Why Now is the Time to Get Into Interactive
By Katie Dolgin
Web 2.0 has arrived and if you want a career in Interactive, you may never have a better opportunity. Online agencies are facing a serious talent shortage, as qualified mid-to-senior level interactive professionals become increasingly hard to find. And Jobs with "online" or "e-" in the title, novelties in recent years, have once again become ubiquitous.
There are several key reasons to should jump into the Interactive world now:
Increased Demand
The demand for experienced Interactive candidates has reached a high water mark, beyond even the levels witnessed during the Dotcom surge. Indeed, the US Bureau of Labor & Statistics’ Occupation Outlook Handbook suggests that the growth in Internet based advertising, marketing, promotions, public relations and sales jobs will increase by as much as 28 per cent over the next eight years. This growth will far outstrip the new jobs created in other occupational categories.
Moving from jobs to industry revenues, over the next few years we will see extraordinary growth from software and Internet publishers (67.6%), Internet Service Providers (43.5%) and Web search providers (27.8 %), fuelled by increased global competition in products and services offered to consumers. (Sources: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos020.htm and http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos020.htm, visited October 13, 2006)
Reduced Talent Pool
While the schools continue to churn out junior Website designers by the truckload (and God bless them all), the pool of available mid-to-senior level Internet marketing professionals hasn’t kept pace with demand (partly, because of the lack of entrenched e-marketing programs in schools). Additionally, many self-taught folks have opted to branch out on their own as consultants or small business owners.
At the same time, just when we have unprecedented demand for workers, the oldest baby boomers are turning 60 and leaving the market. The younger, smaller age cohorts cannot fully replace them. As baby boomers enter retirement starting this year, for example, employers may be hard pressed to fill their positions; for every two people leaving the workforce, only one new person is entering.
Increasing Compensation Packages
As the shortage of qualified candidates plays out, we will see employer’s desperation levels increasing. As a result, in the short-term we expect to see larger and more attractive compensation packages for those in-demand skills.
All of this adds up to good news for those with the right skills and experience. Here are some tips to align yourself with the marketplace.
Join an association
There are many associations that attract interactive professionals, e.g., Canadian Marketing Association (CMA), Association of Internet Marketing & Sales (AIMS). Look into them, and join the ones that interest you.
Continue to develop your skills
Many colleges, universities and community schools offer courses to help people update or acquire new skills for the Internet. These programs are an easy, concise way to keep your knowledge current.
Develop a relationship with a recruiter
What you need to do, particularly if you're a manager or a techie, is to get yourself noticed by the headhunters – get on the short lists of executive recruiters who troll for talent. Regularly check recruiter’s websites for applicable job postings, and contact the recruiter listed.
Update your resume
Make sure to add terms like "interactive," "problem-solving," "team work” and "leadership,” among others. Speaking the language is a good way to get people to recognize your ability.
Get out and talk to people
The tried and true adage still holds true – network, network, network. Attend breakfast series, luncheons, seminars, etc., and talk to your friends and colleagues about the way companies are doing business.
The Web has driven countless innovations; widespread disruptions in traditional business models are well underway. But within the chaos lies the seeds of opportunity. The jobs are here and here to stay. Now is your chance to be an innovator. Get out there and fill the demand!
- Katie Dolgin, consultant, has more than 12 years experience in management consulting.[Full bio...]
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