Communication is the Key

After reading Computerworld's special report on IT jobs, it is clear communication is an important factor in the marketability of the IT professional.  We can no longer expect to work independently and rely on a static set of skills.  The profession now requires improved teamwork and increased awareness of the functional areas of the organization.  We must be able to communicate within the IT ranks as well as with individuals outside of IT.

In addition to communications, IT professionals must continually develop new and relevant skills.  Although the need for continued acquisition of new skills is not new we now need to be proficient in a larger set of skills.  We can no longer possess a specialization in a single area.  A key attribute for the IT professional will be the ability and desire to quickly and continually learn new technologies.  Also, we must understand the business context in order to truly understand how these technologies are applied within the organization.