Effect
In Lewis Carrolls Through the Looking Glass, the Red Queen explains to Alice
The Workplace
that, in her kingdom, it takes all the running you can do, to keep in the same
place. The kingdom of IT is much the same way. Technology changes rapidly,
and IT professionals must constantly learn new skills and obtain new certifications to remain marketable. Insiders say they spend up to 20 percent of their own
time training to keep current in the field. A common rule of thumb: Prepare
for half of your IT skills to be outdated within 3 to 5 years. Take advantage of
employer-subsidized education programs and keep on top of whats going on
in the industry.
80
Health Hazards
IT workers often spend long periods in front of a computer terminal typing.
Though they may seem to work in a safe environment, IT professionals are
very susceptible to eyestrain, back discomfort, and hand and wrist problems.
Watch out for the first signs of repetitive stress injury: numbness in the fingers,
especially the thumb, index, and middle fingers. If you have difficulty gripping
or making a fist, see a doctor. Many workplaces have ergonomic reviews and
information. Ask your manager or HR department for information.
The Nutty Professor
Research the classes and schools you attend. One insider says, Theres the nightmare case of the professor whos taught the same class and hasnt updatedbe
wary of that, it becomes a liability.
Visa Woes
If you do not have permanent U.S. residency (a fair number of IT professionals
hail from overseas), make sure that you have a general grasp of immigration and
The Workplace
naturalization law. Though most large companies have in-house procedures for
managing the visa process, smaller companies may not be as prepared or equipped
to deal with this. Its in your interest to explain. You can obtain information
through Web research or at career centers.
Has Anybody Seen my Weekend?
IT projects have a tendency to run behind schedule, often because the original
schedule was never that realistic to begin with. However, developers are the
ones who have to make up the difference. When deadlines come, days stretch
far into evenings, and weekends become nothing more than additional work
opportunities.
81
Getting Hired
The Recruiting Process
Skills and Education
Certification
Interviewing Tips
Preparing for Your Interview
Grilling Your Interviewer
Getting Grilled
Getting Hired
83
The Recruiting Process
The high-tech industry runs on a cycle of highs and lows. During high periods,
employers go to extravagant lengths to recruit new workers. During low periods,
job seekers must work hard to get employers attention. In todays competitive
job market, you may need to take additional classes or demonstrate outstanding
communication or business skills to attract a hirers attention.
Remember that an interview is a process of mutual review. Both you and the
employer seek to find the best fit for a position. Dont be afraid to admit to
areas of weakness in your skill set. Companies understand that no one knows
everything and are more impressed with honesty than hubris. Following up on
interviews is important. You may not be selected for the job you spoke of, but
you might be called back for a future opening. Make sure to leave a favorable
last impression.
In a tough job market, the burden is on you to seek opportunities. Dont be
afraid to ask friends and associates to refer you or make introductions.
Undergraduates
Typically, candidates coming straight out of college will find job leads through
campus recruiting, and campus job fairs are the first place to look. A list of
Getting Hired
participating companies is always posted. You should prepare for a fair by
selecting and researching the firms that interest you most. Bring several copies
of your resume, including an ASCII text version, as an increasing number of
companies use online recruiting tools and will want to scan your resume into
their system. (Most career centers offer good counseling on resume writing.
84
Draw on that resource! Also check out Killer Cover Letters and Resumes!, available from www.WetFeet.com.) Though you may get an in-depth interview on
the spot, dont be discouraged if you only speak with a recruiter for a minute.
The most important thing is to present yourself and your resume. Keep a list
of the companies you approach so that when they call, youll remember how
they got your name and number.
Recent graduates can also target and apply to specific companies based on
personal research. Approach potential hirers with a cover letter, resume, and
transcript. Letters of recommendation are optional and in some cases almost
pass. In general, you should not submit recommendations unless they are
specifically requested. This doesnt mean that you should forget about them.
Line up key referencesprofessors or intern and co-op employers.
MBAs
Theres a myth perpetuated to MBA grads that the degree qualifies them for
management positions. The truth is, even MBAs have to prove themselves to
an employer. I would say in a general sense, that an MBA degree is not targeted by people hiring IT professionals, says one insider. At the end of the
day, the things employers are looking for are technical training, work
experience, and on-the-job training.
Still, good business skills are always needed. Take advantage of job fairs, company websites, and trade shows when looking for work. Professional organiza-
Getting Hired
tions, committees, and clubs can provide networking opportunities, but dont
overcommit. These organizations can be valuable, but they also take up a lot
of time. Select only the ones most relevant to your long-term career plans.
85
Midcareer Candidates
Midcareer candidates looking to work in a new capacity do not necessarily need
to change companies. In fact, the best place to start switching fields is often
your current workplace. Volunteer for projects that will provide experience in
the area of interest to you, and take advantage of internal connections and
training opportunities. You may be able to move laterally within your company.
Midcareer job seekers should set a realistic objective and timeline for their job
search. Think in terms of 2 to 5 years, not an overnight change, says one
insider. Assess your relevant skills and establish a plan for subsidizing those
skills to become competitive in the job market. You may wish to pursue a
second degree or take continuing education classes.
Career changers will most likely find work through job fairs, ads, and blind
inquiries. Unlike undergraduates, midcareer workers have an existing network
Getting Hired
of professional contacts. Use it.
86
Skills and Education
Theres a broad range of jobs in IT, and not all positions require technical skills.
The best tech support people we had, one insider says, had humanities backgrounds. Technical, communication, and business skills are all important to the
field, and 4-year college degree programsnot necessarily in computer science
are still one of the best ways to prepare for entering the IT job market.
Employers look for relevant skills and experience. A degree in computer science
tends to be most important for database developers and software engineers.
Certificate programs are more common for support and system administration
specialists (see the Certification section that follows for more information).
On-the-job experience can substitute for either academic credential, though for
people just entering the job market, a degree is a tremendous advantage. Computer
science majors and MBAs in particular might consider a minor or double major
in a second field. Though not required, this additional credential can be useful,
particularly when working in IT for non-IT companies. For example, a biology
minor will prove very handy to a software developer working with an insect
database at a university research center. Because IT is part of so many industries,
a secondary field can be anything that interests youfilm, chemistry, history;
whatever your interest, its likely that it will complement an industry searching
for IT workers.
Getting Hired
87
Certification
A certificate is almost always a prerequisite for a job in information security,
and a number of common acronyms appear beside the names of successful
security professionals: CCSE (Check Point Certified Security Expert), CCSA
(Check Point Certified Security Administrator), or SCSE (Symantec Certified
Security Engineer). Those who like to pit their intelligence against unknown
foes will be happy to hear that network security is one of the fastest growing
areas in IT.
Network and system administrators are also increasingly turning to certification
programs like those offered by Microsoft and Red Hat. If you find midnight
phone calls romantic, enjoy carrying a pager, and find that isolating and addressing a problem brings more satisfaction than words of gratitude, the life of an
administrator may be for you. However, formal training is less important for
system administrators than for many other kinds of IT professionals. The best
system administrators are not the ones who know everything; rather, the best are
those who know where to find information about the task at handwhether
configuring a network or setting up an FTP server. Employers look for good
problem-solving skills above all else.
Certificates are less important for software engineers, for whom experience is
Getting Hired
the most important credential. Those who can point to previous workeven a
well-executed school assignmenthave a competitive edge. It is very common
for software engineers to have a degree in computer science, and the best software engineers are also good communicators. An engineer who can code and
explain the technical needs of a project is a valuable addition to any team.
(Meetings, however, are a different story. Left in charge of the team when the
88
project manager left town for a weeks vacation, one insider says, The first
thing I did was cancel all the meetings.)
Successful database administrators are organized and detailed-oriented and have
a solid knowledge of at least one database management system (e.g., Oracle or
Microsoft SQL Server) as well as a good understanding of operating systems.
Though a certificate program might help workers acquire this knowledge, employers often place more weight on professional experience and college credentials.
A degree in computer science is often a job prerequisite.
Education is not a process that ends when you land a job. Part of working in IT
is learning new technologies. Since the field is constantly changing and evolving,
todays hot tech skills identified by Dice.comJava and Linuxare just that.
Next year, the list will change. Even today, the list is in no way complete. People
who are good at Excel are always loved, one insider says. Every job comes
with its own list of requirements, and however careful you are at selecting your
skills, you will need to update them and pick up new ones over the course of
your career.
Continuing education can take many forms: classes, conferences, certificate
programs, independent research. Books, periodicals, and online discussions and
boards are very useful, and most technologies have an online community of
users. I go to Jguru.com to keep on top of things, one insider says. People
post new stuff there all the time. For those who prefer the printed page, your
reference library will continue to grow (and become dated). OReilly publishes
Getting Hired
a very highly regarded line of books that covers the gamut of information
technologies.
89
Interviewing Tips
1. Your first interview will likely be over the telephone. This is not a particularly comfortable way to meet future employers, but its the reality of the
recruiting process. Find a comfortable chair, keep a copy of your resume
and cover letter in front of you for reference, and pretend like youre sitting
in the room with the interviewer. Be as clear and concise as possible.
2. Know your career aspirations. Be prepared to talk about what you want to
do and why. Frame your professional and academic background in light of
your interest in the position. Make sure to mention key accomplishments.
3. Research the company. Though a large part of the interview will be about
you, a significant part will also be about the company. You should know
the major products the company makes, the corporate structure, any parent
or subsidiary companies, who the executives are, how the company has
been doing in its market niche, and more. Being well informed about the
company indicates your sincere interest in working there.
4. Be prepared to explain why you want to work for this company as opposed
to others. Its just the most awesome doesnt cut it. Is there a particular
project that entices you? The way the company allows individual innovation,
as Bell Labs does? Tip: Other bad answers include those having to do with
Getting Hired
location (Its the closest), salary (Well, I hear you guys pay the most),
or rumors of excellent perks.
5. Ask questions that will clarify your understanding of the job, the goals of
the department, and the direction of the company.
6. Ask about the specifics involved in the hiring process, what next steps
might be, and so on.
90
Preparing for Your Interview
In todays competitive market, a call for a job interview is a welcome event. Only
a small fraction of applicants are interviewed, and if you receive a call to come
in and talk, you should feel good about the fact that your resume has caught the
attention of a potential employer. Usually the HR manager will tell you what to
bring and expect at the interview: how long it will last, whether you will be expected
to take a skill test, and how many people you will meet with. In addition, you
should always arrive to the interview with hard copies of your resume.
Keep in mind that an interview is a time to sell yourself, and to do so, you
will need to demonstrate the full extent of your work. Software engineers and
Web designers and developers should always bring sample work on CD so that
the interviewers may review the materials at their leisure. URLs may seem easier
to pass along, but remember that Web sites change and go down, and the page
an interviewer pulls up may not resemble the one you worked on 2 years ago.
The best work samples are ones in which you can clearly describe your contribution. The thing that was most attractive to me on a resume was pieces of
work you could point to and prove you built and understood, says one insider
responsible for hiring software engineers. For Web developers and designers,
samples should consist of pages that you built or designed rather than maintained. Technical writers should bring hard copies of several samples of work,
even if the pages are available on line.
Getting Hired
It is rare for hirers to ask job applicants to take a written skills test. Usually,
companies will require certification (in Java or Linux, for example) instead, or a
BA or AA in a related area. However, some companies such as Microsoft, are
well known for asking applicants to answer an abstract software design question
or engage in a technical discussion about a project or system during the
interview. The best way to prepare for this type of test is to arrive well rested.
Make sure to get a good nights sleep before every interview.
91
Grilling Your Interviewer
Be prepared to both ask and answer questions at your interview. Weve listed
some good general questions here and categorized them by their level of aggression. Those in the Rare section are meant to be innocuous, while the Well
Done questions will put fire under your interviewers feet. Not all of the questions may be appropriate to your situation. Its a good idea to arrive at an interview prepared with questions specific to the company.
Rare
How large is the team Id be working with? How do team members communicate?
What project would I work on first, and what would my role in the project be?
What would you expect from me in the first 3 months? 6 months? Year?
What are the goals of this department?
How do you see this department (and company) changing over the next 5 years?
Are employees reviewed on a regular (annual or semiannual) basis? What qualities are evaluated?
What are the possibilities for advancement with this position?
What distinguishes your company from its competitors? [Note: Even better,
name specific competitors.]
Getting Hired
What is the companys policy toward continuing education? Is there a tuition
reimbursement program?
How would you describe the company culture?
92
Medium
Why is the position now vacant?
What do you like most about working for this company? What keeps you here?
Is there anything you dislike about this company?
What kind of person succeeds at this company?
What new products or services does the company plan to add in the next year?
What is the department heads leadership style?
Is the company currently experiencing any difficulties? What are they?
What problems might I expect to encounter?
Has the company laid off anyone in the past 2 years for budgetary reasons?
Would it be OK to call you next week to check in?
Well Done
How stable is the company financially? At what point, if any, will additional
financing be required?
How many women and minorities are in management positions?
Have there been instances of sexual harassment in the workplace? If so, how
has the company responded?
Getting Hired
93
Getting Grilled
In addition to preparing questions for your interviewer, you should arrive at
your interview prepared to answer questions about yourself. Take a few minutes
to reflect on your past work, internship, and educational experiences. Though
no one can predict exactly what an interviewer will ask, knowing what youve
liked and disliked (and why) along with what youve accomplished and learned
from previous experience will help you in any interview situation. Weve listed
some common questions that you should be prepared to answer.
Why do you want to work for us?
What do you know about our company?
Why did you choose your college major?
What were your responsibilities at your previous position?
Why did you leave your previous job?
Tell me about a time you made a mistake and learned from it.
What type of work environment do you like?
What qualities do you look for in a manager?
How do you handle stress?
Where do you expect your career to be in 5 years? In 10?
What skills do you have that will benefit our company?
Getting Hired
What accomplishment are you most proud of ?
Describe a situation where your technical expertise made a significant difference.
What was the last book you read?
What skills would you most like to improve?
What are your greatest strengths? Weaknesses?
94
Describe a time that you went above and beyond what was expected of you.
How do you prioritize tasks?
Describe a time that you overcame a major obstacle. How did you go about it?
What are your salary requirements?
Getting Hired
95
For Your Reference
For Your Reference
IT Lingo
Recommended Reading
Job Boards
Certification
97
For Your Reference
IT Lingo
Angels. Wealthy individuals who invest in start-up companies. Angel invest-
ments rarely exceed $1 million dollars but are often enough to get a venture off
the ground.
Beta. As in, its in beta or check out this beta version. Beta refers to a
product development stage between alpha and finished. During the beta
stage, products are tested and bugs fixed.
Blamestorming. Did something go wrong? Whos responsible? Blamestorming
involves two or more people engaged in a discussion devoted to determining
whos to blame.
Bloatware. Though software will never eat three desserts, it can still bloat.
Software applications with excessive (and often useless) features are known as
bloatware.
Blog. Originally derived from Web log (which is an updated Web journal),
blog is often used as a verb: I blogged it, meaning I posted it on my Web
log. Blog can also be used as a noun: I checked out Marks blog.
Dead tree edition. A hard (also known as paper) copy of a report.
DSL. Short for digital subscriber line. A technology that has dramatically
increased the digital capacity of phone lines, which has made surfing the Web
from home a much more enjoyable experience. There are two types of DSL:
Asymmetric DSL (ADSL) allows users to download information quickly, while
symmetric DSL (SDSL) is designed to allow fast upload and download of
information.
98
For Your Reference
Ego surfing. Searching the Internet for ones own name.
Ethernet. Invented by Robert Metcalfe and David Boggs in 1973, Ethernet is
currently the most widely used local area network (LAN) protocol. It has become
so popular that most PCs and Macs come with 10/100 Ethernet ports, which
are used to create home or work networks or connect to the Internet via a DSL
or cable modem.
HTML. Short for hypertext markup language, which is used to format Web
pages. HTML tags (e.g., <font> or <table>) define page layouts and designs
that Web browsers like Internet Explorer and Netscape interpret and display.
I18n. Why say internationalization when you can sound hip and abbreviate it
as I18n? I and N are the first and last letters of internationalization, and
18 refers to the 18 letters in between. Making software that can display characters in users native languages or output numbers and dates in a way that
obeys cultural customs are examples of I18n issues.
IM. Short for instant messaging, an Internet-based service that allows users to
chat in real time. Just IM him, your boss might say. IM communication is
filled with abbreviations (LOL for laughing out loud or NP for no problem)
and emoticons, which are faces composed of standard punctuation marks. IM
users soon learn to recognize that : ) expresses joy and : ( sorrow. Some IM
applications have graphical emoticons.
KISS. If you work around IT people long enough, youre bound to hear this
acronym. Short for keep it simple, stupid.
LAN. Short for local area network. A communication network that connects
servers, workstations, and other devices such as printers within a confined
geographical area like an office.
99
For Your Reference
Lets discuss that off-line. Often used in meetings when tangents threaten to
divert attention from the days agenda, Lets discuss that off-line means lets
talk about that later, maybe.
Low-hanging fruit. Easy projects thatto extend the analogycan be picked
and consumed rapidly, bringing immediate satisfaction.
Open source. A term applied to software when the source code is publicly
available. To be truly open source, software must be freely distributed both in
its compiled and source code forms.
Programmers butt. Its a well-known fact that programmers spend long hours
in front of the computer, often with a bag of chips or a slice of pizza. If you
go into programming, beware! Programmers butt is thought to be a prevalent
condition.
PEBCAK. Short for problem exists between chair and keyboard. A favorite
among tech support workers. Closely related to code 18, a shorthand referring
to a problem that sits 18 inches from the computer screen.
RAM. Short for random access memory. A group of memory chips that func-
tion as a computers primary workspace. Unlike ROM (see next entry), RAM
requires power to maintain its content. When a computer is shut off, anything
thats in RAM and has not been saved to disk will be lost. RAM is also used to
refer to people who dont have the smarts for their jobs. You dont want your
fellow IT workers calling you a bit short on RAM.
ROM. Short for read only memory. A memory chip that permanently stores
instructions and data for a given computer.
Router. A device used to optimally forward data packets from one local or wide
area network to another. Routers are located at gateways, which are places where
two or more networks connect.
100
For Your Reference
Server. May refer to a computer system (both the hardware and software) that is
shared by multiple users or may refer to just the serving software. For example,
one can restart the server (the server software) on a server (the machine with
the serving software) without restarting the machine.
Slashdot effect. Drawing its name from the slashdot.org website (which bills
itself as News for Nerds. Stuff that matters), this term refers to the tremendous amount of traffic a website receives after a positive news article or review
is published about it.
SOAP. Short for the simple object access protocol, a protocol that enables Web
applications to exchange information in a standard way. Many people think that
SOAP will revolutionize the way in which applications work together.
TCP/IP. Short for transmission control protocol/Internet protocol. Two
protocolsdeveloped by Vinton Cerf (often called the Father of the Internet)
and Bob Kahn for the Department of Defensethat are used to connect
multiple networks to form a network of networks, also known as the Internet.
Team player. Though this term may have a positive connotation in many work
environments, be wary of being pegged as a team player in the IT world.
Sardonic engineers often use team player to refer to a spineless colleague who
says yes to every request and demand. Team player is also fondly, though
perhaps pejoratively, used when referring to the bright-eyed employee who
arrives early and puts on a large pot of coffee.
Vaporware. If youve read about a piece of software or hardware but cant find
it for sale anywhere, you may have found a piece of vaporware. Usually, vaporware has been well advertised for months; however, despite the optimistic marketing, the product isnt available anywhere.
101
For Your Reference
Virus. A computer program that replicates by incorporating itself into shared
computer programs, ranging from annoying pranks to destructive monsters.
Viruses spread quickly, often through e-mail. Never open an attachment from
someone you dont know!
WAP. Short for wireless application protocol. A standard for providing wire-
less devices (e.g., cellular phones, pagers, and other handheld devices) with
Internet access.
WebDAV. Short for Web distributed authoring and versioning. A set of hyper-
text transfer protocol (HTTP) extensions that facilitate collaborative editing and
file management over the Internet.
Webmail. A service that allows you to access your e-mail account from a Web
page. You can read, send, and organize e-mail on any computer, anywhere in
the world, provided you have an Internet connection. Hotmail and Yahoo mail
are well-known webmail services.
Word-of-mouse. Gossip circulated via e-mail.
WSDL. Its true, IT professionals use a lot of acronyms. Short for Web services
description language. WSDL is written in XML (see next entry) and is an XML
document. It is used to describe and locate networked XML-based services (e.g.,
an online business), and it is part of the UDDI (universal description, discovery,
and integration) effort to create a platform-independent, open framework for
describing, discovering, and integrating business services using the Internet.
XML. Short for extensible markup language, an open standard for describing
data. It is used to define data elements on Web pages and business-to-business
documents.
Zombie. A term applied to a website that is accessible but no longer updated.
Also called a ghost site.
102
For Your Reference
Recommended Reading
Code Complete: A Practical Handbook of Software Construction
Steve C. McConnell (Microsoft Press, 1993)
Believed by many to be the best practical guide to writing commercial software,
this is an industry classic. Examples are provided in C, Pascal, Basic, Fortran,
and Ada, but the focus is on successful programming techniques.
OReilly Books
(www.oreilly.com)
OReilly produces one of the definitive lines of books that teach, in detail, all
the ins and outs of the software world from network tuning to Perl coding to
Open Source issues. The company also runs conferences every year on a variety
of topics.
Peachpit Books
(www.peachpit.com)
Focusing more on multimedia design, Web design, the Mac, and servers, Peachpit
puts out a range of useful books, from the Visual QuickStart guides to thick
reference works.
Dr. Dobbs Journal
(www.ddj.com)
DDJ has been around since 1976. Authors are primarily IT professionals who
want to revise proposed standards, explore new technologies, argue over programming style, and share tricks of the trade.
103
For Your Reference
Information Week
(www.informationweek.com)
This weekly newspaper focuses on whats going on in computing, with an
emphasis on emerging trends.
Slashdot
(www.slashdot.org)
As one insider says, Slashdot is the most significant online community for IT
workers on the Internet. It features discussions of new software, hardware, and
politics that relate to IT. You will also find interviews with major IT pundits and
discussions of techniques and tools of the trade. Visitors also discuss IT-related
issues like job availability and how to deal with clients.
Information Technology Association of America
(www.itaa.org)
The ITAA website provides information about the IT industry, its issues, association programs, publications, meetings, seminars, and links to related websites.
104
For Your Reference
Job Boards
Dice
(www.dice.com)
A large job board exclusively for tech job seekers and hirers. Dice is one of the
first places to look for listings, and its free for job seekers.
Craigslist
(www.craigslist.org)
Though Craigslist originated in the Bay Area, it now provides boards for more
than a dozen U.S. cities, with local job listings for each. Thinking of moving to
Europe? Check out Craigslist London. Free for job seekers.
CareerBuilder
(www.careerbuilder.com)
A comprehensive job board, with options to search by industry, company, or
even in Spanish. Free for job seekers.
Monster
(www.monster.com)
One of the first well-known job boards, Monster remains a good resource for
job seekers. Post a resume, get career advice, or troll through the job listings.
Free for job seekers.
105
For Your Reference
ITtoolbox Staffing
(staffing.ittoolbox.com)
Only for information technology job seekers and hirers. To search job postings,
users must post a resume on the site.
HotJobs
(hotjobs.yahoo.com)
Now part of Yahoo, this job board also has links to a great set of salary
wizards and other resources.
106
For Your Reference
Certification
An increasing number of colleges and universities now offer certificate programs
in information technology, often through extension and even online programs.
Many vendors also offer product-specific certification directly. Though certification is by no means a requirement for many IT jobs, it can be helpful to have
credentials in a tight job market. Many companies will also pay for employees
certification programs.
Check Point Certification
(www.checkpoint.com/services/education/certification/)
For those interested in pursuing a career in network security, Check Point certificates are useful credentials. Certified professionals have exclusive access to
the Check Point Certified Professionals Only site.
Cisco Certification
(www.cisco.com/en/US/learning/le3/learning_certification_overview.html)
Cisco offers three levels of certification (associate, professional, and expert) in
four areas: network installation and support, network engineering and design,
communications and services, and network security.
HP Certification
(http://h10017.www1.hp.com/certification/)
Certificate programs teach IT professionals how to plan, deploy, support, and
service HP technology and solutions.
107
For Your Reference
IBM Certification
(http://www-1.ibm.com/certify/index.shtml)
IBM offers dozens of certificates from e-business to XML, all focused on IBM
technology.
Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals
(www.iccp.org)
This organization offers CCP (Certified Computing Professional) and ACP
(Associate Computing Profession) certification. ICCP is not a training institution. Although ICCP partners with other groups to offer relevant courses, it is
primarily a certifying organization. Interested professionals must take and pass a
series of exams (costing between $300 and $600) to receive a credential. According to ICCP literature, nearly 55,000 technology professionals have participated
in its certifying program.
Microsoft Certification
(www.microsoft.com/traincert/)
More than one-and-a-half million people have a Microsoft certification of some
ilk. Currently, the most popular certification is an MCP (Microsoft Certified
Professional). Interested professionals must pass an exam to obtain a certificate.
The online training center offers a skill assessment tool and information about
Microsoft training options.
Novell Certification
(www.novell.com/training/certinfo/)
Novell offers a continuing certification program. Interested professionals can
study to be a Novell Certified Engineer or Administrator. The company offers
short classes (usually just a few days), study materials, and practice exams, which
can be found on the Novell training site.
108
For Your Reference
Oracle Certification
(www.oracle.com/education/certification/)
Oracle offers certification programs for database administrators, application
developers, and Web application server administrators.
Red Hat Certification
(www.redhat.com/training/rhce/courses/)
Red Hat, which is famous for its flavor of Linux and open source technology,
offers both a Red Hat Certified Technician (RHCT) and Red Hat Certified
Engineer (RHCE) course of study. The exam is a performance-based test on
live equipment.
RSA Certification
(http://www.rsasecurity.com/node.asp?id=1261)
Like Symantec and Check Point, RSA offers certificates in security. Recertification is required for every major product release and for certain point releases
that RSA deems sufficiently important.
Sun Certification
(http://suned.sun.com/US/certification/)
Sun offers a number of certifications in Java and the Solaris operating environment. Certification is valid for 2 years.
Symantec Certification
(www.symantec.com/education/certification/)
Symantec offers four levels of certification in security-related areas. Applicants
must already know TCP/IP and be proficient with at least one operating system.
109
WETFEETS INSIDER GUIDE SERIES
JOB SEARCH GUIDES
Getting Your Ideal Internship
Job Hunting A to Z: Landing the Job You Want
Killer Consulting Resumes
Killer Investment Banking Resumes
Killer Resumes & Cover Letters
Negotiating Your Salary & Perks
Networking Works!
INTERVIEW GUIDES
Ace Your Case: Consulting Interviews
Ace Your Case II: 15 More Consulting Cases
Ace Your Case III: Practice Makes Perfect
Ace Your Case IV: The Latest & Greatest
Ace Your Case V: Return to the Case Interview
Ace Your Interview!
Beat the Street: Investment Banking Interviews
Beat the Street II: I-Banking Interview Practice Guide
CAREER & INDUSTRY GUIDES
Careers in Accounting
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Careers in Asset Management & Retail Brokerage
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Careers in Brand Management
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Careers in Venture Capital
Consulting for PhDs, Doctors & Lawyers
Industries & Careers for MBAs
Industries & Careers for Undergrads
COMPANY GUIDES
Accenture
Bain & Company
Boston Consulting Group
Booz Allen Hamilton
Citigroups Corporate & Investment Bank
Credit Suisse First Boston
Deloitte Consulting
Goldman Sachs Group
J.P. Morgan Chase & Company
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McKinsey & Company
Merrill Lynch
Morgan Stanley
25 Top Consulting Firms
Top 20 Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals Firms
Top 25 Financial Services Firm
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WetFeet was founded in 1994 by Stanford MBAs Gary Alpert and Steve Pollock. While exploring
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About Our Name
One of the most frequent questions we receive is, So, whats the story behind your name? The
short story is that the inspiration for our name comes from a popular business school case study
about L.L. Bean, the successful mail-order company. Leon Leonwood Bean got his start because
he quite simply, and very literally, had a case of wet feet. Every time he went hunting in the Maine
woods, his shoes leaked, and he returned with soaked feet. So, one day, he decided to make a
better hunting shoe. And he did. And he told his friends, and they lined up to buy their own pairs
of Bean boots. And L.L. Bean, the company, was born . . . all because a man who had wet feet
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The lesson we took from the Bean case? Lots of people get wet feet, but entrepreneurs make
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Opportunities in IT exist across a broad range of
industriesfinancial services, retail, libraries and schools, or just about any organization
that has a website or is required to exchange or store information. In fact, despite the technology
sector downturn and the outsourcing trend, the Department of Commerce reported last year that IT
professions are among the fastest growing and highest paying jobs in the economy. You may have to
work a little harder to find and get the job you want, but you can still find good opportunities.
Careers in Information Technology
Careers/Job Search
Careers in
Information Technology
Turn to this WetFeet Insider Guide to explore
Current trends affecting the industry and their impact on job seekers.
How the industry breaks down and where IT professionals can find work outside of the technology
industry.
Detailed descriptions of main IT functions, such as creative, engineering, support, and marketing.
A typical day in the life of a director of engineering, a UI designer, a technology consultant, and
more.
The lifestyle, hours, and compensation you can expect from an IT career.
What industry professionals like and dislike about the work.
Whos likely to succeed and how to impress your interviewers.
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2005 Edition
2005