Information Technology Council of North Dakota

Stimulus could create thousands of IT jobs:
A federal economic stimulus package expected early this year from the Obama administration should boost the job prospects of IT professionals. Katherine McGuire, vice president of government relations at the Business Software Alliance, said Obama's "pro-tech agenda" could increase the number of technology jobs in the U.S. by 10%, adding about 300,000 high-paying IT positions.

While IT isn't the lone source of high-skills jobs, McGuire said that Obama "is right to seek incentives for innovation and growth across the entire economy, which in turn will spur growth in the IT sector."

Robert McGovern, CEO of McLean, Va.-based JobFox Inc., which runs a careers Web site, agreed that if the package provides the hundreds of millions of dollars in funding expected, hundreds of thousands of IT jobs could be created. He suggested that IT workers should try to show employers how their skills could be used on projects likely to be aided by stimulus funds.

For example, McGovern said, construction companies and engineering firms overseeing infrastructure upgrade projects need tech workers with strong computer-aided design and telecommunications skills. And companies creating alternative energy systems or modernizing health care processes need people with expertise in bioinformatics, information security or software development.

Regulatory mandates could also lead to the creation of new jobs for tech workers who have related systems integration and Web skills, McGovern added. "Target your job search in those directions," he suggested. The companies will probably fill the positions quickly after the funding is approved, he added. "What employers need more than anything is confidence. They have the open positions, but they are reluctant to fill them," McGovern said.

Even without a stimulus package, the jobs outlook in IT for 2009 is better than that of many other industries, said David Foote CEO of Vero Beach, Fla.-based Foote Partners LLC, which analyzes IT wages and hiring data. "IT jobs are relatively safe in the aftermath of the economic meltdown," he said. The IT job market is stable, Foote said, "because a lot has happened to show businesses that IT is really our edge."

According to Foote, some of the hottest areas for jobs over the next two years will be business analysis, financial and human resources applications, program management, and application development.

This version of the story originally appeared in Computerworld's print edition. View the article online here.
Spring and summer internships sought:
The spring semester has launched, and many college students have either started new internships and work experiences or still looking. Currently there are around 30 internships open for the spring semester through the ND Department of Commerce’s Operation Intern program. All companies are encouraged to post their open positions here. At the employer’s discretion, open internships will also be posted here.

Governor Hoeven's budget for the 2009 biennium includes an expansion from $600,000 to $1.2 million to move the program from over 200 internships to 400. Proposed changes to the program include funding for apprenticeships and participation from the 11th and 12th grades. ITCND supports these expansions to the program as 20 of the 87 companies participating are technology-related.

Of companies that completed internships and exit interviews, 73 percent report that the experience is making it easier to find qualified/skilled workforce. Sixty-nine percent of students who have completed their experience and exit interview report that the experience is influencing their decision to work in North Dakota. Of the students surveyed, 84 percent want to work in North Dakota.

The Department of Commerce is accepting applications for summer 2009. Employers are encouraged to apply today. If you have any questions or concerns, contact Kayla Effertz at 701-328-5383.
Be a voice for IT at the North Dakota Legislature:
North Dakota’s 61st Legislative Assembly convened on Jan. 6. ITCND is active in the legislative process as an advocate and lobbyist for IT issues. As with any organization, ITCND looks to its members for support in encouraging the use, growth and development of IT through legislation. One way to help is by testifying about IT issues important to you. Legislators enjoy hearing from people working in and dependent upon different industry sectors; you provide the personal connection to the issues. Grassroots lobbying can be very effective, and ITCND would appreciate your voices of support.

ITCND will send out a legislative update every Friday during the session. In each update, a list of committee hearings will be posted. Stay informed and read up about the issues facing the IT industry in North Dakota. If you feel passionate about an issue, please contact ITCND and offer to testify at a hearing. Hearings before North Dakota legislative committees are generally informal, and the process is simple:

Before the Hearing You Should…
1. Find out when and where the bill will be heard, and be on time for the hearing. Usually, once a hearing is closed on a particular bill, no further testimony is heard.
2. Plan your testimony. ITCND can help you write and prepare your testimony. If ITCND knows of others testifying on the same bill, it will help you coordinate your testimony to avoid duplication.

At the Hearing You Should…
1. Be present at the start of the hearing. All persons present usually get a chance to speak; however, it is not always possible to give everyone a chance to speak. If you do not get the opportunity to testify, your presence may be acknowledged and you will be asked if you favor or oppose the bill. You can always submit written testimony.
2. Sign the witness sheet at the lectern. List the bill number, your position in favor or opposition of the bill, your name, lobbyist registration number (if applicable) and who you represent (if other than yourself).
3. Wait your turn. The chairman will announce the beginning of the hearing on a particular bill, and the clerk will read the bill. The first speaker is usually the bill’s sponsor. The chairman then asks for testimony, first from proponents and then opponents.
4. Begin your testimony by addressing the chairman and committee members, giving your name, address and why you are there. For example, “Mr. or Madam Chairman and members of the committee, my name is John Q. Public from Scranton. I’m in favor/oppose this bill because…”
5. Be brief and conversational. There is no need to be nervous or worried about doing something wrong. Legislators are your friends and neighbors who want to hear what you have to say.
6. Expect some questions and comments from committee members. If you do not know the answer to a question, offer to follow-up on the issue.
7. Respect other testimonials by avoiding clapping, cheering, booing or other demonstrations.

After the Hearing
1. Some committees vote right after a hearing, others wait until the end of the meeting and others postpone voting until another meeting.
2. All committee action is public, so you can stay and listen to the committee debate and vote if you wish.
3. One or two days later you can check with the committee clerk, your legislator, ITCND or the Legislative Information Kiosk to find out how the committee voted on the bill.

Your involvement in the legislative process is important to ITCND and to North Dakota legislators. Please inform ITCND by calling 701-355-4458 if you are interested in learning more about testifying on IT-related issues.

Legislative Hearing process provided by the North Dakota Legislature’s website.
IT info featured:
The ND Department of Commerce Division of Workforce Development has added information on IT occupations to the “North Dakota Jobs in High Demand” section of its website. Make sure to check it out!