Technology is an ever-evolving field. Technological positions such as mainframe programmers, system admins, help techs and IT managers are seeing a decrease in available job openings thanks to more educated workers and outsourcing. Described as “volatile” by many in the tech field, technological positions are becoming harder to find.
Mainframe Programmers
For mainframe programmers, the shortage in technological positions stems from the fact that changing mainframe software is an expensive venture. Many companies question why they should replace something that's already working. In addition, most companies can find exactly what they need from a service on the Internet. Web development has been a key feature in shrinking the number of companies who need employees to handle the mainframe software.
System Administrators
System administrators are being affected by the ever-growing popularity of cloud storage, outsourcing and virtualization. Jobs in tech such as these are quickly shrinking due to the number of cheaper, more flexible resources available worldwide. Likewise, these technological jobs are increasingly being handled by third-party companies that specialize in system administration and take care of the task for several other companies instead.
Help Desk Technicians
Help desk technicians are still in demand, but that demand has decreased considerably over the years. Virtual options and outsourcing are main factors in why demand is falling. In addition, many companies and employees view the help desk as a launch pad into another higher-paying position. Companies are looking for cheaper, more permanent solutions.
IT Managers
IT managers are a dying field because it’s easier for most companies to have one employee wear several different hats. For example, a marketing employee may be incredibly tech-savvy, and thus the company will charge him with IT management as well, rather than hiring another individual.
Jobs in tech, such as the ones listed above, are becoming more and more difficult to find not only because of budgeting and outsourcing, but also because of the increasing number of college grads who are majoring in STEM degrees. The greater supply of qualified applicants combined with the decreasing availability of actual jobs makes technological positions incredibly hard to find.
As the Baby Boomer generation begins to retire, many technological positions may open up; however, by that time, many companies may be using virtual options that eliminate the need for a specialized employee. The existence of the cloud and virtual help desks aren't helping tech professionals in the search for technological positions.
Mainframe programmers, system admins, help desk techs and IT managers are all experiencing a shortage in available positions for similar reasons. The business world is taking a turn toward digital and virtual spaces, eliminating the need for many physical, in-office technological positions. Professionals who are looking to get a job in technology may want to consider specialized training in virtual environments as well as in lucrative programming languages and other types of web development.
Image courtesy of Ivan Dervisevic at Flickr.com
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