Technology Moves

by Nicole Hooper

Technology is a booming business. How do you turn this boom into a career for you? Where are the best opportunities? How do you take advantage of them? I spoke with two Korn/Ferry International recruiters, Geoff Champion, a partner and head of Korn/Ferry's Advanced Technology practice, and Jeff Hocking, a principal in the Advanced Technology group, about these questions. The following are their views on making a move within or transitioning into the technology field.

According to Geoff Champion, there are two main areas of growth in technology, in which you are most likely to find positions with tremendous opportunity.

1. Telecommunications Infrastructure-Because the world is currently only about 30% "wired," infrastructure technology and the distribution and implementation of this technology offer vast possibilities, especially in the international markets.

2. Software Applications-As a result of convergence in all technology sectors, applications software that facilitates business integration and communications to exploit mission critical systems are becoming increasingly important. In the near- and mid-term, there will be significant accelerated growth in communications, integration services and applications. Other areas will continue to provide career opportunities. However, they will not match the tremendous growth associated with the two sectors listed above. For example, the products area has become a very difficult business with intense competition and razor-thin margins. The right marketing or operations person may enable their company to break out of this cycle; however, the outstanding career will be less frequent.

Before considering the move from another industry into the technology field, candidates should be aware of an overriding requirement in technology, CULTURE FIT. The technology sector prides itself on a unique, informal work style. Self-managed teams empowered to work toward corporate goals are the norm. Demonstrated abilities to work in and manage teams, be a self-starter and work in an unstructured environment are key attributes for the successful technology candidate. For candidates meeting these criteria, the Korn/Ferry recruiters see two likely paths for the move.

1. Industry Skills Transfer-As competition in applications becomes more intense, software designers are struggling to make their applications smarter and more sensitive to the needs of their users. In order to improve their applications, technology companies are seeking experts in the application fields. For example, a builder of accounting software is seeking a knowledgeable accountant to ensure that their software is the most capable and user friendly accounting application available. If you have developed a depth of knowledge in an area where applications are growing, you can translate this knowledge into a growth position in technology. However, Geoff Champion points out a caveat to this transfer. You must also have knowledge of the sector of technology into which you want to move. This does not mean that education or work experience in this sector is required, but you must be able to demonstrate a focus on technology and its application in your personal interests.

2. Functional Expertise-The technology industry is often willing to take a chance on a hire from outside the sector if this person has established themselves as an expert in an outside field. This path can allow you to stay within your function, while transferring application of that function to the technology industry. The keys to accomplishing this type of transfer are once again demonstrating focus on and interest in technology and its application, while simultaneously earning recognition in your current field as an expert.

Finally, our recruiters provide three tips for making a move into technology:

1. Be Focused-A demonstrable interest and a concerted effort to translate your current skills in useful skills for your targeted area will be rewarded, if you are patient and dedicated.

2. Be Realistic-The sales arena offers many opportunities for a transfer, while the product design arena offers fewer. In general, the more technical an area is, the harder it will be to move into. However, it is not impossible. The key is to establish and meet a series of more realistic goals, which ultimately lead you to a dramatic change. Spend time establishing yourself in the sector in a less technical arena first.

3. Be Dedicated-To make your move within or into the technology sector, you must capitalize on valuable contacts. At first, you may not get interviews, but persistence in scheduling informational sessions and lunches demonstrates how strongly you want to make the move. Do not become discouraged if you do not receive an offer within the first three months. These companies are looking for people that believe technology will be their life's work, therefore a few months is irrelevant.

A final hint from Jeff Hocking for those who are patiently waiting for the right time for their move. If you can use your current status as a manager with hiring needs to get to know recruiters that serve an area of interest to you, you can develop valuable relationships. Like Futurestep, these recruiters will keep you in mind for the right opportunity when you are ready to make your own career move.