Membership of a professional IT association or union could enhance
your career prospects. David Mascord reports
There is no shortage of acronyms and abbreviations in the IT
industry. And when it comes to joining IT-related organisations
there is plenty of choice.
Be it the BCS, ITPA, IITC, PCG or WCIT, there is probably a body
that will represent issues that affect IT workers in your sector or
specialism.
They range from groups that exist to raise standards, encourage
networking and build awareness of IT issues, right through to a
trade union that specifically represents the IT sector.
Bodies including the British Computer Society (BCS) and the
Worshipful Company of Information Technologists (WCIT) aim to
promote the IT profession. They support education and training and
provide a forum for IT professionals to meet.
As the only IT body boasting a royal charter, the BCS aims to set
the highest professional standards possible. It accredits
qualifications and offers a range of membership grades dependent on
experience and qualifications.
"Chartered information systems professional status and active
membership in the BCS demonstrates, both to your employers and
peers, a passionate commitment to the industry," says IT
professional Andrew Brown, a consultant with
PricewaterhouseCoopers. "I know of no other professional
organisation where members are as actively involved with organising
and running events on a local basis."
The WCIT, meanwhile, is an example of tradition meeting the modern
world, according to clerk (chief executive) Gillian Davies. "The
WCIT connects our sector with the centuries-old livery tradition."
In addition to its education and networking activities the
620-member WCIT is also heavily involved in charitable projects
related to IT. "For people who have been successful in IT the WCIT
offers a vehicle to give something back, both to the industry and
to the wider community," says Davies.
There are also groups for independent IT workers. The Professional
Contractors Group (PCG) campaigns on behalf of contractors from a
range of sectors on subjects including the IR35 tax issue,
fast-track visas and employment rights.
Possibly the newest group touting for members, meanwhile, is the
Society for Professional Qualified Independent IT Consultants. The
name is a bit of a mouthful so, wisely, they call it the IITC for
short.
Just six months old and with membership yet to top 100, it is a
small body with big ideas. It too is aiming to be far more than
just a meeting place for its members. President John Heard, an
experienced consultant, says, "Initially it was a forum to meet
people from similar backgrounds. But we do want IITC membership to
represent a certain status and become the hallmark of a particular
quality of approach."
And for IT employees who want support at work in relation to terms
and conditions, pay structures and training opportunities there is
also the option of joining a union. According to IT sector trade
union the IT Professionals Association (ITPA), an autonomous
section of million-member union Amicus, there is increasing
interest in membership among younger IT staff.
This is especially the case where employees in IT departments or IT
companies are experiencing redundancies and general economic
belt-tightening.
Aware that many of its potential members grew up in non-unionised
or anti-union workplaces after the Thatcher years, the ITPA is keen
to stress its modern outlook. Membership of a 21st century union is
about more than strike threats.
Stewart Andrews, programmer and analyst, is an active ITPA member
who is union representative for recruitment at services giant
Computer Sciences. A union member since 1988, he champions the view
that modernised unions have a place for new and traditional members
alike.
"There is a re-education process. We are not in the old era of
unions with strikes and closed shops. We do a lot more than that.
But a lot of people are feeling vulnerable now. They are suddenly
realising that there is no one to look after their interests," he
says.
"People often say, 'I will join if I do not have to go on strike'.
In all my working life I have never been on strike. Union activity
is far more subtle these days. It is not about confrontation.
Communication is a two-way process," Andrews says.
With groups to cover every area the sheer choice can be confusing.
But ITPA national secretary Peter Skyte does not think so. He
appeals for groups to co-operate. "The different organisations have
a range of purposes, but there is some mutuality. ITPA would like
to see professional bodies work more closely together on common
issues," he says.
There is also the question of what view your employer might take of
heavy involvement in a professional group or a union - does it
affect the day job? Representatives from all organisations believe
that, rather than being frowned on by employers, membership of a
body can enhance an individual's career.
"Generally employers are supportive. Obviously it is wrong to spend
all your work time doing BCS tasks but if you attend BCS events you
bring new learning and contacts back to your team," says James
Hickson, president of the BCS Young Professionals Group.
Even being an active ITPA member is not necessarily a barrier to
career prospects, says Skyte. Sometimes it can even enhance them.
"In companies where we have open relationships with employers there
is no evidence that ITPA activity hampers your career. The
characteristics of a good union rep are in many ways those of a
good manager."
Whichever group you choose, joining the professionals could be one
of the smartest steps you take in your IT career.
Guide to IT professional organizations
British Computer Society
Subscriptions range from £26 for
students, £108 for full members and £136 for fellows
URL:www.bcs.org.uk/E-mail: bcshq@hq.bcs.org.uk
Tel: 01734-417424
Professional Contractors Group
Fees range from £117.50
for contractor members to £293.75 for associate members
URL:www.pcg.org.uk/E-mail: admin@pcg.org.uk
Tel: 020-8622 3066
IT Professionals Association
Annual subscription
£120
URL:www.msf-itpa.org.uk/E-mail: peter.skyte@amicus-m.org.uk
Tel: 020-7939 7000
Society of Professional Qualified Independent IT Consultants
(IITC)
Membership fee £300 a year
URL:www.iitc.org.uk/E-mail: membership@iitc.org.uk
Tel: 01531-636276
Worshipful Company of Information Technologists
Contact
WCIT for details
URL:
www.wcit.org.uk/E-mail: info@wcit.org.uk
Tel: 020-7600 1992.