IT- Fan

"Fan" has 27 years in both engineering and IT management including 10 years as a technician, the last five years as a printer technician. He has lost some software skills and is studying for a Certificate IV, majoring in Network Management. Fan writes: "I'm almost 49 and would probably find it hard to get work back in networking. Should I move on to management? What should I do at this stage of my career?"

I asked Dennis Furini, chief executive of the Australian Computer Society.

He said Fan could consider starting a small business as a printer technician or printer distributor or even a support service for small businesses (two and 20 employees).

"After all, it's the basics like printers, networks and network management that (small businesses) often struggle with, and rarely have the expertise in house," he said.

"If Fan is serious about wanting to get back into networking, he may have to take a step back before he can take a step forward. Tier 2 (small to medium) vendors are most likely to give him the opportunity of transitioning back into this field."

A project management course is a good idea to hone management skills. "While this may be a longer-term option, when combined with his other skills it could open many doors. There is strong demand for good project managers," Mr Furini said.

He also advised Fan to customise his resume to every job. "If it's a network position, put your network experience and current training up front. People who read resumes are not going to search too deeply in the culling process," he said.

He also advises Fan to "network and network some more" as many IT jobs are not advertised.

"Join a professional body, attend its member events and get yourself known," he said.

Visit the ACS website at www.acs.org.au/

By Kate Southam, Editor of careerone.com.au