Careers in IT: The Real Story

Rich James, F5 Networks

Director, Staffing

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Topics

• The IT Landscape– Companies & Careers

• Skills of an IT Professional– Skills in demand

• Getting a job in IT– What companies are looking for– What you need to do

• What “my people” at F5 Networks are saying

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What’s Hot in IT?

• Mobile & Tablet Computing!– For Businesses

• Productivity• Engaging customers

– For Consumers• Gaming, apps, media• Social networking

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What Else is Hot?

• Streaming Content– Video on demand– Games and music

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What Else is Hot?

• E-Commerce– Transformation of retail

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What Else is Hot?

• “Cloud” Computing– Internet infrastructure– Application platforms– Managing, securing, optimizing traffic– Accelerating web performance

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The world runs on software

“Just look around you. Look at everything, look at all the devices we use, the systems we interact with. Everything is powered by software, and developers are the ones who make it all happen. Software powers the world.”

– Bob Muglia, Microsoft

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Skills in Demand

• Programming/scripting across all platforms– Python, Java, C/C++

• Internet protocols & networking• Mobile Apps• Monitoring/management/diagnostics• Data structures• Compression

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Getting a Job – The “Choice” Graduate…

• Is a problem solver– Analytical thinking/deductive reasoning– Troubleshooting

• Has some meaningful project/work experience– Internships/co-ops– Coursework including team and solo projects

• Has people skills, and passion– Communication skills– Learned about target industries & companies– Is proud of/excited to talk about problems they have solved

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Getting a Job – Don’t Forget To…

• Give things a try, and showcase your work– Get your hands on technology and give it a try– Build an online portfolio– Highlight hands-on experience on resume

• Network to get introductions– Use LinkedIn– Leverage parents, friends, contacts

• Research companies you are interested in– Be prepared for your interview!

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“My People” Love…

• Building & creating– Solving problems– Making products better– Making a difference and touching people

• The “portable” skills of IT– Opportunities across industries, geographies

• The pay, benefits and flex work environments of IT