Several recent surveys, including the recent article by Computer World shows that demand for IT workers is growing at the highest rate in several years. 

As a result, salaries are also on the rise.  Why?  Companies need talented, motivated Information Technology professionals and many companies report difficulty in finding those people.

Additionally, as with any asset, IT infrastructure has a life-cycle that necessitates upgrading and/or replacing every 3-5 to stay current with new and emerging technologies.  For many companies, utilizing current technology is a competitive advantage.  For others, it’s a necessary evil, but either way, those companies need IT professionals who know how to install, migrate, maintain and support their infrastructure.

So what does this mean to you?  It means that if you’re already an IT professional, brush up on new skills and reassess your qualifications relative to the job market.  Are you making what your worth? According to a recent Robert Half salary survey, salaries for all IT roles will rise an average of 5.3% for 2008!

For many companies, utilizing current technology is a competitive advantage.  For others, it’s a necessary evil, but either way, those companies need IT professionals who know how to install, migrate, maintain and support their infrastructure.

If you are thinking about changing careers and getting into IT or perhaps moving to a different area within IT, again get the training you need to take you there quickly.  Spending a year or two casually learning new skills on your own will eventually enable you to acquire those skills, but the rest of the world will have passed you by.  Staying ahead of the curve, and constantly expanding your skillset is what sets you apart from the competition.

If you’re great at hardware, consider learning networking and acquiring Cisco skills.  If you’re already proficient at networking, consider brushing up on your hardware skills, or systems administration skills.  A well-rounded IT professional that can do it all (and specialize in one or two areas) is a very attractive employee to most companies.

The great thing about IT is that it constantly changes, and there are always new technologies to master, new industries and new opportunities. It all starts with training and getting the skills to take you there.