Developments in information technology (IT) have always been fast and diversified to meet the market demand, and the future for IT professionals is therefore expected to be promising.

Dr Winnie Tang, Chief Executive Officer of ESRI China (Hong Kong) Ltd and President of Internet Professional Association, says, “Prospects in IT industry are promising not only in Hong Kong, but all over the world.” As there is much space for development in IT, the industry is always looking for talents of any specialization.

The GIS Mission
Dr Tang recalls 13 years ago when she established her own company. At that time, seeing people still using paper maps, she realized the need to digitize information and therefore began to introduce geographic information system (GIS) in Hong Kong. But she found that there was no job related to GIS in the market at that time, so she had an idea of establishing her own business in this specialized field.

Then she set up a software company to provide GIS and mapping solutions in the region, but she could hardly find talents of GIS in the career market. So she looked for professionals from overseas, and she also began to lobby universities in Hong Kong to include the study of GIS in their curriculum. Nowadays, there are diploma, degree as well as master’s degree courses in GIS in Hong Kong.

Talents in Demand
Even though more GIS professionals are now available in the career market, there are also more companies providing services related to GIS. This has resulted in a keen competition for talents. Fortunately, GIS talents can be nurtured, according to Dr Tang. “Job seekers with or without an IT background can apply for a job and develop in the GIS field. It is because job seekers can learn technical skills through studies and training.” On the other hand, GIS companies need talents in other specializations. For example, ESRI hires staff ranging from project managers to analyst programmers. Some of their staff have a non-IT degree such as business, statistics, etc.

Advice to Job Seekers
“Job seekers with technical skills can certainly jump-start in the industry quicker, but technical skills can be acquired afterwards and therefore they are not a prerequisite to get into this field,” Dr Tang says, adding that IT is a people industry, and personal qualities are therefore equally important, such as interpersonal relations and effective communication skills.

Dr Tang says that employers look for a positive working attitude in job seekers. “With a passion for work, one would think of more for the clients and colleagues.” She also advises job seekers not to be afraid of making mistakes. “A willingness to innovate is essential in the IT industry.” Another important aspect is that job seekers should not just job-hop for higher salaries only. “Take time to learn and pursue your ideals. Focusing on money only will give a negative impression to employers.”

Hard Work Breeds Success
Believing that GIS can enhance competitiveness of Hong Kong, Dr Tang has always been dedicated to her mission, and years of hard work have resulted in a wide range of applications of GIS in many industries in Hong Kong. Nowadays, more than 90% of GIS applications in the region use ESRI’s software. She believes that credibility, hard work, team spirit and innovation would result in career success of IT professionals.