Information Technology: Geek is the new Sexy

USA Today let the cat out of the bag, saying, "geeks are cool," pointing to the late Steve Jobs as the prime, pop cultural example of someone who's gradually changed America's perception of techies.

The rapid growth of iPods, smartphones, tablets, and apps brings heaps of cash and is elevating the previously low-level coders who create them into a new status: the programmer -- a combo of nerdy programmer and college frat boy.

The stereotype of the geeky techie that persists in pop culture is fading fast, thanks to the legacy of industry giants and the increasing dependence of more people on the skills of those who know how to make their gadgets work. The emerging portrait: Geeks are cool.

Also in South Africa, perceptions are changing in the industry: "Information Technology as a career has definitely come back into fashion with well-established career paths in companies across all industries," says Cell C's CTO, Joe Brittz. "As technology evolves, so does the typical IT professional."

The tech industry is in the spotlight like never before -- featured in movies, television shows, music, and books.

The rapid evolution of technology in the workplace means that Information Technology has a critical role to play in ensuring that projects are carried out effectively within shorter deadlines.

It is no longer just about programming and engineering. Customers now expect technology professionals to have a talent for business analysis, business case design, and a multitude of new services, including social media and mobility.

When you look at technology, it drives so much of what business does, from productivity to communication to improving speed to making better business decisions. So, companies are investing in that which is good news to all of you out there in the Information Technology industry!

For advice on how to manage your career in this ever-changing environment, speak to one of our specialist IT recruitment consultants. We have a variety of IT vacancies ranging from developer jobs, business analyst jobs, jobs in CRM and ERP, through to project manager jobs and vacancies for systems engineers.

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