Many workers may be reluctant to pursue jobs in the IT field, with many companies announcing layoffs and decreased profits in recent months. However, workers for this field remain very much in demand, and by following a few simple tips, you can thrive even in the current market. Dan Tynan of Info World advises current and would-be IT professionals to seek out projects that may require longer hours and which aren't necessarily exciting, but which also attract the attention of the management. "You'll be viewed as an employee who goes the extra mile while inoculating yourself against expendability when the pink slips get handed out," Betsy Richards of Kaplan University tells Tynan. Along with volunteering for new projects, workers are also advised to exhibit determination and to be willing to work long hours to impress supervisors. The columnist also stresses the importance of keeping up a cheerful demeanor in the workplace, especially since one technology CEO tells Tynan that "IT people tend to be grumps." Other practical pointers for thriving in the IT industry include developing new skills, particularly those that are not widely known or which work in conjunction with other departments. Workers should also not hesitate to share new ideas with company management, and they should also have more than a passing knowledge of how their work impacts the company's bottom line.  |