Dive Brief:
- New research by Spiceworks, an IT professionals' network, found that more than a third of IT specialists plan to look for or accept a position at another company in the next year. The 2018 IT Career Outlook also found that Millennial IT specialists are the least satisfied with their current jobs and the most likely to bolt.
- The study also found that among IT professionals who plan to leave, 75% are looking for a higher salary. Factors following that include better advancement opportunities; a job where IT is a priority; or a plan to become a consultant.
- Most IT professionals surveyed (81%) recognize that they need cybersecurity skills to be successful in 2018, but only 19% said they have advanced cybersecurity knowledge.
Dive Insight:
Previous studies have reported that career advancement can trump pay, but money is the top reason IT professionals in Spicework's study plan on leaving their current job. That's in line with other studies released in recent weeks, like one from Addison Group.
And like so may other specialists, IT professionals are being drawn to the gig economy, according to the study. They're a natural fit as independent contractors or consultants because they're problem-solvers who need little to no supervision, their skills will always be in demand and they often work alone.
Employment specialists continue to debate whether a skills gap actually exists, but it's clear that the demand for cybersecurity expertise is increasing. Left without candidates who possess those skills, some employers are looking to train their own IT professionals in cybersecurity, especially in response to a recent uptick in system breaches. Offering such training may be a good way to retain those employees, as well.