If a four-year degree is too broad and a certification program too narrow to properly identify the right talent, consider looking for candidates whose abilities map to the National Workforce Center for Emerging Technologies (NWCET) Information Technology Skill Standards. These standards are offered to policymakers as well as high school systems and two- and four-year institutions to assist in developing IT curricula, and they are also used by the Information Technology Association of America ITAA.
IT Skill Group and Sample Proficiencies
Database Administration and Development:
Validate conceptual and logical data models with clients
Produce business and technical documents
Maintain physical organization of database objects
Plan and deliver user training
Adapt existing structure to new business environments
Digital Media:
Determine media types and delivery platform
Design and evaluate user interface, visual appeal and functional design
Document design process
Substantiate make-or-buy decisions
Create and produce finished content
Enterprise Systems Analysis and Integration:
Define security requirements
Define training requirements
Evaluate current and emerging tools and technologies
Make fiscal recommendations regarding technology
Audit systems performance
Network Design and Administration:
Review network architecture, topology, interdependencies and constraints
Perform workstation configuration and software loading
Document, interpret and report test results
Monitor and report component, security and connectivity problems
Develop maintenance and upgrade plans
Programming/Software Engineering:
Define system and software requirements
Choose an architecture
Lead and participate in peer code review
Integrate subsystems
Develop test procedures
Technical Support:
Analyze problem and research solutions
Identify, test and implement solutions
Perform negotiated services
Develop installation plan
Evaluate maintenance processes and outcomes
Technical Writing:
Interpret, evaluate and confirm requirements
Identify time, technology and resource constraints, and delivery options
Interview and observe target audience
Determine information flow and level of detail
Develop feedback/validation vehicles
Web Development and Administration:
Develop and present concept alternatives
Review technical considerations and constraints
Select design tools and programming language
Plan and coordinate customer acceptance testing
Manage server
Train designers and developers
Source: ?When Can You Start?? published April 2001 by the ITAA.
