InformationWeek

February 23, 1999

I am an IS professional with 10 years experience on Novell networks, HP 3000, Unix and IBM mainframes. However, I don't feel I have developed any expertise in any of these areas. I am 40 and have a bachelor's degree in computer and information science. I currently work in an IBM mainframe environment using Cobol and PL/1 at a large automobile manufacturing plant. We expect to convert to SAP within the next year or two. I am currently trying to find a career direction. I am trying to understand if my career would be better if I stay in the mainframe world or try to learn client-server and perhaps Visual Basic. I would like to develop expertise in a specific environment/language. Any suggestions?

You are right in looking toward client server and web technology as a potential career progression. However, if your company is considering a conversion to SAP and you may be an integral part of the implementation process, it would be in your best interest to entertain sticking it out. Your current company may consider SAP training for employees, and taking advantage of that would be a plus. Exposure to an ERP initiative would increase your marketability substantially. At the same time, I strongly recommend that you aggressively network and identify companies that are willing to train on new technology in return for specific mainframe experience that would be critical to a conversion.

More Questions:
I've been a business manager for 10 years and would like to switch my career to IT. I'm confused as to what type of careers are out there that will suit my experience.