Flow My Thoughts, The IT Professor Said

Gloom And Doom Discussion Room

http://news.com.com/2100-7342_3-5103519.html

Summarizes a Robert Half report to the effect that USA IT starting salaries will fall nearly 2% in 2004. Unemployment for computer professionals is at its highest since data started being collected in 1982. On the other hand [no surprise here] the salaries for IT managers will increase, as will those in 'hot' IT fields.

The problem for educators in the practical IT field is that the 'hot' fields change so rapidly that an extended educational programme cannot cope. If the general prospect is so dismal, students will cease enrolling, programmes will close, and the law of supply and demand will work its inevitable effects.

Another viewpoint on this issue, encapsulating the debate between those claiming that a new technical worker shortage is inevitable and those saying 'outshoring' will permanently reduce the IT workforce requirement can be found here:

http://jobcenter.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/careers/workingnews/110203ccCareersTechmain.1553fc53.html

A pair of opposed opinions on what the problem is and what should be done about it can be found here:

http://www.nwfusion.com/columnists/2003/1103biggs.html

This is obviously becoming a flashpoint as we approach the end of 2003, since articles on the topic are both multiplying and expressing a diversity of viewpoints, as exemplified by this:

http://www.siliconvalley.com/mld/siliconvalley/news/local/7225976.htm

Posted by jho at November 20, 2003 05:02 PM