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  April / May 2001
 
 

Our Annual Review:
Hot Markets and Hot Job Opportunities.

A close look at cities where companies are clamoring for IT professionals.

  What downturn? It seems that post Y2K all we've heard is that companies are paring back and limiting investments in new projects and taking a "wait and see" approach to filling vacant full time IT positions. That seems to have changed dramatically in this, the beginning of the second quarter of '01.

  We researched 14 markets and found consultants happy and IT managers finally seeing a light at the end of the new millennium malaise tunnel. So, we asked, besides telling us all the job-specific reasons to consider this city or that, tell us why your city should be high on the list as a place to live.

  We'll start in Texas, where there's a ten gallon hat of opportunities throughout the state.

AUSTIN

   Austin is the "live music capitol of the world." its relaxed, multi-ethnic culture, scenic hill country terrain, many lakes, and central location in Texas makes it the ideal place to live and work. Over the years many high-tech companies have relocated existing facilities or started up new ones, resulting in Austin's other nickname: "Silicon Hills".

   "Those with experience in Java, C++, Embedded Software Design, Computer Engineering, or Oracle Database Administration, should check out Austin first," said Michael Svoboda, IT Recruiter.

SAN ANTONIO

   San Antonio is experiencing an "IT epiphany"- with the development of several grass-roots technology incubators, and a recent commitment to increased educational initiatives, expect this thriving city to progress in the creation of IT jobs and opportunities far above the current state and regional rates.

  Chuck Ludwig, an IT manager had this to say. "Everybody falls in love with San Antonio. Programmers with Visual Basic, C++, Java, JavaScript, will continue to be in high demand, too. Networking professionals with CCIE and related certifications and experience should enjoy higher than average opportunities throughout 2001. Oracle 11i implementations have also created a limited but very urgent need for Oracle DBAs. And, there's a robust market for SQL Server Professionals."

DALLAS

   Dallas has been dubbed the "Silicon Prairie" with over 230,000 high tech workers. It continues to be a base for Web Developers with a strong emphasis in e-commerce.

   "From boots to suits, from open plains to airplanes, the Dallas area offers something for everyone," said Tim DeWitt, IT Services Manager.

  Dallas IT needs include C++ and Java Programmers, CRM Specialists with Remedy and Siebel skills, and Technical Writers.

HOUSTON

   Houston is alive with energy and rich in diversity, with a dynamic mix of imagination, talent and first-class attractions that makes it a world-class city. Home to a vibrant economy, beautiful surroundings and a population full of optimism and spirit.

  Houston is home to corporate headquarters of 18 of the Fortune 500 listed companies. In demand IT needs include Software Development (Java, C++) , Network skills, including Design and Security, Database Administration, and Server and ERP packages.

OHIO OFFERS EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITIES.

CINCINNATI

  Most major suburbs are less than a 30 minute commute downtown. Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio: your choice where to live. Urban to rural. very affordable cost of living. Kings Island, the Reds, Cincinnati Symphony, and excellent public and private colleges and universities. Cincy offers big town amenities with the friendliness of a small town.

   No one industry dominates, so the area has always come out ahead in economic down turns. There are approximately 2000 high tech firms in the Tri-State area. Managed hosting sites and co-locations have opened which makes Cincinnati a regional hub in the age of fiber and Internet backbones.

  Cincinnati has the 2nd largest concentration of AS400's and Columbus is the second largest repository of databases in the country. The Digital Rhine is designated as a technology start up area with many small thriving web development companies. Choose between the stable technology of Fortune 1000 companies or the leading edge of e-commerce.

   Major needs: Oracle and SQL DBAs, Unix Developers and Admins., OO Developers, and Network Admins. and Engineers.

FLORIDA CITIES SCORE HIGH FOR IT OPPORTUNITIES.

JACKSONVILLE

   Jacksonville, known as the First Coast has a wealth of high-tech companies, an excellent living environment, including a steady ranking among the "top ten best places to live" (Money Magazine 99). Expansion Management Magazine (Jan 99) ranks Jacksonville #1 in the country for expansion and relocation.

   With a population growth rate 3% above the national average and a median age of 33, Jacksonville attracts employers seeking productive and ambitious employees looking for long-term careers.

   The result is a thriving business community. Due to the strong growth of Jacksonville's IT industry, Web Designers, Visual Basic and Java Developers are in high demand.

BOCA RATON

   Boca Raton is the original birth place of the IBM PC, the internet gateway to South America, and the ASP capital of the world, with low cost of living and no state taxes. Boca Raton was voted the No. 1 city on Dun & Bradstreet and Entrepreneur's 1999 list of hot spots for small businesses.

Sr. Programmer Analyst: "South Florida is filled with explosive opportunities...!" Hot needs: NOC Specialists, Telecom Specialists, DBAs (Oracle, SQL), Application Developers (software and internet), and Network Engineers/Administrators.

TAMPA

   Tampa's relatively low cost of living and inviting climate, rapidly growing technology centers and political dedication to the tech industry are making it an it hub of Florida.

  From historic Ybor City for authentic Cuban sandwiches, cigars and nightlife to sports of every type and the most beautiful powdery Gulf Coast beaches, Tampa offers a lifestyle for everyone.

  Current hot needs: Oracle DBAs, Warehouse Experts, Architects and Modelers, and Embedded Software Engineers.

MIAMI

  Greater Miami is an international trading hub of the Americas. The business and technology community, people, neighborhoods, schools and architecture all exhibit a cosmopolitan character.

  The banking, financial, distribution, manufacturing, etc., businesses are implementing some of the best technologies in order to service their international customers.

  Programmers/Analysts (Visual Basic, VBScripts, VBA, Java, Javascripts, JSP, JEB, Java Applets, etc.), Database/System Administrators (Oracle, SQL, Unix, and Network Administrator/Engineers are in high demand.

ORLANDO

  Orlando: Disney put the area on the map but it's the large influx of new economy companies that has Orlando projected to be one of America's best areas for economic development.

  The High-Tech Orlando Marketing Initiative aims to capitalize on some of Orlando's strongest technology sectors including; software/multimedia/simulation, telecommunications, defense and semiconductors. Some of the hottest technologies in the area are, Java, XML, C/C++, ASP, Oracle, Unix, Cisco and Windows 2000.

  A local city government IT manager, stated, "With three new city complexes due to open over the next 18 months, our IT department has its hands full." He plans to add at least four new IT positions in the next year.

WISCONSIN: LIFESTYLE & OPPORTUNITIES.

MILWAUKEE

  Greater Milwaukee is the genuine American city; a meeting place of people and cultures. Home to the largest music festival, Summerfest, NBA central division champions, the Milwaukee Bucks and the new 400 million dollar Miller Park. A city of diverse industries with an array of exciting IT opportunities.

  Hot need: Individuals for a new enterprise application integration team to provide technical support for IT and end users. Strong background in C++ and Java, plus Visual Basic, HTML, ASP and XML is a plus.

  A financial services firm IT executive offered, "We are focused on building a pipeline for future vs current needs. We're primarily looking for developers with C++ or Java, ideally with experience building business applications."

MADISON

   Madison has repeatedly been chosen as the most liveable city in America in surveys by publications like Money Magazine. Nestled among 4 lakes, Madison is an exciting progressive community with an expanding economic base, wonderful cultural opportunities, and fabulous access to all kinds of outdoor recreation.

  The state capital and home of the UW Badgers, Madison has something for everyone, especially IT professionals with hot skills. Madison is a hotbed for all kinds of web technologies: Java, C++, and Visual Basic. Many area companies are launching major web initiatives and systems upgrades, requiring various skill levels from IT Architects to Web Developers, Network Analysts, and Help Desk Professionals to support the new issues.

   A MCSE, MCT, when asked about the explosive technical growth in Madison and it's growing reputation as the Silicon Prairie, he replied, "Bits. Bytes. Brats. Beer. Madison is a keyboard jockey's paradise!"

DC AREA BOOMING . . .

WASHINGTON, DC

  Our nation's capital and the surrounding communities of Herndon, McLean, Tyson's Corner and Vienna, Virginia offers an historic and cosmopolitan lifestyle melded into one.

   Take in all the sights, from the Smithsonian to Jefferson's Monticello then check out the hundreds of Fortune 1000 companies that call this home. From Telecom to ecom, exploding hardly begins to describe the opportunities.

   IT professionals are needed now in the following areas: Oracle Developers, Web and Java Developers, Network Managers, Hardware Engineers. Plus, anyone with active clearance has enormous opportunities.

IF GEORGIA'S ON YOUR MIND . . .

ATLANTA

  Atlanta: the only thing better than visiting Atlanta is living there. With a booming economy, great weather and an unparalleled lifestyle, it is easy to see why so many people call Atlanta home.

  Not only are all four major sports teams at your fingertips, there are more than 8,000 restaurants to choose from with everything from international fare to down-home southern cooking. Neighborhoods range from unique and eclectic with tree-lined streets to expansive mansions in suburban life. Our upbeat nightlife is definitely on the cutting edge and both mountains and the ocean are only a day trip away. Thanks to the busiest airport in the world, Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport, 80 percent of the United States is within two hours of the city. Come visit Atlanta and see why 3.4 million people call Atlanta home. A city of diverse people and companies with an entire assortment of exciting IT opportunities.

To check out all opportunities Consultis offers, go to their website, www.consultis.com. To contact a city directly, email (city)@consultis.com.

  

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