People often confuses between information and knowledge. We must say in the beginning itself that information is not knowledge, rather Information, the processed data is the primary resources, upon which the building knowledge has to be raised. If we look at the complete life cycle, then the path should be like

Data -> Information -> knowledge -> understanding and application -> wisdom.

Information is available and the challenge is to find the place for the right information. Once one collects information, then he needs to apply his intuition to transform the information to knowledge.

Information is liberating, if our minds are programmed properly. Some people are called more intelligent and efficient as the efficient minds will find out the right source for right kind of information faster than the ordinary people.

Strategy needs to be formulated for collecting information or to decide the kind of information is required to fulfill our goal. Once the effective information is fetched, they need to be organized in a systematic manner, followed by the right kind of processing to yield the right conclusion. These steps are mandatory, to transform the information to knowledge.

The secret of success lies in evaluating the right source as information only can lead one to the right knowledge base. Now once the knowledge is traced, it needs to be tested in several new conditions like software products, only then the utility of knowledge is confirmed, which in other word is called experience.

Pretension of knowledge is a serious concern as the normal psychology of people always suffer from insecurity complex, they feel that even if they fail to guide in any issue on the earth, then the artificially built in impression goes down.They literally menace the truth and success of the others.

How knowledge can be enhanced? It is the willingness and curiosity you have within and then the hard work of applying it in real life situations. We will conclude with the quotes of Denis Diderot, “There are three principal means of acquiring knowledge. . . observation of nature, reflection, and experimentation. Observation collects facts; reflection combines them; experimentation verifies the result of that combination.” We will infer that if information is called the seed of success then proper watering is a must to result good fruits, which is knowledge.

Alas! Knowledge is also perishable. What is knowledge today, it can be just a notion tomorrow.

Introduction

This report primarily envisages the need of detailed skills and personnel requirements for a career in IT companies with an analysis of opportunities and threats of IT profession.This report as well analyzes the current trend in IT all over the world and its growth potential.

As IT has emerged as an integral part of our daily life, a lot of illusions and stories have also crept in. A thorough research is necessary to reveal the facts and facets of this tremendous volatile industry. If you are really serious of pursuing a career in IT, you should acquire proper knowledge and skill to focus properly. IT demands your flexibility for upgrading new techniques and skills throughout as a part of your career. More seriousness and sincerity are required to rip the benefits of this lucrative profession.

Method

Data were collected from Internet from the sites described in Reference section and various search engines. We have used the keywords for searching like Trend in IT, Job Opportunities in IT, Growth of IT in 2006 etc. We have also visited the sites of the Global IT companies and various job sites for research and data collection.

Findings

• Chancellor Gordon Brown has announced on December 5, 2005 that the public sector has saved a lot by ripping the benefits of IT projects undertaken.
• Intel is investing billions in India
• The growth of IT will remain steady in 2006 also
• IBM, Oracle, Microsoft are planning for a huge recruitment next year (2006)
• A Clear segmentation between IT companies and IT user companies is in place.
• IT companies hold only 45% of the IT sector today, the rest are for IT User companies where specialized IT skills are not required.
• US & UK markets are picking up and will continue to grow.
• The prediction is a growth of 4.3% to 7%.
• The salary in IT companies varies between £20,000 to £25,000 for a starting IT graduate, which may reach £35,000 to £40,000 in 3 to 5 years depending upon the company and the individual’s ability.
• Many companies recruit trainees, Summer & Spring Trainees and part-time employees.

Conclusions

• After the dramatic fall of IT requirement due to 9/11 massacres, the IT Boom has again appeared.
• The rainy days took away around 78,000 jobs in UK only.
• Today the IT requirement has clearly been categorized as special specialized IT jobs and IT enabled jobs. IT is more used as a generic term for professionals.
• The core IT companies address to areas like Project Management, Systems Design and Analysis, Software Coders/ Programmers, Database Administrator, Web Designer, Information System manager, GIS Managers etc.
• The IT User companies are most of the non-IT companies, who are using IT as a tool. A manufacturing unit is a classic example of IT User Company, who might use even an ERP, but uses IT as a tool for their business .
• The widely fast-growing segment is BPO (voice and non-voice), who are treated mainly as IT-enabled Company.
• IT jobs require a lot of personal attributes also, like attitude, intention of working as a team, motivation level, flexibility to learn, willingness of accepting challenges etc.
• Most of all your inspirations and aspirations. The future trend of skill requirement in IT companies are Unix, C, C++, Oracle, SQL, Java, .Net technology, Web Server, PHP.
• Some of the Expert Support companies are Accenture, IBM or Logica. Oracle, Satyam, Sun, Infosys are some example of Software development companies.
• The ERP specialists are Microsoft business solution, Oracle, SAP, and SSA Global.
• Rapid Change in technology has become a concern for many companies and they have started feeling the need of training people as per their project requirements.
• Companies are even recruiting non-computer engineers with high aptitude as Management trainees and imparting various training to them to make them project ready professionals.
• You will also find reputed institutes are offering “Project ready professional” training to bridge the gap between Universities and Industry Requirements. Several institutes are offering “technical skill training.

Recommendations

Understand the Market Requirement If you decide finally to go for IT as a career, start preparing yourself.

Understand the job roles for various positions in IT companies.

Analyze the entry criteria both at the start-up level as well as in the changeover level for each company of your choice.

List out the companies, which may value your skills, i.e., whose requirements match your skills. Watch the web sites to know the trend Self Preparation

You must decide your long-term goal regarding your career in IT and convince yourself on all personal attributes like attitude, life-style etc. Identify some technology areas and look for exclusive training on those.

Be realistic in achieving your dream jobs. Don’t rush for something very big in the beginning.

You may start at a lower level, which doesn’t matter at all provided you get the right exposure and proper experience, because the salary hike in IT is directly proportionate to your experience and skill enhancement.

If you are a student or a beginner, you may look forward to some part time/ trainee jobs alsoRemember your job security and future growth in IT solely depends upon your skill enhancement and your personal attributes.

Search a job

Look for a job through Web sites.

Keep a tab on the dailies on the days they post jobs, News Magazines, Career Fares.

Post your resume in various job sites.

References

• British Computer Society (Web Site: www.bcs.org.uk )
• Computer Weekly (Web Site: www.cw360.com )
• Doctor Job (Web site: www.doctorjob.com/it )
• e-skills, UK (Web Site: www.e-skills.com )
• IBM (Web Site: www.ibm.com )
• IT Compass (Web Site: www.itcompass.net )
• Microsoft (Web site: www.microsoft.com )
• Oracle (Web site: www.oracle.com )
• Sun Commercial (Web Site: http://suncommercial.com)
• UK Job sites (Web Site: www.prospects.ac.uk )