By: Rick Westcott
Fear is a strong emotion that keeps us safe from harm, but it can also keep us from success. In this economy, many are fearful about finding a job or keeping the doors open and business coming through those doors. They’re fearful about what is going on with the information transport systems (ITS) industry and what they can expect in the next year.
In its latest report, the Department of Labor indicated that telecommunications services will continue to increase at a rate of 5 percent until 2016, which is good news. The largest sector at 49 percent includes telecommunications carriers, which primarily consists of providing telecommunications services through wire and cable that connect the customer premises to the central office. Another 21 percent is made up of wireless telecommunications carriers, and 15 percent is made up of cable and other program distributors. The remaining jobs are available through satellite telecommunications and resellers.
More than half of these employers work in small to medium-size establishments that employ between 5 and 249 workers. You can find telecommunications businesses anywhere in the United States, but most companies are located in larger cities that have a sizable concentration of industrial and business establishments. About 56 percent of those employed in the telecommunications industry are in installation, maintenance and repair occupations or in office and administrative support occupations. Another 17 percent are professionals who include engineers, designers, sales people and computer specialists.
In past years, having a certification alone would have been enough to acquire employment, but now most large organizations, federal agencies, universities and local government agencies are looking for people who have degrees, experience and industry-related designations. It is this triple play individual that human resources departments look for first. This does not necessarily mean that you will be left out if you do not have a degree. There are still hot opportunities on the job horizon.
The color for this year is green. If you are currently in or entering the energy conservation or energy management industries, you will likely be busy. These are ranked as the fastest growing industries in the United States. Be on the lookout for many programs and incentives to help organizations become greener or that train companies and individuals who need specific job skills or certifications in this area. Data center has been a buzz word around BICSI for the past few years. Having a working knowledge in making data centers greener and more efficient also could lead to success in today’s economy. In addition, security is key to unlocking success in both government and large corporations. Those companies and individuals that specialize in and understand electronic surveillance and security systems will likely find opportunities.
CNN tells us to “Ignore doom and gloom news” and that it is not relevant to any one person’s search. So it is important to look beyond your current industry to areas that are still economically strong. Networking is one simple way to help find these jobs. The advantage of an association like BICSI is that opportunities are made available to members. Thousands of people attend the BICSI conferences not only to get information but also to find jobs or work opportunities. Besides, we all know that most jobs today are not listed in the newspaper or online—they come from personal contacts and networking. While online networking programs are new to many, they allow you to join with individuals who are like minded, and it does not take long to let people know that you are available. Throughout the country, BICSI is sponsoring breakfast and lunch region meetings specifically to help you network.
Training and diversity will help organizations and individuals keep up with changes in the industry. Those who retool or reinvest are the ones who will be better able to outlast the downslide in the economy. So put down the newspaper, turn off the news, let go of your fear and get out there—that is how you will find your next job opportunity.
This article was originally published in BICSI News Magazine.
Fear is a strong emotion that keeps us safe from harm, but it can also keep us from success. In this economy, many are fearful about finding a job or keeping the doors open and business coming through those doors. They’re fearful about what is going on with the information transport systems (ITS) industry and what they can expect in the next year.
In its latest report, the Department of Labor indicated that telecommunications services will continue to increase at a rate of 5 percent until 2016, which is good news. The largest sector at 49 percent includes telecommunications carriers, which primarily consists of providing telecommunications services through wire and cable that connect the customer premises to the central office. Another 21 percent is made up of wireless telecommunications carriers, and 15 percent is made up of cable and other program distributors. The remaining jobs are available through satellite telecommunications and resellers.
More than half of these employers work in small to medium-size establishments that employ between 5 and 249 workers. You can find telecommunications businesses anywhere in the United States, but most companies are located in larger cities that have a sizable concentration of industrial and business establishments. About 56 percent of those employed in the telecommunications industry are in installation, maintenance and repair occupations or in office and administrative support occupations. Another 17 percent are professionals who include engineers, designers, sales people and computer specialists.
In past years, having a certification alone would have been enough to acquire employment, but now most large organizations, federal agencies, universities and local government agencies are looking for people who have degrees, experience and industry-related designations. It is this triple play individual that human resources departments look for first. This does not necessarily mean that you will be left out if you do not have a degree. There are still hot opportunities on the job horizon.
The color for this year is green. If you are currently in or entering the energy conservation or energy management industries, you will likely be busy. These are ranked as the fastest growing industries in the United States. Be on the lookout for many programs and incentives to help organizations become greener or that train companies and individuals who need specific job skills or certifications in this area. Data center has been a buzz word around BICSI for the past few years. Having a working knowledge in making data centers greener and more efficient also could lead to success in today’s economy. In addition, security is key to unlocking success in both government and large corporations. Those companies and individuals that specialize in and understand electronic surveillance and security systems will likely find opportunities.
CNN tells us to “Ignore doom and gloom news” and that it is not relevant to any one person’s search. So it is important to look beyond your current industry to areas that are still economically strong. Networking is one simple way to help find these jobs. The advantage of an association like BICSI is that opportunities are made available to members. Thousands of people attend the BICSI conferences not only to get information but also to find jobs or work opportunities. Besides, we all know that most jobs today are not listed in the newspaper or online—they come from personal contacts and networking. While online networking programs are new to many, they allow you to join with individuals who are like minded, and it does not take long to let people know that you are available. Throughout the country, BICSI is sponsoring breakfast and lunch region meetings specifically to help you network.
Training and diversity will help organizations and individuals keep up with changes in the industry. Those who retool or reinvest are the ones who will be better able to outlast the downslide in the economy. So put down the newspaper, turn off the news, let go of your fear and get out there—that is how you will find your next job opportunity.
This article was originally published in BICSI News Magazine.
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