The IT industry needs to work together more if it is to
be recognised as an established profession, according to
theBritish Computer Society
(BCS).
Adam Thilthorpe, manager of the
BCS professionalism in IT programme, said there is now an
"urgent" need for the industry to reach the common hallmarks of a
mature profession.
"Frantic" changes in the global economy mean IT must work
quickly towards the creation of a standards regime, establish an
over-arching governing framework, and reach a situation where the
IT professional puts the needs of society above those of their
career and employer. These, the society says, are the traditional
milestones of a mature
profession.
Thilthorpe said, "Being an IT professional is more than just
being good at your job and passing exams. An established
professional assumes a level of personal responsibility and
accountability which is recognised by employers, customers and
other professionals. It is that level of respect that is
hard-earned, and therefore worth keeping, that we need to
create.
"It is clear the IT industry cannot spend another 50 years
before it reaches the common hallmarks of a mature profession.
There are a lot of organisations out there that operate loosely on
major IT issues, doing their bit to create the IT profession of the
future. The BCS, along with industry partners, needs to work even
harder to bring it all together - and fast, if we are to benefit
fully from the brave new IT global economy."