IT Skill Shortage - Blame the CIOs

**pulse** · 03-27-2008, 10:30 AM

The article is correct. Training can go a long ways in improving IT staff skills, and therefore happiness in their work. IT isn't a static job, it requires continually learning. Increased productivity and well designed and maintained IT is a lot more cost effective than poor IT and downtime. Some CIOs are definitely to blame because they get into that position without really knowing enough (anything) about it, but also as was said the entire upper management from CFOs to CEOs can also be to blame.

**TykeClone** · 03-27-2008, 10:32 AM

Originally Posted by pulse

The article is correct. Training can go a long ways in improving IT staff skills, and therefore happiness in their work. IT isn't a static job, it requires continually learning. Increased productivity and well designed and maintained IT is a lot more cost effective than poor IT and downtime. Some CIOs are definitely to blame because they get into that position without really knowing enough (anything) about it, but also as was said the entire upper management from CFOs to CEOs can also be to blame.

Part of the job of being in IT is educating the suits - so part of the blame can be on ourselves.

**HandSanitizer** · 03-27-2008, 10:35 AM

Originally Posted by dmclone

I really don't understand why more kids are not getting into the field. We hire people straight out of college and they probably make $40K in their first year. I don't think that is bad money for your first year out of college with very little experience.

The problem is what would you be doing for 40K? If its programming related then a lot of people either don't know it or don't like the constant desk job.

That is a good wage for a first year person though. I know principal gave a friend of mine a 5K sign on bonus and started them out at 45K for being a systems analyst with zero experience straight out of college.

**superdorf** · 03-27-2008, 10:35 AM

Originally Posted by TykeClone

Part of the job of being in IT is educating the suits - so part of the blame can be on ourselves.

When there is 3 levels of management between you and the CFO/CIO it is hard to educate.

**pulse** · 03-27-2008, 10:36 AM

Originally Posted by TykeClone

Part of the job of being in IT is educating the suits - so part of the blame can be on ourselves.

Absolutely. When the CIO is a moron though, there may be only so much you can do.

**bos** · 03-27-2008, 10:37 AM

Originally Posted by dmclone

I really don't understand why more kids are not getting into the field. We hire people straight out of college and they probably make $40K in their first year. I don't think that is bad money for your first year out of college with very little experience.

Well I worked at Briar Cliff University. They paid me 28k a year to do all help desk, server, and networking work. They got a sweet deal if you ask me. This was not my first job out of college either. I needed to find a job quick since we were moving to SC and I took it as a Help Desk Support person. But when they realized I could do server and network admin duties they dropped all of that crap on me as well for the same pay. Needless to say, I left. But that is the kind of crap that happens to IT all over.

I have a hard time believing I would like my kids to pursue this field.

**brianhos** · 03-27-2008, 10:39 AM

Originally Posted by superdorf

When there is 3 levels of management between you and the CFO/CIO it is hard to educate.

Then you need to concentrate on educating your direct manager, and may him/her the mouthpiece for what you are trying to do. Sell it to them, and show them how it will benefit the company. They will see it and take credit for it, but at least you will get it completed, which makes both of you look good. It is not an us vs them mentality, I have been on both sides of the fence.

**dmclone** · 03-27-2008, 10:45 AM

Originally Posted by HandSanitizer

The problem is what would you be doing for 40K? If its programming related then a lot of people either don't know it or don't like the constant desk job.

That is a good wage for a first year person though. I know principal gave a friend of mine a 5K sign on bonus and started them out at 45K for being a systems analyst with zero experience straight out of college.

Just some examples

Database Admin
Java
.net
Cobol
VB
Business Analysts
Quality Assurance

Spend a couple of years doing these jobs at $40K/per year and then either move up in the company or to another company that is willing to pay experienced IT people. You have pretty flexible hours. Beats the hell out of working 60 hours a week for Hy-Vee while making $20K/year (12 years ago. 1st job out of College).

**brianhos** · 03-27-2008, 10:56 AM

Jeez, if anyone wants to make SERIOUS money and is just getting started in their IT careers, be a DBA. A good oracle DBA in dsm can make $100k before their 30th birthday!

**bos** · 03-27-2008, 10:57 AM

Originally Posted by brianhos

Jeez, if anyone wants to make SERIOUS money and is just getting started in their IT careers, be a DBA. A good oracle DBA in dsm can make $100k before their 30th birthday!

Well Ill agree. There is definitely money in programming and DBA.

**DaddyMac** · 03-27-2008, 10:57 AM

Originally Posted by brianhos

Jeez, if anyone wants to make SERIOUS money and is just getting started in their IT careers, be a DBA. A good oracle DBA in dsm can make $100k before their 30th birthday!

I used to do Oracle DBA work about 8 years ago. Back then, there were about 3 IT shops in DSM that used Oracle.

MSSQL is/was king of the mountain around here. (not sure why

)

**brianhos** · 03-27-2008, 11:01 AM

Originally Posted by DaddyMac

I used to do Oracle DBA work about 8 years ago. Back then, there were about 3 IT shops in DSM that used Oracle.

MSSQL is/was king of the mountain around here. (not sure why

)

MSSql is more propular because it is cheaper. The big boys all use Oracle now, and that is where the big money is.