More from Jobs: Technology Careers

• IT Development: It's Back!
  A few years ago, it seemed as though the majority of IT development jobs were destined to be sent offshore. Today, however, there is strong demand for J2EE and Microsoft .NET development skills. New applications and methodologies mean that developers spend less time alone in their cubicles and more time interacting with the team.
  
• IT Job Outlook 2009
  While the IT job market is still soft, consulting firms report "a little bit of normalcy" returning to the industry. The top priorities for chief information officers: initiatives that cut costs or increase sales.
  
• New Careers In The Wind
  Minnesota is already third in production of wind energy. The legislature has set aggressive goals for renewable energy production over the next 15 years. The demand for skilled workers is growing, and Minnesota community and technical colleges are gearing up to provide the needed training.
  
• Renewable Energy Careers Gaining Power
  Minnesota has put renewable energy on the fast track. The Federal government is providing millions of dollars of funding for “Green Collar” careers. Now is the time to start learning and training for careers in wind energy and photovoltaic and solar thermal power.
  
• CMMI: Technology Grows Up
  Process improvement programs come and go. Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) has stood the test of time. Many IT workers may encounter CMMI during their career. Knowing the basics can be a career advantage.
  
• Outsource-proof Technology Jobs?
  There are several career strategies that can make technology workers less vulnerable to outsourcing. Embracing new technologies, pursuing management roles, and becoming an expert in a growth industry can ensure more stability.
  
• Going Green
  Where does one begin looking for an environmentally friendly career? Networking and gathering knowledge through associations like the Minnesota Renewable Society can help lead environmentally conscious jobseekers in the right direction.
  
• Technology Goes Green
  The goals of the next Generation Energy Initiative involve saving energy and providing renewable resouces in Minnesota. The cutting edge technology needed to meet these goals creates many job opportunities throughout Minnesota -- from building operations to information technology.
  
• Spam Fighting
  As technology evolves, spam does to. For those interested in careers in networking technology and security, the future looks bright and challenging.
  
• Technology: Staying Current
  For today's information technology professionals, maintaining marketability is truly "job number one." But, having made a commitment to keep their skills up to date, IT workers are still faced with the challenge of figuring out where to invest their professional development time and money. Derik Mantel, project management practice manager for consulting company Genesis10, (www.genesis10.com), offers some suggestions for role-based training.
  
• Lack of Laboratorians: A "Quiet Crisis"
  A year and a half ago, Michelle Briski, Medical Laboratory Technician Program director for Saint Paul College, called the shortage of laboratorians a "quiet crisis in healthcare." Today, according to Carol McCoy, Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) Program director for Fairview Health Services, "The shortage is only getting worse."