How Do I Specialize? Columbia SC

Posted by : Molly Joss

Dear Molly: I am new to the IT field and I've been advised to seek out one area in which to specialize. Can you please give me your opinion on this? Also, where can I get information about how to go about specializing, what fields are good choices, etc. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Molly says: The hot, hot fields are security, networking and anything Web-related. Core positions in computer science, engineering, programming and systems analysis are also topping the IT-career growth charts. You can find more about IT jobs in general by visiting some of the Web sites mentioned in replies and by visiting IT recruiting sites such as FlipDog.com.

A word to the wise, though: if you're going to specialize, make sure that your selection fits your personality and your other interests in life. For example, you don't want to be a programmer if you're an extroverted, gregarious person who dislikes details. You may love programming if you're detail-oriented and prefer to spend much of your time alone or with just a few people. You can find out more about your personality and work style by taking some of the general personality tests, or talking to a good psychologist who specializes in helping people discover more about themselves.

Molly Joss also writes the monthly Career Advisor column for ComputerUser. To ask a career-related question, reach her at molly@computeruser.com.

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