Friday, February 15, 2013

2013 IT Job Outlook - Blacks Gone Geek Readers Poll - Your Opinion Matters





To be successful in this ever changing IT industry, you have to know what’s hot so you can keep your skills current. This is where we could use your help.  It’s your opinion that matters. How do you see the job outlook for technology workers in 2013? What is the one thing that job seekers must do in order to advance their careers in 2013?

Please click the link below to take a short 5-minute survey.
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2013-IT-Outlook

Survey closes Friday, March 1, 2013. Please take action today!


Join The Blacks Gone Geek Community http://www.blacksgonegeek.org/Pages/JointheBlacksGoneGeekCommunity.aspx

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Are You Getting What You Want from Your Career?

Introducing an innovative and practical approach to help you manage your most important economic asset-your career.
Linwood Bailey - The Business of Me

The Business of Me: Your Job ... Your Career ... Your Value provides a process with actions you can take and tools and resources you can use to achieve your career goals and objectives and address the specific employment challenges and situations you may be facing.

The Business of Me 
will enable you to transform the huge amount of data available to you from numerous sources such as the media, books, the Internet, and career advisers into practical information. The Business of Me is designed for professionals who are seeking to:

  • Position themselves for exceptional pay raises, promotions, and career advancement.
  • Strengthen their employment position in their organizations.
  • Land a new career opportunity after losing a position.
  • Make the transition from student to professional.
  • Improve their performance ratings.
  • Leverage new capabilities, skills, and credentials.
  • Return to the workforce.

About the Author
Linwood Bailey is the Founder and Owner of Fields of Success, LLC. As a career coach, Linwood partners with professionals to assist them in addressing the career management challenges presented by today's employment environment.

Click here for more information:


Join The Blacks Gone Geek Community http://www.blacksgonegeek.org/Pages/JointheBlacksGoneGeekCommunity.aspx

Technology is a Hot Spot for Young Professionals

by Charisse Williams

Charisse Williams

Technology is one of the sexiest careers out there! It’s attractive to the eye, exciting to learn and a lucrative industry that impacts billions of consumers. According to a recent U.S. News report, technology related careers occupied four of the top ten spots in the U.S. News 100 Best Jobs of 2013.  An increasing number of professionals are specializing in various technology careers such as IT Project Management, Web Developers and Database Administrators. The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that between 2010 - 2020 there will be more than 1.4 million computing- related job openings in the US.

You may still be asking yourself why a career in technology even after those facts. The importance of being tech savvy increases each day as companies try to compete in the economy. Additionally, technology and innovation help companies save large amounts of money yearly. Technology has become a key way for competitors to enhance their impact on the consumer experience.

How did I become interested in technology? My curiosity for technology started in high school when I took an Adobe Photoshop course offered as an elective. I took several art classes growing up and was always interested in graphic design and imagery. Interestingly, the National Center for Women and Information Technology (NCWIT) states that no state requires computer science coursework for high school students. I found this even more intriguing because technology and digital connection are involved in daily consumer interactions. Plus, the computer elective that I took in high school was one of my favorite courses because it was fun, exciting and memorable. From there, I began to explore technology even more in college by obtaining technology internships and concentrating in Management Information Systems. By my senior year of college, I determined that I would pursue a technology career full time. This is where Deloitte Consulting LLP came into play. By the end of first semester senior year, I was ready to start my career with the firm.

So how does technology currently play into my career? I currently work at Deloitte Consulting LLP in Chicago, IL. Even at my level as a business technology analyst, I interact with professionals at various levels whether on the client site or in the office on Fridays. Deloitte technology prides itself on professionals pursuing their passions which are evident in their wide range of service lines. Some of the services lines include Systems Integration, SAP, Emerging Solutions and Oracle. I belong to the Deloitte Digital service line. The Deloitte Digital service line focuses on conducting business with consumers digitally via offerings such as mobile, social, web and digital content. During my time with Deloitte so far, I have been exposed to numerous technology and innovation concepts.

I strongly encourage you to do your research and find a technology concept that interests you. There are tons of firms in corporate America in search of technology professionals; you just have to find your ideal environment. I am at the stage where I am actively exploring new technology specialties and programs. Remember technology is fun, fast and becoming more and more important in today’s society. It is surely a hot spot for young professionals now and in the future.



Join The Blacks Gone Geek Community http://www.blacksgonegeek.org/Pages/JointheBlacksGoneGeekCommunity.aspx

A Job within a job…

by Eric B. Horn


I’ve heard that finding a job is a job within itself.  It takes a lot of time, energy, and patience to obtain an employment opportunity.  Contrary to popular belief, jobs are available; they are just HIDDEN from the masses. You must navigate your job search differently to become successful.  I will touch on four key points that have gotten a mass amount of job hunters the opportunity of their dreams.

1. Have a target list of 25 – 50 companies that you want to work for. Start treating your job search the same way a surgeon treats his patients, with laser sharp precision and little room for error.  In 2013, blindly posting your resume on multiple job websites is a waste of YOUR time and effort.  Having a list will keep you focused on the companies that you really want to work for, but more importantly keeps you away from the companies that you don’t want to work for.

2. Develop a Routine – From getting up at the same time in the morning to scheduling your informal interviews, developing a routine is extremely important when looking for a job.  Developing a routine will also keep you on track with everything you have to do that day.  Furthermore, the most important piece of having a routine is incorporating the discipline needed to effortlessly transition from being unemployed to being employed.

3. Implement the 2, 5, 1 Rule – When searching for a job, one of the most valuable resources you have are people.  Knowing this, every week you should meet at least two new people, catch up with five people in your existing network, and have one face-to-face meeting.  The overall objective of this rule is to keep your network of people “warm” so when you need to ask for assistance; such as letting you know about any job leads; it will not feel like you are taking to a total stranger.  Trust me this rule works like a charm!!!

4. Calling on a higher power for help – Everyday ask for GOD to open up an avenue of employment and he WILL answer your prayers.  :)


Want to learn more tips and tricks on finding a job. Join the Blacks Gone Geek online community (http://www.blacksgonegeek.org/Pages/JointheBlacksGoneGeekCommunity.aspx) to hear Eric Horn and other job search experts share their words of wisdom.

And if you have been looking for a job over 30 days with no results it may be time to do something different. You don’t have to go it alone. The Blacks Gone Geek Job Search Work Team can help. A job search work team is a group of people committed to helping each other in job search by keeping each other focused on key tasks and accountable for getting them done.

Click the link below for more information:

Thursday, February 7, 2013

2013 IT Job Outlook - Blacks Gone Geek Readers Poll




From the Bureau of Labor Statistics

In December, 1,509 mass layoff actions affected 137,839 workers
 
Employers took 1,509 mass layoff actions in December involving 137,839 workers as measured by new filings for unemployment insurance benefits during the month. 

Dec. jobless rates down over the year in 290 of 372 metro areas; payroll jobs up in 283
 
Unemployment rates were lower in December than a year earlier in 290 of the 372 metropolitan areas, higher in 68 areas, and unchanged in 14 areas, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. 
 
To be successful in this ever changing IT industry, you have to know what’s hot so you can keep your skills current. This is where we could use your help.  It’s your opinion that matters. How do you see the job outlook for technology workers in 2013? What is the one thing that job seekers must do in order to advance their careers in 2013?

Please click the link below to take a short 5-minute survey.
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2013-IT-Outlook

Survey closes Friday, February 15, 2013. Please take action today!


Join The Blacks Gone Geek Community http://www.blacksgonegeek.org/Pages/JointheBlacksGoneGeekCommunity.aspx