Baltimore Technology Executive Offers Insight On Expanding Job Market
Baltimore, somewhat surprisingly, is becoming one of the best places to find a job in the technology sector. There have been a number of positive developments in the sector over the last few years, and as opportunities continue to develop, more jobs are on the horizon for job seekers with the requisite skills.
Tom Warthen, a Loyola University Maryland graduate, is President of ProSite Web Design, a Baltimore firm that designs, markets and hosts websites for clients nationwide.
What do you think needs to happen next in order for the technology sector to continue to grow in Baltimore?
"Geographically, Baltimore finds itself in an ideal location. High-quality universities in the surrounding area feed the local tech industry with talent, and close proximity to other east coast cities makes for easy business travel. Washington, DC, in particular, with its abundance of government-related projects, provides a steady revenue stream for many tech companies. Legislation that continues to make Maryland a desirable location for business will play a significant role in future growth of the sector."
How do you feel your education has prepared you for your career?
"Loyola business classes laid a foundation for success as an entrepreneur that I've continued to build on throughout my career. Thriving in the technology sector necessitates staying current with industry trends. Clients come to me as a trusted adviser for all things web-related including site design, online marketing and search engine optimization. I never stop learning and have taken numerous classes with concentrations in various programming languages, information architecture and user experience so that I can create websites that generate the greatest impact."
What training/skills do you think are most critical for those looking for a career in technology?
"Staying current with the constantly changing technology landscape presents both a challenge and an exciting opportunity for those that embrace a lifetime of learning. Technical skills, like fluency in a programming language, is an obvious asset. Be prepared to show your proficiency. Visually displaying examples of your work offers a more powerful approach than words alone can convey. This is the same approach successful businesses take to showcase their talents. At ProSite Web Design, we display our portfolio online to show potential clients the kind of results and success they can expect. Job seekers should do the same."
Warren White is a freelance writer covering all things Baltimore. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
