Pursuing a career in IT requires passion for the job

This was revealed by technology career expert Ms. Gina S. Duminy.

"IT is an ever changing field and we should try to erase this misconception that it is exclusively for those who understand its jargon. That is not always the case," Ms. Duminy told students at the 7th Philippine Youth Congress in Information Technology (Y4iT) in UP Diliman last week.

Ms. Duminy, president and CEO of itprosasia.com, an online career resource for technology professionals, said that the field is a "multifaceted discipline" focused on providing business solutions.

"IT is a challenge in organizing people, solving issues and problems through better process and organization. Its emphasis is on business problem solving," she said.

Ms. Duminy, a European languages graduate, outlined career options for future IT professionals, which include business operations, database development and administration, security and compliance, networking design and administration, technical support, and Web development and administration, among others.

Aside from career growth, a good compensation package is also in store for these professionals.

Research firm ZDNet Asia in 2008 through its "IT Salary Benchmark Philippines" showed that the country’s top five IT skills received salaries ranging from P495,000 to P600,000 a year on average.

The following fields are: application development, desktops/software, Web development, database management, and systems administration.

The continued growth in the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector is also an indication that the demand for IT professionals is increasing, said Ms. Duminy.

An official from the Business Processing Association of the Philippines said in a separate interview that the local outsourcing sector planned to corner at least 10% of the global BPO-IT market by 2010.

For that matter, Ms. Duminy told students to improve on their craft, master at least three competency skills in IT and avoid being a "jack of all trades, master of none."

"IT is exciting. The technology profession presents limitless opportunities for those who want to excel. This profession entails continuous acquisition of new skills and learning... you have to work hard at it," she added.

Ms. Duminy said that it is sometimes hard to screen fresh graduates due to their similar backgrounds, but what makes one stand out are the training and skills acquired in college.

Still, she said that a passion for the job is key.

"Pursue what you are good at and that should be accompanied with discipline, an openness to learn and good communication skills," she said.