Explore the Hottest Jobs and Job Skills for 2007

As the year 2007 gets off to a big start, it promises to be a good one for those IT workers with the right skills and training. With many older IT veterans retiring as the first wave of the baby boomer generation heads off into the sunset, more and more companies are looking to replenish their ranks with young and eager workers, and that is good news for new IT workers and experienced technicians alike.

Of course there have been many stories written about the upcoming death of the IT job market, brought about by a combination of IT outsourcing and shortsighted company managements. While it is true that some relatively low paid IT jobs, such as help desk jobs, have headed to countries while wages are lower, in the main these fears of outsourcing are more legend than reality. The fact is that plenty of IT jobs remain for those workers with the right skill sets and the right training, and that trend is expected to continue for some time.

Of course it is a good idea for those seeking employment in the IT field to take a look at the areas most likely to grow, and to adjust their skill sets and training to meet those demands. Some of the skill sets for which demand is expected to be high in 2007 include:

• Windows Administration (both Server 2000 and Server 2003)
• Network Administration for Cisco, Nortel and Novell
• Database Management in SQL, Oracle and DB2
• Wireless Network Management
• Firewall Administration and Security
• Business Intelligence and Reporting Services
• .NET Developers
• XML Developers
• ERP Implementation for Oracle, SAP, Lawson, and PeopleSoft
• Linux Administration
• Java Developers
• CRM Implementation

These skills are an important snapshot, and a sort of wish list put together by corporate managers and IT recruiters. It is important for workers to look at these needed skill sets and use them to determine where they are, and where they need to be to command a higher salary and better benefits.

It is also important for workers and recent graduates to realize that experience is not always necessary to get into IT, especially in the lower level and entry level positions. While experiences always a plus, many corporate managers are looking for fresh talent, and willing to train that talent on the job. The demand for entry level IT workers is expected to be strong throughout 2007, and job candidates who lack experience should not count out their prospects for employment in their chosen field.

Some of the most sought after job titles for 2007 are expected to include the following:

• Network Systems Engineer
• Data Communications Analyst
• Computer Software Engineer
• Systems Administrator
• Database Administrator

In addition to the requisite technical skills, job seekers need to know that business skills, and so-called soft skills like people management, are increasingly important as well. In fact business skills are becoming an essential part of IT recruiting, and skills such as project management are becoming increasingly popular job requirements for IT workers as well.

The year 2007 is also expected to be a strong one for business analysis, with many businesses looking for those with strong business and project management skills. This job function is known by many different names, including systems analyst, business systems analyst and functions analysts. No matter what they are called, however, these professionals are charged with documenting job requirements and understanding how they fit into the overall goals of the business.

Soft skills also play an increasingly key role in the world of IT employment, with important skills such as communications, negotiating skills and budgeting playing a key role. IT managers and recruiters are increasingly looking at the power of these soft skills in those they hire, and it is a good idea for those in need of such skills to get the training and certifications they need to compete in the IT employment marketplace.

CBT Planet has long understood the importance of quality IT training, and the company is proud to offer the best and most convenient IT training programs in the marketplace. CBT Planet provides computer based training for a number of certification programs, including those from Microsoft MCSE, Cisco CCNA, CompTIA A+, Red hat, IBM, Sun, Oracle and others. The company also provides training programs on a number of popular desktop applications, including the Microsoft Office productivity suite.