Blacks Gone Geek: December 2010

Friday, December 31, 2010

2011 BDPA CHICAGO CHAPTER AWARDS BANQUET

The BDPA Chicago Chapter

cordially invites you and your guests to attend the

22nd Annual 2011 Awards Gala

This year we will shine the "Spotlight" on our CEO & CIO Champions who not only actively support our "From the Classroom to the Boardroom" mission, but who also visibly promote Information Technology as a driver of business success!

You Don't Want To Miss This One!!!

January 22, 2011
Reception 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Dinner 7:00pm – Midnight
Black Tie Event

Hyatt Regency - Downtown Chicago
151 East Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois
View Map

RSVP to attend:

http://bdpa2011awardsgala.eventbrite.com

Please click on the attached link to enter your nominee for the 2010
BDPA Chicago Chapter "Member 'Choice"

http://www.bdpa-chicago.org/home.php

To learn more about the BDPA Chicago Chapter please visit our website:

http://www.bdpa-chicago.org/home.php

Join The Blacks Gone Geek Community http://blacksgonegeek.org/JoinTheBlacksGoneGeekCommunity.aspx

Thursday, December 30, 2010

BDPA Fosters Technology Education

BDPA Technology Programs are designed to leave a legacy by encouraging a love of technology. Throughout the year, local BDPA chapters conduct technology training programs for the youth in their communities. These programs are designed to expose our youth to the concepts of computers and give them the expertise to develop web applications. Chapters participate in regional competitions throughout the country to further prepare their students for the annual High School Computer Competition held at the National BDPA Conference.

"We know that not enough people are entering careers in Information Technology. BDPA is committed to finding creative ways to ensure that more students develop a love of technology and go on to pursue careers to become the IT professionals and innovators of tomorrow," said Yvette Graham, National BDPA President.

In a recent CRS (Congressional Research Service) Report for Congress (http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/RL33434.pdf) , it was confirmed that we need to do even more to introduce our youth to technology and prepare them for technology careers.

There is growing concern that the United States is not preparing a sufficient number of students, teachers, and practitioners in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). A large majority of secondary school students fail to reach proficiency in math and science, and many are taught by teachers lacking adequate subject matter knowledge.

When compared to other nations, the math and science achievement of U.S. pupils and the rate of STEM degree attainment appear inconsistent with a nation considered the world leader in scientific innovation. In a recent international assessment of 15-year-old students, the U.S. ranked 28th in math literacy and 24th in science literacy. Moreover, the U.S. ranks 20th among all nations in the proportion of 24-year-olds who earn degrees in natural science or engineering.

BDPA supports numerous programs targeting younger children, middle school and higher education to encourage young people's interest in careers in technology. These include High School Computer Camp, High School Computer Competition, National Conference Youth Technology Camp, College Scholars Program, College Student Intern Program, National Conference IT Showcase, Mentoring Programs, National BDPA Career Center and Talent Management System, College Student Program, HSCC Alumni Program, Black Family Technology Awareness Week (BFTAW), BDPA Information Technology Institute, BDPA IT Corps, National BDPA Technology Conference, and ITSMF Executive Protégé Program (EPP).

"BDPA Technology Programs have set a good example for our technology education. We need to encourage our students to learn about technology, not just how to use it but how to develop innovative technology solutions too" said Monique Berry, National BDPA President-Elect.

BDPA Technology Programs are supported by sponsor companies like Allstate Insurance, Eli Lilly, Freddie Mac, Johnson & Johnson, Mayo Clinic, Prudential and many others. Please see the BDPA Corporate Sponsor Directory for a full list of companies providing valuable resources and support (http://www.bdpa.org/?page=Sponsor_Directory). BDPA Corporate Sponsors provide equipment, facilities and financial support as well as employees who volunteer their time and share their passion for technology with parents and elementary students at schools and community venues.

For sponsorship opportunities contact the corporate sales team by email at corpsales@bdpa.org for more details on the BDPA Corporate Sponsorship Program..

About BDPA

Founded in 1975 by Earl Pace and the late David Wimberly, BDPA is a global member focused organization that serves the professional well-being of its stakeholders. BDPA remains committed to excellence and providing a wide spectrum of resources to members, corporate sponsors, businesses, educational institutions and the African American community. The organization is a catalyst for professional growth and technical development for those in the IT industry. With over 50 chapters across the

United States

, the BDPA is the premier organization for African Americans in technology.

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Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Complete Guide to Accredited Online Colleges

Online Colleges is a nonprofit resource for students considering attending an online college. It gives students the most comprehensive and unbiased list of online colleges and universities on the web. We will combine existing lists of online colleges and find unlisted ones, putting them all in a single page. Students can use this for a more educated choice about where they want to go to college. Linking directly to the college, we also give an overview of its distance education, and list its accreditation data. We accept no sponsorships from any college.

Currently our database has 343 colleges listed, making it the most comprehensive list of its kind on the web. If you would like to add a college or suggest a change for a schools listing, please contact us.

Click here for more info:
http://www.onlinecolleges.org/

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GEEKS GONE GREAT goes One on One with Dr. Randal Pinkett

GEEKS GONE GREAT goes One on One with Dr. Randal Pinkett to discuss his new book:
BLACK FACES IN WHITE PLACES

by Sheila Marionneaux

“Without self-determination and excellence you are not even in the game – you’re on the bench.”

-- Dr. Randal Pinkett

I first interviewed Dr. Randal Pinkett right after the 2008 NBDPA Technology Conference, held in Atlanta, GA. Dr. Pinkett had delivered a commanding keynote address, which was the talk of the conference (see http://blacksgonegeek.org/DrRandalPinkett.aspx). A dynamic and engaging speaker, I remember his presence as if it were yesterday. We did not have the occasion to meet, but still, there are individuals who leave life long impressions making you feel as though you know them (I imagine like Wendy Williams’ “friends in her head”). Dr. Pinkett’s keynote address revealed his journey’s accomplishments, beginning with how he created his first enterprise as an undergrad and going on to become a Rhodes scholar, attain heights of success in business while being a sought-after motivational speaker, author, community servant, and so on…. I remember the students (and adults) in attendance being so awe-inspired. Having been in the presence of countless celebrities, (never star-struck), I was equally in awe over the opportunity of the one-on-one interview, which continues to result in the highest number of hits at Blacks Gone Geek.org. I am just as honored and excited today for another chat with Dr. Randal Pinkett, to provide our BGG family a unique glimpse into the motivation and work behind Black Faces in White Places. The title is provocative, yes, and without a doubt, is a must-read for African Americans who are climbing the ranks of industry including corporate America, the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors, entrepreneurship, education, government, and more. Heads up – Dr. Pinkett is DEEP and he will definitely leave much on your mind! When I consider the vast array of available resources and tools to support an insightful workplace diversity awareness and preparedness perspective, I can’t think of a better book referral for my peers who share ‘Places’…

Click here for more:

http://blacksgonegeek.org/DrRandalPinkett2.aspx

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Sunday, December 26, 2010

The BDPA Insider – December 26, 2010

The BDPA Insider – December 26, 2010

What better way to start the day than with your weekly message from BDPA!

Happy Holidays!!!

In this issue:
Message from National BDPA President
BETF Executive Director Wins BAM Award for Excellence in Education and Technology in North Carolina
BDPA Los Angeles: Remembering 2010
HSCC Testimonial: Nana Yaa Kwansa (Southern Minnesota, 2007-2010)
Message from Charlotte Chapter President-Elect
Good News Tuesday: James Peterson III - Future Face of Technology
A Whole Bunch of Job Seeker Checklists
National Business Plan Competition at Morehouse College
Hot IT Skills for 2011 - Part 2
Bridging the Technology Gap Locally. WJBC, Javelin Lawrence

10 Things You Might Be Doing That Could Hurt Your Career

Click here for the latest issue of "The BDPA Insider":

http://blacksgonegeek.blogspot.com/2010/12/bdpa-insider-december-26-2010.html

Click here for "The BDPA Insider" Archives:

http://blacksgonegeek.org/TheBDPAInsider.aspx

Message from National BDPA President

As a global member focused technology organization, our mission is to deliver programs and services for the professional well-being of our stakeholders. Founded in 1975, our founders Earl Pace Jr. and the late David Wimberly had a vision to build an organization that would be a powerful advocate for its stakeholders’ interests within the global technology industry. Our stakeholders consist of students, adults, entrepreneurs, educational institutions, and corporate sponsors.

For over 35 years, From the Classroom to the Board Room has become our motto. In 2011, we will continue to implement programs that will ensure our members are well positioned as leaders and highly skilled IT and entrepreneurs for our sponsors and the community. We’ve accomplished a lot in 2010 and in 2011; the best is yet to come. Our focus will continue to be on "Taking Our Membership To The Next Level” as we transform our organization while delivering quality programs.

Click here for more:

http://betf.blogspot.com/2010/12/message-from-national-bdpa-president.html

BETF Executive Director Wins BAM Award for Excellence in Education and Technology in North Carolina

This Award recognizes four national and community leaders including yourself that have made significant contributions in the field of Education or Technology.

Honorees include the following:

Dr. Ronald Carter, President, Johnson C. Smith University
Dr. Peter Gorman, Superintendent, Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System
Wayne Hicks, Executive Director, BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF)
Johnny Taylor, President/CEO, Thurgood Marshall College Fund & Ebony Power 100 Leaders in America for Academia

Click here for more:

http://betf.blogspot.com/2010/12/betf-executive-director-wins-bam-award.html

BDPA Los Angeles: Remembering 2010

BDPA Los Angeles took some time during their annual Holiday Awards Luncheon held earlier this month to reflect on their accomplishments in 2010. The chapter also announced the creation of the Brandon Gardner Memorial Scholarship Fund to support the young people who represent the chapter at the annual national High School Computer Competition (HSCC) championships.

Click here for more:

http://betf.blogspot.com/2010/12/bdpa-los-angeles-remembering-2010.html

HSCC Testimonial: Nana Yaa Kwansa (Southern Minnesota, 2007-2010)

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is writing a check worth more than $10,000 from theBemley Scholarship Fund for the first time in our 18-year history! Nana Yaa Kwansa is a truly remarkable young woman. I believe that she is the second person in the 25-year history of our high school computer competition (HSCC) who has been a member of the national HSCC championship team in four (4) different years. Yaa was a national HSCC champion in 2007-2010.

Click here for more:

http://betf.blogspot.com/2010/12/hscc-testimonial-nana-yaa-kwansa_24.html

Message from Charlotte Chapter President-Elect

Markus Beamer

Hello BDPA Members and Friends,

As the Holiday times rapidly approach, I wanted to take the time and thank all of you. The Charlotte BDPA Chapter has had a great year and it could not have been a success without you!

As we move into 2011, BDPA will continue and improve on delivering you time sensitive, up to date technological topics and training. Please join us during our January meeting, Jan 20th, where we will discuss and announce the meetings, trainings and events coming up in Charlotte in 2011.

Click here for more:

http://betf.blogspot.com/2010/12/message-from-charlotte-chapter.html

Good News Tuesday: James Peterson III - Future Face of Technology

Yvette Graham, James Peterson, Milt Haynes

I met James Peterson III in 2008 when National BDPA recognized him with their Epsilon Awards as their'Most Promising Technologist'.

James has lived up to that high honor with his work over the past few years. Today we learned that James is finishing the last year of his MBA program at Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University’s Tinley Park location. James recently accepted a position with an accounting and consulting leader, Deloitte Consulting.

Click here for more:

http://betf.blogspot.com/2010/12/good-news-tuesday-james-peterson-iii.html

A Whole Bunch of Job Seeker Checklists

Blacks Gone Geek blog post by Milt Haynes

Finding a job in this day and age is a tricky business. There are tons of jobs, but also tons of competition. So how can you run ahead of the pack? There are a lot of steps to conduct a successful job hunt and lot of distractions along the way. Checklists are a powerful tool to help you stay focused on your objectives, each and every day.

Click here for more:

http://blacksgonegeek.blogspot.com/2010/12/whole-bunch-of-job-seeker-checklists.html

National Business Plan Competition at Morehouse College

by Kai Ajala Dupe

I am so pleased to learn over the last few weeks that our young people and our universities are stepping up to become producers in the technology arena. First we learn of the two students at Spelman.

Then we learn of Veda Rogers in the Silicon Valley. It just keeps getting better. Recently, I heard from Guy Madison of Morehouse College’s Entrepreneurship Center with some very exciting news.

Click here for more:

http://whereareblacksintechnology.blogspot.com/2010/12/national-business-plan-competition-at.html

Hot IT Skills for 2011 - Part 2

Blacks Gone Geek blog post by Milt Haynes

We recently published Computerworld’s list of 11 hot skills for 2011. Here’s an update from a recent poll taken from staffing agencies, IT recruiters and other data sources.

Want know more about…

· Hot IT Skills

· What jobs will be retained onshore vs. offshore?

· Why IT Jobs Are Never Coming Back

· Who’s Hiring Now?

Click here for more:

http://blacksgonegeek.blogspot.com/2010/12/hot-it-skills-for-2011-part-2.html

Bridging the Technology Gap Locally. WJBC, Javelin Lawrence

A group that aims to bridge the technology gap is hosting its first competition in Bloomington-Normal. Black Data Processing Associates is putting on a citywide technology showcase at heartland Community College where high school students will show off their tech skills.

Click here for more:

http://bdpa-news.blogspot.com/2010/12/wjbc-12182010-javelin-lawrence.html

10 Things You Might Be Doing That Could Hurt Your Career

Alan Norton

November 10, 2010

Over the years, I have observed some of my closest friends and associates make mistakes that had a negative impact on their careers. Other mistakes I have discovered for myself. I won't focus here on the obvious gaffes, like insubordination, poor work performance, and other common methods of committing "jobicide." I will instead discuss some of the ways you might be unknowingly hurting your career.

1. Portraying the Wrong Image

2. Asking When You Should Have Been Silent

3. Failing To Be a Team Player

4. Acting Unprofessionally

5. Working with Friends or Relatives

6. Being Unprepared

7. Being Unavailable

8. Not Using/Improperly Using Networking Opportunities

9. Lacking Ambition

10. Using Company Assets for Personal Gain

Click here for more:

http://www.globalknowledge.com/articles/generic.asp?pageid=2851

2011 National BDPA Conference Registration Now Open

Please accept our invitation to join us in the City of the Big Shoulders by registering for the 33rd Annual National BDPA Conference, August 3-6, 2011 at the Hilton Chicago.

Early bird registration for $350 now open!

Click here to register for the 2011 National BDPA Conference today!

https://bdpa.site-ym.com/?page=Conference2011

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http://www.twitter.com/BDPA

Find the buzz on Twitter BDPA:

http://search.twitter.com/search?q=BDPA

This message has been brought to you by the BDPA Social Networking Team. http://www.bdpa.org/socialnetworks.php

Contact the BDPA Social Networking Team: socialnetworking@bdpa.org

PS: Please share this information with your friends, co-workers, church members, etc so that they can help us pass the word. The key is that we must share what we know with others so we can all grow and prosper.

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A Whole Bunch of Job Seeker Checklists

To: Job Seekers

Finding a job in this day and age is a tricky business. There are tons of jobs, but also tons of competition. So how can you run ahead of the pack? There are a lot of steps to conduct a successful job hunt and lot of distractions along the way. Checklists are a powerful tool to help you stay focused on your objectives, each and every day.

A checklist is a type of informational job aid used to reduce failure by compensating for potential limits of human memory and attention. It helps to ensure consistency and completeness in carrying out a task. A basic example is the "to do list." A more advanced checklist would be a schedule, which lays out tasks to be done according to time of day or other factors. -Wikipedia

Please click the link below for a "A Whole Bunch of Job Seeker Checklists" to help you on your job hunt.
http://blacksgonegeek.org/Documents/Checklists.htm

Enjoy!

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Sunday, December 19, 2010

The BDPA Insider – December 19, 2010

The BDPA Insider – December 19, 2010

What better way to start the day than with your weekly message from BDPA!

In this issue:

National BDPA President - Welcome to our new website

Five Ways To Stand Out In The IT Career Community

BDPA Seeks High School and College Students for 2011 IT Showcase
BDPA Students: Upload Files to CPanel (Zack Garbow)
Message from New York Chapter President
Message from New York Chapter President-Elect
Message from Atlanta Chapter President
BDPA Newsletters from Chapters Around the Country
Tablet PC + PowerPoint = Productivity
Why IT Jobs Are Never Coming Back
Standish Group survey results show IT spending is on the rise for 2011
Newman Networks News December 17th, 2010

Click here for the latest issue of "The BDPA Insider":

http://blacksgonegeek.blogspot.com/2010/12/bdpa-insider-december-19-2010.html

Click here for "The BDPA Insider" Archives:

http://blacksgonegeek.org/TheBDPAInsider.aspx

National BDPA President - Welcome to our new website

Welcome to our new website.

As you visit our site, please take the time to learn about this great organization and the benefits that you will have by becoming a member. I am excited about the great work and energy that the team has put into making this a success. BDPA, we have a lot to shout about as we enter 2011.

Happy Holidays To You All.

Yvette Graham National President

Click here for more:

http://bdpa.site-ym.com/

Five Ways To Stand Out In The IT Career Community

Blacks Gone Geek guest blog post by Robert Fulton

In today’s competitive job market, it is essential to set oneself apart from the competition in order to stand out and obtain competitive positions. It is currently an employer’s market, even though the information technology industry is relatively open. There are often dozens of qualified applicants for each position whether it is a new hire or a promotion. By implementing the following techniques a person can make themselves stand out.

Click here for more:

http://blacksgonegeek.blogspot.com/2010/12/five-ways-to-stand-out-in-it-career.html

BDPA Seeks High School and College Students for 2011 IT Showcase

One of the most remarkable BDPA programs is the IT Showcase. This program provides a showcase for talented young people that are the future faces of technology. BDPA is actively recruiting high school and college students to participate in the 2011 National IT Showcase in Chicago!

BDPA wants to take the IT Showcase to the next level in 2011. This year’s goal is to recruit 20 high school students and 20 college students! BDPA would like to encourage each chapter to identify qualified students. Register your students today.

Click here is the Call for Presenters issued by the IT Showcase founder Dr. Jesse Bemley.

Click here for more:

http://betf.blogspot.com/2010/12/bdpa-seeks-high-school-and-college.html

BDPA Students: Upload Files to CPanel (Zack Garbow)

Zack Sharing 411 about Computers!

We told you earlier about the success of Zack Garbow as the High School Computer Competition (HSCC) coordinator for BDPA Southern Minnesota chapter. Students on his teams in the past few years have earned over $50,000 from theJesse Bemley Scholarship Fundadministered by the BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF). Whatever Zack is doing in Rochester, Minnesota is working ... and perhaps it's time for the other 44 chapters to look to him for some 'best practice' advice.

Click here for more:

http://betf.blogspot.com/2010/12/bdpa-students-upload-files-to-cpanel.html

Message from New York Chapter President

As I sat down to pen my last message as President of BDPA New York, I could not think of the last words or message to express. So I decided to review our photo album. Then the following words immediately came straight out of my heart - Thank You. A photo album has a beautiful way of reflecting memories. No matter what took place: good or bad, pictures tell a beautiful story.

Highlights of my administration are as follows:

Click here for more:

http://betf.blogspot.com/2010/12/message-from-new-york-chapter-president_18.html

Message from New York Chapter President-Elect

I would first like to thank Judaea for her years of diligent service to our chapter and to theNational organization.

I am so excited and ready to run the 2011-2012 race by representing the BDPA New York chapter, which is truly a premiere organization for Information Technology professionals. I appreciate the new members that have accepted leadership positions in our chapter. Time is of the essence and 2011 is right around the corner. The baton has been passed to a new 2011 team and its time to run the relay. Below are some of the initiatives for 2011:

Click here for more:

http://betf.blogspot.com/2010/12/message-from-new-york-chapter-president.html

Message from Atlanta Chapter President

BDPA Atlanta Members and Friends,

Carter Hill

The chapter leadership board and I are busy formulating strategies for 2011 and beyond. Our primary focus for the coming month will be laying the ground work for our BDPA 3.0 initiative that will be officially launched at our January meeting. One other point of focus for our team has been the addition of two new board members to our chapter. Therefore I am proud to announce the following changes to our local leadership board:

Click here for more:

http://betf.blogspot.com/2010/12/message-from-atlanta-chapter-president.html

BDPA Newsletters from Chapters Around the Country

RECENT UPDATES: Los Angeles and New York

BETF-Blog Readers, would you like to see information about programs and services being offered all over BDPA nation? Here are some recent newsletters issued from around the country:

Click here for more:

http://betf.blogspot.com/2007/12/bdpa-newsletters-from-chapters-around.html

Tablet PC + PowerPoint = Productivity

by Ricardo Wilkens at RixBits

Like many others, I patiently await the delivery of my new HP Slate 500 tablet PC. Having been a long-time fan of tablets, this latest incarnation is especially exciting.

As I started thinking about how I would fit this new device into my SharePoint Consultant toolbox, I started thinking about some of the ways that I’ve used my old tablet PCs in the past. One particularly useful technique I’ve used is to do quick drafts of my SharePoint presentations using handwriting on my tablet. Those who’ve never used a Tablet PC might respond, “why not just write it out on paper?” (sigh…) Paper is dead. :) Plus, there are other advantages to the tablet. Among them is the ability to distribute my handwritten slides electronically to others for feedback or collaboration. Not to mention being able to add images, side notes, etc to my slides, as well as re-ordering the deck on the fly.

Click here for more:

http://rixbits.blogspot.com/2010/12/tablet-pc-powerpoint-productivity.html

Microsoft Bliink 2011 Web Design Competition

by Kai Ajala Dupe

The Microsoft Bliink 2011 Web Design Competition will be open for student registration beginning Jan. 5, 2011. The site with all of the specific details for each contest will be ready fairly soon, but for now you can use this time to make sure that participating teachers and students receive software free of charge and to point them to the many free teaching and learning resources at Expression For Educators. Also, teachers are invited to attend free online demonstrations sessions where they can ask questions about Bliink and Expression.

Click here for more:

http://whereareblacksintechnology.blogspot.com/2010/12/microsoft-bliink-2011-web-design.html

Why IT Jobs Are Never Coming Back

By Stephanie Overby

Thu, December 09, 2010

U.S. IT job loss may level off in coming years, but the likelihood that corporate IT will ever contribute to job creation again is minimal, according to a recent study by the Hackett Group. CIO.com talked to Hackett's lead researchers about what's driving IT jobs offshore, what roles will remain stateside, and why some American IT professionals may have to send their resumes to China.

Click here for more:

http://www.cio.com/article/645663/Why_IT_Jobs_Are_Never_Coming_Back

Standish Group survey results show IT spending is on the rise for 2011

The latest Standish Group survey results show IT spending is on the rise for 2011. Areas of strength include general hardware, software and services. For example 24% of organizations plan to spend more on hardware in 2011, than in 2010. Fifty-one (51%) percent of organizations will invest heavy to moderate in improving skills for project managers in 2011. Most companies will add IT personnel. Therefore, The Standish Group is predicting a good new year for the IT industry.

Newman Networks News December 17th, 2010

In this issue:

Marketing Tips

Newman Networks

Upcoming Events

Nicole's Commentary

About the Urban League

Entrepreneurship Center

http://community.icontact.com/p/newmannetworks/newsletters/socialmedia/posts/newman-networks-news-december-17th-2010

2011 National BDPA Conference Registration Now Open

Please accept our invitation to join us in the City of the Big Shoulders by registering for the 33rd Annual National BDPA Conference, August 3-6, 2011 at the Hilton Chicago.

Early bird registration for $350 now open!

Click here to register for the 2011 National BDPA Conference today!

https://bdpa.site-ym.com/?page=Conference2011

Subscribe to the BDPA Foundation Blog via email: http://www.feedburner.com/fb/a/emailverifySubmit?feedId=649683

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Follow us on Twitter:

http://www.twitter.com/BDPA

Find the buzz on Twitter BDPA:

http://search.twitter.com/search?q=BDPA

This message has been brought to you by the BDPA Social Networking Team. http://www.bdpa.org/socialnetworks.php

Contact the BDPA Social Networking Team: socialnetworking@bdpa.org

Join The Blacks Gone Geek Community http://blacksgonegeek.org/JoinTheBlacksGoneGeekCommunity.aspx

Five Ways To Stand Out In The IT Career Community

Please visit Milt's Tool Box for more information on building your personal brand.

http://blacksgonegeek.org/ToolBox.aspx

Join The Blacks Gone Geek Community http://blacksgonegeek.org/JoinTheBlacksGoneGeekCommunity.aspx

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Hot IT Skills for 2011 - Part 2

We recently published Computerworld’s list of 11 hot skills for 2011 (see link below). Here’s an update from a recent poll taken from staffing agencies, IT recruiters and other data sources.

Hot IT Skills

Web Developer

HTML5, CSS3, XHTML

PHP, SQL, MySQL, Oracle, C#

JavaJ2EE, .NET

Cloud Computing and virtualization (esp. certified in Citrix)

Networking and Network Security (esp. certified in Cisco and CISSP)

Architecture and Engineering in voIP

Adobe Flex, , AdobeFlash

JavaScript, AJAX, and JavaScript Object Notation

Tomcat & Web Technology, JSTL & Expression Language

Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Dreamweaver, Adobe Illustrator

Mobile Products, Windows Mobile Developers

Collaboration Software (esp. SharePoint)

Project Managers (PMP certified)

Business Analysts (esp. with SME expertise in “the business”)

QA Analysts, SQA Engineers

Business Intelligence, Business Objects Developer

What jobs will be retained onshore vs. offshore?

Professionals with very specialized industry skills, the ability to manage in a global context, or experience in new technologies.

Folks who can better integrate supply chains and do design and architecture. Customer relationship management, those higher level strategic jobs will be retained

Ref: CIO Magazine Article, Why IT Jobs Are Never Coming Back

http://www.cio.com/article/645663/Why_IT_Jobs_Are_Never_Coming_Back

Who’s Hiring Now?

Check out our “Who’s Hiring Now” report at the link below:

http://blacksgonegeek.org/WhosHiringNow.aspx

Also check out the BDPA Career Center for over 150 job postings. These companies post in BDPA because they’re looking for diversity candidates.

https://bdpa.tms.hrdepartment.com/cgi-bin/a/searchjobs_quick.cgi

Want to learn more about what's hot and what's not and how to make a career transition?

Check out the Job Seekers Forum and join a mentoring circle.

http://blacksgonegeek.org/JobSeekerFocusGroup.aspx

11 hot skills for 2011

Computerworld

By Stacy Collett

September 13, 2010 06:00 AM

IT hiring will pick up slightly next year, and talented programmers and project managers will be at the starting line.

After months of staff cuts or hiring freezes, many U.S. companies are planning to hire IT employees with highly valued skills. The percentage of respondents to Computerworld's annual Forecast survey who said they plan to increase staff size in the next 12 months increased slightly, from 20% in last year's survey to 23% this year.

What's more, IT managers are taking the opportunity to mold their departments into profit-making business units.

Computerworld's survey uncovered these 11 must-have skills.

1. Programming and Application Development

2. Project Management

3. Help Desk/Technical Support

4. Networking

5. Security

6. Data Center

7. Web 2.0

8. Telecommunications

9. Business Intelligence

10. Collaboration Architecture

11. Business Acumen and Communication Skills

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