InformationWeek

September 1, 1998

I'm an Air Force officer. I have been in the Air Force for five years. I received my undergraduate degree from the Air Force Academy and have an MBA with IS emphasis from a small midwestern university. I am the chief of IS for an Air Force headquarters branch at the Pentagon. In my previous position, I was the IS Flight Commander (equivalent to an IS director) for a small base in Texas of about 2,000 personnel. I have been searching around for civilian job opportunities and have discovered most IS director positions request at least five years' experience. My total experience in the IT field have come in the past three years, but at a high level. Will I be considered very favorably for a similar civilian position?

It's unlikely that with three years in the IT field that's been limited to government focus that you will find a role of equal status and challenge in the private sector. Either lower your expectations and concentrate on building your depth of experience or stay the course you're on and really develop the degree of large-scale project you're managing. You'll need at least a couple more years.

More Questions:
I'm a 57 year-old-IS manager who'd like to retire from my position in five years and become a CIO for a small company. Is this realistic?

Should I stay with a small company doing full hands-on management or move to a larger company working on a narrowly focused project?