Chicago VP Tech Recruiter Gives Tips For IT Job Seekers
Anybody who remembers watching "The Jetsons" from the late '60s to '80s can admire the evolution of technology. In 2014, internet technology is built into everything from home appliances to office equipment.
Manufacturing jobs have transitioned workers from standing in front of an assembly line like robots to operating robots on an assembly line. The pay isn't too shabby either.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary ranges from $48K to $102K. But just getting a degree in the internet technology field may not automatically secure employment.
"Focus on building relationships," said Nashunda Bolden, Vice President of Black Data Processing Association (BDPA)'s Chicago chapter. "A lot of times when students graduate from college, they feel like their degree in Information Technology is going to take them far. They get really disappointed when they start filling out applications and nobody is responding."
"Don't be afraid to tell people who you are, and what values you bring because when you submit your resume online it goes into a system of maybe hundreds of other candidates."
Bolden, a Howard University graduate, used her degree in Information Systems to become a business solutions manager for CRS Group. She works with business managers to find the best job candidates for upcoming technical positions. Her networking is one of many reasons she strongly recommends that IT students take communications courses.
"What sets people apart is being willing to communicate difficult technology in an easy manner so that anybody can understand. If you have that skill set you will be very valuable in the corporate environment."
Technology is almost embedded in Generation X's and Y's lifestyle from early childhood. So why bother getting a degree when tech lovers can treat the industry like music and "learn by ear"?
"Without having that education behind you, [employers] are really taking a chance to see if you can really pick up [the work]. There is a mindset to coding and designing something. Formal education gives you validation for learning, and it shows that you can start something and complete the process."
Shamontiel L. Vaughn is a professional journalist who has work featured in AXS, Yahoo!, Chicago Defender and Chicago Tribune. She's been an Examiner since 2009 and currently writes about 10 categories on Examiner.com.
