Career paths to the next millenium: are you taking advantage of the career opportunities new technologies are creating?

EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES ARE CHANGING THE way we live and work. As we move ever closer to a computer-driven society, it is imperative that you stay abreast of technological advancements to best prepare for the demands of the future job market.

For African Americans and other minorities, any lack of technological expertise could create additional barriers and make an already difficult job search more arduous. While you don't have to be a "tech-head" to meet employer demands, you will need a good command of technological tools--and for good reason.

Computer, telecommunications and information services are expected to grow tremendously over the next few years. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that by the year 2005, the number of jobs in computer-related fields will grow 90%, and no occupation will be untouched by this ongoing technological revolution. From farmers to journalists, people from all walks of life will be required to upgrade their technological know-how to remain competitive.

David Rice, industrial designer and chairman of the Organization of Black Designers in Washington ([e-mail]), has seen the design industry revolutionized by this new digital imperative. "When I first started, all I needed was a drafting table, a T-square and some basic drawing tools to go into business," recalls Rice. "Now if you're going to be competitive, you're looking at a minimum investment of $7,000 to $10,000 in computer equipment and training--be it on-the-job or formal." Rice has seen the demand for 3-D animation graphics designers grow, and foresees an increasing demand for digital design professionals, especially in the rapidly expanding Web page design area.

Computers and sophisticated software have hastened the time it takes to produce design. As a result, designers can visualize projects better and faster while controlling production costs. Technological advancements have raised individual and organizational productivity to such a high level that leaner workforces have become the norm, adds Rice.

Recent government statistics reveal that in 10 years the manufacturing industry will continue to maintain high output levels despite slashing its workforce by 1.3 million people. The number of typists, word processors and bank tellers is also expected to decline by 30% as online and automated banking services replace many low-level banking positions. Those in clerical positions will need to be familiar with the vast array of voice recognition software and integrated multitasking programs flooding the market. "The world is fast polarizing into two potentially irreconcilable forces," asserts economist and author Jeremy Rifkin in his book, The End of work. "On one side, an information elite that controls and manages the high-tech global economy; and on the other, the growing numbers of permanently displaced workers, who have few prospects and little hope for meaningful employment in an increasingly automated world."

While apocalyptic in tone, Rifkin illustrates the major challenge facing the workforce. Job applicants with a low level of computer skills will be screened out of jobs that, in the past, did not require such knowledge.

Fortunately, we're not too far behind, but it will take more education, creativity and foresight than many have traditionally applied toward mapping out their careers. Those who continually upgrade their skills and have an eye for identifying technological trends will fare well. Although we do not know where this technological revolution will lead, it will surely require multitalented and forward-thinking people who can adapt. One way to shore up your future is to enter or create a niche market.

Ron Cadet, 32, positioned himself on the fast track from research director to assistant program director for radio station KSOL in San Francisco. Cadet, who is also co-founder of the media production company, Imhotech, had a degree in computer and systems engineering, yet his tenure as a computer programmer lasted only two years before he followed his passion for music. As a product researcher, Cadet measured how listeners responded to the radio station's programming. "I would collect the data and send it to our management offices to be processed," he says. "This wasted a lot of time, so I developed a program to process the information on site and saved the company money." With that innovation, Cadet was quickly bumped up to research management.

From there, he set his sights on programming and computerized and streamlined the way his radio station programmed music. Four promotions and four years later, Cadet became a program director-achieving his career goals in a fraction of the time it might otherwise have taken.

For Cadet, now a music director at KBLX in San Francisco, computers are an enabling technology. The glut of information on the Internet will increase the demand for agent technology, which lessens the time and effort involved in retrieving online information, he says.

For those looking to gain an occupational foothold he advises, "Determine what areas you are interested in and how computer technology can enable you to do a better, more productive job."

Fortunately, Cadet had the technical background and creativity that allowed him to put a high-tech spin on a traditionally low-tech job, but we are not all so blessed. Career anxiety plagues mostly those in traditional jobs who are trying to keep their head above water in this age of technology. But, says William A. Schaffer, author of Hi-Tech Jobs for Lo-Tech People, the lack of technical expertise doesn't exclude everyone from getting jobs in a high-tech industry.

Dyetra Hall, 25, an associate technical writer at Lotus Development Corp., proved it. While in college, Hall saw the technology handwriting on the wall and majored in computer science. After graduation, she realized she had no desire to pursue a career in computer programming, but wanted to work with software development.

Today, Hall writes digital and written documentation, such as manuals and online help text for programs like Lotus Notes. Hers is a job that does not require a high degree of technical expertise, but only a basic understanding of computers and technology. All you really need to be a technical writer are good writing skills and elementary knowledge of computer lingo such as, the difference between hardware and software," she notes.

Hall also works with Lotus' college hire program and has found that students with nontechnical degrees fail to investigate the employment opportunities at at high-tech firms. "I have to actually accost non-science majors when I go on recruiting trips." It is a grave but common misconception that technology companies want only computer whizzes. In reality, there are any number of career opportunities, ranging from account management and sales to publication management and more. The key is to realize that technology companies do more than just create hardware or software. And once you're in the door you can augment your current skills in order to advance your career.

Many computer companies, such as Lotus, provide training courses in various operational applications for their employees. Taking advantage of this training will broaden your knowledge base and open the door to advancement both inside and outside the company.

Marcia Hewitt can certainly appreciate the value of a diverse knowledge base. She received a bachelor's degree in mathematics with a minor in computer science, and later added an M.B.A. from Hampton University to her resume. The combination of her undergraduate and graduate degrees made her a logical choice for Oracle Corp., the world's largest relational database software company, when they were looking for a financial applications consultant.

Once on board, Hewitt networked with other employees and learned of an opening for a technical sales consultant--the job she currently holds. Today at 34, Hewitt assists sales reps with customer technical support. She attributes her success to recognizing opportunities that benefited her and the company. "Besides keeping an toward the future, it's important to realize that we are moving ever closer to a global economy," says Hewitt. "We must be able to exchange information on the marketplace of ideas with any number of people around the world."

Recognizing the way your particular skills translate to the digital world and then preparing to use them are critical, says. Cadet. With the projected rise in out-sourcing of technical expertise by businesses, individuals should consider consulting or freelancing in their fields of expertise.

There is no way we can predict how technology will affect every aspect of our lives and work. It is possible, however, to anticipate some of the careers that will be in demand. The following is by no means an all-inclusive list, but it will give you a head start in the race. Keep in mind, technological literacy will no longer be an option, but a necessity.

Online content developer: Journalists and other writing professionals as well as graphics designers will be needed to create and manage the growing number of Web sites and online publications.

Technical trainers: New technological advancements require trainers. Companies will need experts to train their staff on many new innovations in technology.

Digital security: With information fast becoming the new form of commerce, more sophisticated means of securing digital assets will be necessary. For example, special encryption codes will be needed to secure online banking account information to inhibit "digital thieves."

Digital lawyers: Not literally, but we will need law professionals who can help us to sort out the legal freedoms, protections and limitations this new form of trade will certainly bring into question.

Consultants: Many people will be able to earn a healthy living offering their particular technological expertise to companies on a contingent or contractual basis.