With the constant advancement in technologies to meet the market demand, the information technology (IT) industry is always changing and the need for talents always high.

To help job seekers get prepared to join or develop in this industry, JobsDB has co-organized with HKU Class of 90s and Friends an IT seminar “Successful Story of IT Professionals”. On 5 October 2007, President of Internet Professional Association and CEO of ESRI China (Hong Kong) Ltd Dr Winnie Tang, Managing Director of Hewlett-Packard HK SAR Limited Mr Felix See, Director of The I-Consulting Group Mr Andy Lau and Managing Director of Crossover International Mr Alex Hung shared their interesting working experience in the past years as well as gave valuable advice to job seekers on entering and advancing in the industry.

Innovative & Changing IT Industry
All speakers commented that the IT industry is full of developments and changes. Dr Tang said that unlike in the past, IT is not a “special” field now, but instead it is very common in our daily life. “We should try to think of ways to apply IT so as to contribute to society and make it for the betterment of daily life.” For example, Dr Tang successfully applied GIS (geographic information system) in providing information about areas affected by SARS in 2003 to people in Hong Kong as well as all over the world. Dr Tang said that IT professionals have to be innovative. “Try to do, create and learn something new every day.”

Never Stop to Learn
No matter for junior staff or leaders in this profession, Dr Tang advised IT people to use the SWOT Analysis to find out their “strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats” so as to improve and upgrade themselves. For IT leaders, Dr Tang said that they need to have a global vision as well as credibility.

Always advocating continuing education, Dr Tang reminded the audience that language is essential in IT industry. For example, IT people have to learn and master Putonghua if they need to explore business opportunities in mainland China.

Mr See shared the same idea of continual learning. He said that during the early years in his career, he learnt from senior colleagues and from the many changes in the industry. “Ride on these changes and one can succeed.” He commented that nowadays, IT has become indispensable in some businesses, for example, stock exchange. He advised job seekers to specialize in certain areas and they should have good developments in the industry. Mr Hung also commented that one has to be flexible in facing changes in the industry in order to succeed.

Qualities Employers Look for
When asked to comment on the type of staff employers usually look for in IT industry, all speakers agreed that the essential qualities include a positive attitude, a willingness to grow with the company and a long-term commitment in career. Mr See added, “Employers look for job seekers who are curious about new things and optimistic because such staff would have a higher ability to take up challenges.” Besides, staff having a sense of ownership in their jobs are preferred by most employers. Mr Lau said that he preferred hiring staff who are productive in moving the company forward, and those who are willing to upgrade themselves.

More Q&A in Chinese