The question: Should I expand beyond
Progress?
I have worked in IT for six years and am now out of
work. I am a Progress professional. I have tried several agencies
and the market seems quite flat. I want to broaden my skill set by
breaking into web-based technologies. What is the best means of
trying to find a suitable position, which will enable me to do so?
Is it worth investing in some courses?
The solution
Don't deny your Progress expertise
Your six years' experience in the industry is a great asset not to
be undervalued and over that time you will have developed skills
that will appeal to all employers.
That said, you should take every opportunity to expand your
expertise, whether you are currently in a job or not. You should
also look to increase your skills in two areas:
- Your technical skills by looking at the Progress market to
identify where the installed base is moving technologically and
upgrade your skills accordingly
- Look to upgrade your business skills by describing yourself not
just as a Progress professional but as an IT professional. You will
immediately find that your marketability improves
Although not ideal, one approach you should consider is
considering temporary positions. These jobs can be a good way of
increasing your experience of different working environments and
can often open new doors that may not have been an option. This way
you will increase not only your technical skills but also a broader
range of skills like project management.
When you do come to look at permanent positions, try and find them
with employers that offer good access to training. This may not
necessarily mean those with huge training programmes, but those
that offer access to relevant pockets of training when
needed.
Solution by Terry Watts, chief operating
officer, E-skills UK
The panel: MSB International, Best International,
BritishComputer Society, Computer Futures, Computer People, Elan,
Reed Technology, Zarak Technology, E-Skills UK
E-mail your career questions
to computerweekly@rbi.co.uk