YOUR FUTURE AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY To stay competent, end users need to recognize the impact of technological change on organizations and people Need to know how to use change to their advantage Should be aware of current trends and career opportunities

Competencies Explain why it is important to have an individual strategy to be a "winner" in the information age Describe how technology is changing the nature of competition

Competencies cont. Discuss four ways people react to new technology Describe how you can stay current with your career Describe different careers in information technology

Changing Times Important in today’s economy to be adaptable. Technology is changing rapidly… so the more flexible a company and its workers, the more it is apt to survive and succeed. Important to understand that jobs aren’t going away – they are changing. People and businesses need to change with the technology – or at least be willing to attempt the changes. As one opportunity is “replaced” with technology, another opportunity is created. Take advantage of it. Key to success is how to integrate technology with people! If you can do this, you will succeed!

Technology and Organizations New products New enterprises New customer and supplier relationships Technology creates new products that operate faster, priced cheaper, often better quality, and sometimes even totally new Read all you can to become familiar with changes and upgrade your skills New businesses are appearing – try to anticipate changes two years down the road so you can prepare now and be ready when the technology and the businesses arrive. Those who foresaw the increase in networking and Internet and started preparing were there when the technology was. Will you be ready? Companies who adapt to changes and who even create their own technology will be able to keep their customers longer and keep them satisfied Look into Federal Express and what it is doing to keep up with technology and keep customer satisfied

Technology and People Cynicism Naiveté Frustration Proactivity People react differently to technology – whether new or continuing. Many people still believe that learning how to use the computer and the technology takes too much time. This may be true to start with. Remember when some of us used to use typewriters? We found working on the computer frustrating at first and thought we could do it much faster the “old” way. Now how many of us use the typewriter? Many students have no concept of how to use a typewriter!!! Other people believe that the computer should be able to solve ALL the problems. What’s wrong with the computer? How come it can’t find my balance? Why am I not “in the system” yet? I though computers were the answer to all. Still others get easily frustrated with computers. Perhaps it doesn’t respond “fast enough.” Some “refuse” to read the manual or to try something. They want to ask before they try or they want someone else to do it for them or show them. Many feel “stupid” because everyone else knows how to use the computer. And there are a large number of people who are proactive – they look at technology and see a way to learn something new; they view the technology as a new tool that will positively impact their lives and activities.

How You Can Be a Winner Stay current Maintain competence Develop professional contacts Develop specialties Be alert for organizational change Look for innovative opportunities To avoid getting left behind, important to realize that life is now becoming a continual learning experience. Many students think “Once I get my degree, I’ll be set.” Important to realize that your education will not stop after high school, your degree from a two-year college, or even your degree(s) from the four-year universities. Technology is continually changing and we need to change with it or we will get left behind! Sometimes these changes seem to be ruling our lives rather than our controlling our own futures. Read trade publications; go on line to find out the latest; stay in touch with people in your industry to find out what they know, how they are coping, and what they are doing to stay up-to-date. Important to develop skills in particular areas – but don’t limit yourself. Those who limit themselves to just Web development or just networking or just programming a particular language may find themselves struggling with the future. Overlap – don’t spread yourself thin, but know enough to be able to jump from one area to another within a specific area. If you’re interested in programming, learn two or three that are related. Know what is coming down the pike so you can easily fit into the next generation. Web development and networking can work together… remember that the Internet (and the Web) is just a great big network. Know how one works help understand how the other works. Specialize in one, but learn to translate that into understanding the other. Look for opportunities to improve yourself and to advance yourself.

Stay Ahead of Technology Maintain your computer competency Read books, journals, and trade publications Visit Web sites that cover current trends in microcomputer technology

Careers in IT Computer support specialist Computer technician Computer trainer Cryptographer Database administrator Data entry worker Desktop publisher Information systems manager Network administrator Programmer Software engineer Systems analyst Technical writer Webmaster Discuss some of the above positions Ask the students what skills are needed for these positions

A Look to the Future Be Proactive Concentrate on goals Use computers to your advantage Gain control over technology Keep an eye on the future The future is uncertain. Basically, read, read, read. Learn as much as you can in areas you like Pick up books and attend seminars. Make yourself available to change, relocate, or adjust your skills Talking with others in the industry and networking for opportunities and careers can help you with your goals

FAQs List ways that technology has improved customer service for various businesses. How can you keep up with the changes in technology? Why do some people get frustrated when trying to use computers? Describe some specialties in technology that are available.

Discussion Questions As a manager, you might have employees who are reluctant to use a computer. Discuss what you would do to encourage computer use. Explain what is meant by the phrase "technology creates opportunities." Discuss ways to be proactive when it comes to technology.