Technology Sector Seeks Immigrants

Generation Y or digital natives ñ those who grew up with technology and treat it as second nature, are no longer the most sought after professionals in the technology sector.

According to LINK Recruitmentís Technology Practice Leader, Bill Whiteside, digital immigrants ñ those who have lived through and adapted to the move towards digital platforms such as email, mobile phones and the internet, are in higher demand because of their ability to better understand the business impacts of using technology.

ìCompanies are now looking for candidates with a good balance of business knowledge as well as IT know-how,î says Bill.

ìIt is no longer enough for a professional in this sector to be able to use and apply the latest in technological developments. Employers and recruiters are focusing on candidates who have a greater understanding of their entire business and are able to put forward a business case for using technology.î

This typically means candidates with five to ten yearsí practical experience as well as a technical qualification, suggesting that the tech savvy digital natives will need to wait their turn behind Generation X and Baby Boomers.

Bill says that universities have already started to address this need in their course structure.

ìLately weíve seen a trend at tertiary level for universities to combine practical IT qualifications with complementary business or communication degrees. This is being driven by the marketís need for professionals who can add value to an entire business, not just its IT function.î

For the time being however, the spotlight is on older, more experienced professionals who can provide experience and knowledge as well as IT skills.

ìUltimately, IT is just a tool,î says Bill. ìBeing able to use it is one thing but being able to apply it within a business and understand its impact is always going to be more valuable to employers.î