I was very interested to read the Opinion article by Gordon
Eve-Tatham
(Computer Weekly 14 November) and his past
experiences of work within the computer industry - they are very
similar to mine.
Like Gordon I started in the Computer industry straight from
secondary school in July 1964, working for Elliott Automation in
Hertfordshire as a test engineer and progressing to a commissioning
engineer. Apart from a brief period working for Centre-File then
owned by National Westminster Bank, I stayed in computer
engineering for the next 30 years.
Unlike Gordon I did acquire some formal electronics
qualifications which helped in my career progression in the early
years, but later on these became more or less redundant due to
rapid changes in technology.
However unlike Gordon, I chose not to stay with any one company
for any length of time, preferring to move around the industry to
gain wider experience and further my career. Whilst this has
undoubtedly had an impact on my pensions, it has never the less
assured that I am still employable after over forty two years.
In my opinion to remain employable you have to look after number
one, keep your knowledge current, monitor industry trends, keep
networking with your contacts, be adaptable with transferable
skills. Like Gordon I decided to change roles later in my career
and moved from field engineering / manager background to an IT
Services sales role.
It was a transition I have never regretted and that one key move
assured my future earnings potential. Apart from a period of six
months in the early 1990's when I was out of work due to the deep
recession in the industry, I have always managed to find employment
and excellent training with leading IT companies.
I agree with Gordon's comments about the JobCentre and the
quality of help you get. My experience is that it is virtually non
existent when you tell them your past earnings and what you are
looking for. They are nice enough people, but do not really
understand the many computer industry roles. Great if you are a
warehouse man, but no go if you are used to earning over £30k. His
comments that there is no long-term future is also correct,
especially when you get into your later years.
I have learned to accept that companies don't want to pay for my
extensive past experience and high salary, preferring to employ
someone younger and cheaper. I don't agree with his comments about
finding work outside of the industry, I have found a very
satisfying role on a highly successful central government contract
rolling out on-line Planning applications
(http://www.planningportal.gov.uk)
to Architects and Local Planning Authorities. The role uses many of
my past sales skills and has allowed me to develop new ones in the
area of e-commerce / e-government.
Geoff Crisp
Regional Account Manager - DCLG Planning Portal
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