Question:

I have been working in the IT field as a programmer. I would like to find a job that uses my knowledge but that is much more people-oriented. I would also like to be able to do that without returning to school. What other IT-related positions would get me away from the keyboard, allow me some human-interaction and still pay well?

First Answer:

1. Consider working for a software company that provides employee training to companies that buy their software.
2. Look for a position that would combine the programming skills with in-house training. This type of job would allow both one-to-one time with the computer and the people contact that you are looking for by letting you training and providing troubleshooting.
3. Sometimes it is hard to make career transitions and it we can find avenues that easy that transition and help us gain some practical skills in our new interest areas. For you, one of those avenues would be teaching a course at a community college, adult education or four year college and university in the ITIS area. Full time teaching positions are hard to come by and take a lot of patience and perserverance to get. But an adjunct position would provide you practical skills working with people while allowing you to use the expertise you have in the computer field.

-- Linda Wyatt, Career Center Director, Kansas City Kansas Community College

Second Answer:

From past experience in the corporate world, I have found system analysts to be an extremely valuable position in companies. There are other names for this type of position, but basically it is a person who understands programming and overall IT – they are the liaison between the non-technical and the technical staff.

They help plan and advise the non-technical staff on best IT solutions (programs and hardware). There is a lot of communication with others and very little keyboard work. Maybe there is a similar type of position in your present company or check with other companies. It's an integral part of company's success.

Another option/thought is to look into jobs with large consulting companies, Anderson, KPMG, Oracle, SAP, Braun, etc. They may allow you to get into more of a knowledge transfer role rather than coding etc.. Many organizations hire consulting firms because they need the knowledge and are willing to spend the time to learn from those consultants. A lot of these jobs will require travel.

Good luck and best wishes for finding that new career. Focus and don't give up the dream of finding it.

-- Candace Davies, Director and Founder of Cando Career Coaching and Resume Writing and All Trades Resume Writing

Third Answer:

As I view the needs of a successful programmer are: ability to work with abstract concepts, to do technical analysis, possesses imagination and ingenuity, and is able to do this under an umbrella of time pressures. Factoring in the desire to interact with people, these skills bring to my mind these IT-related fields: network development, network administration, system sales, independent consultants, multimedia or Internet technology development, technical support specialists, operations research analysts.

Other careers that come to mind but may not have the human interaction element are: system analyst, statisticians, actuarial science, economic analyst, financial analyst or industrial researcher.

There is the opportunity to start your own computer-consulting firm, as well.

Not knowing your educational background, some of these ideas may require additional and continued education to qualify. Certification may also be expected in some areas such as actuarial science, systems management, and professional research for example.

The personality traits to be an independent contractor or entrepreneur will require some internal self-examination. Something you may want to do regardless of you next career step. It has been my experience that at some point in our lives the question of "is that all there is?" comes forward. Not knowing your age, this question may be another issue in the mix.

-- Robert C. Resch, Career Center, Triton College

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