The Impact of Technology on Society

As I started 10th-grade in the fall of 1972, I never thought it would be the year that put me on my career path. Years before personal computers had yet to be invented, I was using a number two pencil on IBM computer cards writing Fortran programs related to my geometry class.

When I got my computer programming degree in 1980, I knew that technology would continue to influence our society and the need for skilled people to fill computer related jobs would continue to grow.

I attended a job fair at Mattel Toys headquarters in Hawthorne, California hoping to land a position working on their Intellivision game console. Though I didn't get that job, I did finally get another offer to work in their sales administration team of programmers and analysts.

I spent endless hours working on mainframe computers coding COBOL programs and generating sales reports. In the mid 80's, I took the opportunity to learn about something new in the computer world, personal computers.

Over the next ten years, PCs would take over the business office and the Internet would come to play an integral part. By 1996, I could see the massive influence of the Web and I started my own online business. This led to more opportunities online and I now consult with other companies in growing their online Web properties.

As computers changed and evolved over the last four decades, I had to adapt my skill set to the changing technological landscape.

Best paid degrees in 2010

According to the Winter 2010 Salary Survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), Computer Science and Information Sciences & Systems are two of the top paid degree programs for graduating seniors in 2010. Engineering disciplines account for the other eight most highly paid degrees.

NACE's Job Outlook 2010 Survey also voted technical skills as one of the most important skills they seek in potential employees. They also look for communication skills, analytical skills, the ability to work in a team, and a strong work ethic.

The results of these surveys come as no surprise to me but what is amazing is how many people young and old still do not possess some of the simplest technical skills to get ahead in today's job market. Many of the people in my office wondered why they could not get more responsibilities when they had trouble using the computer that sat on their own desk.

Do you have the skills for today's job market?

If you are reading this and wondering if this could be your problem, you must seriously evaluate yourself in your communication skills and technical know-how. Here are some ideas to contemplate.

1. Are you comfortable enough to type at least 50 words per minute on a keyboard? Can you operate a 10-key pad? There are programs for your personal computer that can help you practice these skills and test your proficiency.

2. Are you able to navigate the menus on your personal computer or do you rely on others for information you should know yourself?

3. Web browsers, e-mail, word processing, presentation and spreadsheet programs are typical software in use by any business that uses personal computers. These are not jobs that exist only in air-conditioned offices because computers are all around us. Don't believe me? Look around the next time you visit your local Costco and you may see employees using hand-held computers for inventory control. And the next time you take your car to be serviced, I'll bet your mechanic is using a PC to diagnose your car problems.

If you don't have your own computer or access to the Internet, that is no excuse. Go to your local library and ask for assistance. Many communities have inexpensive courses to help you get the technical training you need in order to get ahead in today's technology based world. If you get stuck, the Internet is the best way to find your answer so you will remember it yourself the next time around.

Forty years ago, I took typing as an elective course in the eighth grade. I practiced on obsolete equipment and achieved 70 words per minute. For the guys who thought it was a stupid waste of my time back then, I wonder if they still think the same way now.

Andrea Koncz, Mimi Collins, "Top-Paid Majors Among College Class of 2010" NACE
Andrea Koncz, Mimi Collins, "Employers Rank Communication Skills First Among Job Candidate Skills/Qualities" NACE