Is It True?
You’ve probably read my posts about the Talent Crunch — and about a potential IT talent shortage. My comments have been based on demographics, Manpower research and on anecdotal evidence as I ask for a show of hands when speaking to large groups.
But lately I’ve been reading articles that oppose the shortage theory. Most recently I read Is There Really an IT Labor Shortage? on Baselinemag.com. Very interesting and worth reading.
To those who concur there is a shortage and to those who don’t, I agree with you both. That’s because it depends. It depends on where you are. In some regions and in some cities, good IT talent is hard to come by. And it depends on the specific skills you seek. I would also argue that the economy has something to do with it.
But either way we should:
- Encourage the best and brightest to enter the IT field.
- Give IT talent the tools they need to keep their skills up to date.
- Make sure we’re balancing demand and supply. Let’s not make too many only to face a glut that causes schools and students to pull back from the profession.
What do you think? Is there a shortage?
March 24th, 2008 at 10:07 am
I hope not. I hate it when IT talent is scare. They get so demanding. Well, more demanding then usual that is.
March 25th, 2008 at 8:43 pm
The Baseline article is right on target, there’s a percieved shortage driven by suyveyed individuals and companies. Very few companies, outside of some of their HR & IT or HRIS professionals understand the transitional state of the IT market and/or field today.
Another disturbing trend is c-level excutives knowing what they want but not committing to ‘how” or getting there when it comes to technology….as quiet as it’s kept, it is a good deal of these individuals at the top that are fairly ignorant as to what sound strategy and vision as it relates to IT can do for their companies…