Are you a candidate for a career in high technology? Employers in every state are listening eagerly for your response. If your head twitches in the affirmative, their recruiters will be right over. Never mind that you were just holding back a sneeze — if you can program your VCR, you show promise.
Exaggeration? Barely. The field we loosely call high-tech touches nearly every industry and every company. Every employer needs at least a few high-tech workers, and some companies consist entirely of this breed.
In general terms, a high-tech worker is someone working with technology, but especially in the design, production or use of electronic tools and toys, and in the training of others to design, produce, sell or use these products.
High-tech firms include the Internet companies you hear so much about, but also software and computer manufacturers, engineering firms, phone companies and other utilities, health clubs, grocery stores . . . .
Health clubs? Grocery stores? Actually, when compared to their counterparts of just 20 years ago, nearly every company in the country is “high-tech.” Gyms that used to specialize in sweat and iron now check in their guests with bar-coded, magnetic-strip ID cards.
Exercise machines allow patrons to store their personal workouts under a password, and even lockers are electronic. Grocery stores are just as computerized, although most of the electronics are used for pricing systems and other processes invisible to the customer.
When you consider the prevalence of computers, voice mail, electronic charge card systems and even cell phones, most workers of today are Dick Tracy look-alikes by the standards of even a generation ago.
For workers, the message is clear: Everyone must learn at least a little about high-tech tools and processes.
While this basic level of electronic literacy is becoming increasingly necessary, the real opportunity lies in the development, production and sales of the tools themselves. High-tech firms are literally begging for people to join their ranks.
They need programmers, trainers, designers, graphic artists, machine operators, phone consultants, Web site managers and more than a few of whatever title hasn’t been created yet. These companies are in a bind. They could grow faster if they had the workers on board. And faster growth means faster profits. They really, really want you.
Which brings me to an important lesson: Be careful. A few years ago, the profile of the perfect high-tech candidate was someone who had at least one of these characteristics: an interest in technology, experience tinkering with electronics, programming skills, a degree in a technical field. Today the list of necessary characteristics has shrunk somewhat and now includes having a pulse and wanting an income.
This is no laughing matter. Companies are recruiting out of high schools, shopping malls and prisons to find workers with even the slightest potential for the work. Many states have created job-training programs to develop a stronger work force for these employers.
People who never considered a high-tech job are learning to operate complex equipment and earning salaries they never expected.
So why the caution? After helping thousands of people leave careers they tumbled into for the wrong reasons, I can’t help but worry.
The conditions are right for an entire generation to sidetrack themselves into work that doesn’t suit them, simply because the jobs are there.
Here are some steps to take as you consider a job or career in technology.
– Learn about yourself. Are you a “people” person? If yes, don’t lock yourself away in a programming position. Look for something in training, sales or supervision.
– Understand your goals. Do you need a stable job because you’re starting a family? Consider a position with a larger firm or the government. Do you want to learn as much as possible, quickly? Look for a small, growing company.
– Consider your finances. Many high-tech positions are contract jobs that pay well but don’t include benefits. Plan your finances to include savings that will help you survive between contracts.
– Maintain a strong network of contacts. Attend conferences or professional meetings. It’s impossible to keep up on everything yourself, so you need to meet people who specialize in other technical areas.
– Stay in charge of your career. If you left college early to take a high-paying job, make a plan to finish the degree.
