Where is your IT career heading?

Posted on January 8th, 2010 by Sarah Jones

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Dubai was once held as the world’s moneymaking Mecca with thousands of Brits, including many IT professionals, flocking to this oasis in the desert, relishing in the absence of the tax burden back home.

So the recent economic turbulence has come as a bombshell sending shock waves around the world. Back in October the Financial Times reported that many expatriates were losing their jobs while property construction slowed to a standstill amid mounting debt and waning demand.

How does this impact Brain Drain in the UK IT industry? Are people content resting on their British laurels? And if so, how will the return of expats affect an already saturated IT job market?

The IT Job Board spoke to Vik Nanda, Team Leader of IT recruitment consultancy Pathway in Dubai to find out what’s really happening in the UAE’s most popular region.

‘In the first half of 2009 Dubai was suffering along with the rest of the world, with the number of jobs fast decreasing. This continued until July/August when things slowly started to pick up.’

So has the situation changed?

‘Now, obviously recruiters are still cautious given that we have just witnessed one of the worst recessions since records began, it would be foolish not to be. But businesses are still winning new contracts and there are projects that still need to be finished. So if companies need IT professionals they are going to have to hire. And that’s what they are doing.’

Positive news then for IT professionals considering a change. When asked what advice he would give to IT candidates considering a move to Dubai he replied,

‘I can only give my personal opinion but now seems as good a time as any. The market is still strong, there’s plenty of sun and I love it.’

Although Dubai has felt the effects of the economic crisis it could be possible that the situation has been slightly exaggerated in the media. Yet even if this is not an elaboration it seems the IT industry has not been hurt as badly as other sectors. Construction, property and even tourism industries are bearing the brunt of the recent economic unrest.

But despite the recent bailout by neighbouring Abu Dhabi, there have been plenty of positive predictions for 2010 across most industries both in Dubai and here at home. The Financial Times reported on Monday that economists are describing a very optimistic outlook for Dubai in 2010 with their financial reserves poised to help the region to continue to develop. And with the opening of the world’s tallest tower this week, re-named Burj Khalifa, following the financial rescue, it seems Dubai is keen to show the world it hasn’t lost its sparkle.

What’s your opinion on the latest economic situation? Were you considering moving abroad for work? Or perhaps you think the grass is always greener and there’s no place like home? Leave a comment or write your own IT blog.

For all the IT professionals out there quite happy staying on home ground, don’t forget to visit www.theitjobboard.co.uk to find your next IT job.

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Posted in: IT Job Market

Comments

Posted on January 9, 2010 by caro

Great start to the year! We all know most of the above, but it’s reassuring to read that 2010 will be better. I have had two (UAE) job offers within the last week so can confirm – jobs are our there if one is prepared to invest the time (that’s loads) looking. Not moving now though as projects can be canned at short notice. I shall be checking the weekly updates and hope others do too.
I have also registered as a blogger and I think the subjects will be of interest to many others. So let’s discuss!!

Posted on January 10, 2010 by James Kerr

You have spelt desert as dessert !

Posted on January 11, 2010 by Sarah Jones

Lol! Thanks for the heads up James! I’ll change that!

Posted on January 11, 2010 by Dry Camel

Isn’t there a story in the bible that cautions building castles in the sand?!

Posted on March 21, 2010 by Jon Jarvis

Think my IT career is now dead – unless there is a serious change within the industry. Now looking at becoming either an Administrator or a Driver – after 22 years within the IT industry – would not be considering the change if I had been able to find a role within IT.

One problem is the question of training – whether it is the responsibility of the employer or employee. In my opinion, if the employers need to find an individual who can do the work – whether they have had recent training may not always be an indication of ability – as there is a question as to whether any certification is valid. Hence, I believe that there should be better checks on the persons abilities at selection time. This cannot be done all that well at Interview in at least some parts of IT, so the employer will noit get the best at times.

Also, some employers seem to rule out training for those people who are new into their business. This is regardless of the fact that they may end employing some person who they have to train once employed. This also limits the number of people who they would consider, as it would only be worth the potential applicants while to invest in the training if they could guarantee that they would have a role once the training is complete (nobody can give a 100% guarantee that any training will give a person a role at the end – only the employers can).

Improvements to their selection could also improve the standard of person within the role – especially if they base the selection on what is expected rather than the sales oriented interview. At times, an improved selection can give you a better idea of who is capable of doing any work – as some persons who are rejected at interview may look better with an improved selection – which is a selection based on what the employer requires (which probably is not somebody who can answer most multiple choice questions correctly).

Where is your IT career heading?

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