Jake Winship
Consultant
38 Collingwood Street, Collingwood Buildings, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1JF
- Specialism: ICT & Digital Technology
- Sector: Public Sector
- Roles: Permanent, contract, temporary and interim
- Location: North East
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The top Twitter and social accounts all ICT & Digital Technology professionals should follow
There are few industries where it is more important to stay on top of current trends than the ICT & Digital sectors. If you are looking for a new ICT or Digital Technology job, staying up-to-date on the latest developments in your industry will often be seen as an essential requirement by any prospective employer. In this regard, making sure you are following the right news sources and influencers on Twitter and other social platforms can make a significant difference. The business IT community frequently makes use of social channels to share their news, analysis, industry insights and best practice commentary, and by tapping into these conversations, you will be able to gain vital awareness of the most important issues shaping the industry now and in the near future. As an expert in ICT & Digital Technology recruitment, Sellick Partnership’s Sales Manager Adam Burgess has compiled a list of the essential Twitter accounts, social channels and podcasts that we believe every professional in this field should be following. If you believe there are any accounts we have missed, get in touch and let us know! @ITPro - IT Pro is one of the UK’s top enterprise IT websites, posting regular news updates, insights and analysis from some of the industry’s top experts. They can be a great outlet for professionals who want to stay in the know. @ComputerWeekly - ComputerWeekly is another leading digital publication dedicated to sharing the latest headlines, thought leadership content and best practice from the IT profession. This is an invaluable source for updates from across the UK and around the world. @Computerworld - Computerworld UK from IDG offers the latest technology features, analysis and expert advice for IT professionals, including insightful roundtable discussions featuring top industry figures. @Computing_News - Computing is aimed specifically at UK technology decision-makers, combining market news and opinions on the latest key developments. Following a variety of news sources will ensure you are always kept informed. @sdtimes - SD Times provides news and analysis for software developers and development managers, giving you access to expert insights on the latest tools and methodologies being used by the sector. @cloud_comp_news - CloudTech is a digital publication focused on cloud computing news and trends, including headline developments and revealing research. By following, you can learn more about how best to take advantage of the power of the cloud. @thecybersechub - The Cyber Security Hub is one of the best sources of news on all things pertaining to information security. Follow them for updates on recent hacks, potential security threats and the newest protection methods. @TheHackersNews - The Hacker News is another trusted portal for news on hacking, cyber attacks, computer security and the measures businesses can take to stay safe. Follow them for insight into the latest trends and how they are shaping the world of IT. @UK_CIF - The UK’s Cloud Industry Forum (CIF) is an organisation dedicated to promoting transparency and security in cloud computing. They regularly share exclusive industry research, insights and opportunities for those in the sector to connect and share their knowledge. @GoogleCloud_UKI - As one of the world’s leading tech firms, it always pays to know what Google is up to. Following the official Google Cloud Twitter account will help you stay abreast of their latest updates and developments, as well as insights into how best to utilise Google’s cloud tools. @satyanadella - There are few more important figures in modern tech than Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. His Twitter profile is a treasure trove of industry insight, important updates and vital conversations that are worth listening to. @NCSC - The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre is a government organisation providing advice and support on how to avoid computer security threats. Follow them to get the latest official guidance straight from the source. @cyber - For a more global perspective, follow the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s official news account. You can hear the latest news, updates and insights from one of the world’s biggest and most powerful national cybersecurity agencies. @kaspersky - As one of the top vendors of cybersecurity solutions for businesses and consumers, Kaspersky’s insights on this topic are invaluable. Follow them for regular analysis, alerts and warnings from one of the industry’s most trusted names. @briankrebs - Brian Krebs is an influential investigative journalist examining matters relating to digital security, privacy and cybercrime. Follow him for breaking news and incisive journalism exposing hacks and security flaws that may affect businesses at large. @SellickGroup - Finally, no list is complete without including our own Twitter profile. By following Sellick Partnership, you will be able to hear about the latest ICT & Digital Technology news, events and job listings. There are more #IT #job opportunities than ever before, meaning now could be the perfect time to seek a new role. Here, one of our experienced recruiters explains more https://t.co/zpU4tYRj4O #hiring #technologyjobs #techjobs #jobsearch pic.twitter.com/DIkWw8bSdu — Sellick Partnership (@SellickGroup) March 28, 2022 In addition to these Twitter accounts, IT professionals can also learn much by connecting with these profiles on LinkedIn: Cathy Hackl - One of the world’s experts in the metaverse, Cathy Hackl is the CEO and chief metaverse officer of the Futures Intelligence Group. Follow her for insights and opinions on the evolution and future direction of metaverse technology and market trends. Michael Krigsman - Michael Krigsman is a leading industry analyst and publisher of the media outlet CXOTalk. He has extensive experience of providing strategic advice to enterprise technology companies, and is well worth listening to when it comes to current industry developments. Lisa Seacat DeLuca - Known as one of the most prolific female tech innovators and inventors, Lisa Seacat DeLuca is a former IBM distinguished engineer and director of product management, and discusses topics such as cloud, mobile, IoT, social, security, cognitive and commerce tech with her online audience. Susan Etlinger - Susan Etlinger is a globally recognised expert in digital strategy, serving as a director for AI and innovation at Microsoft. As such, she is seen as a trusted source on topics such as artificial intelligence, technology ethics, data and the future of work. Tim O’Reilly - One of the sector’s most respected thought leaders, Tim O’Reilly is the founder of O'Reilly Media and is known for popularising the terms open source and Web 2.0. There are few more authoritative sources when it comes to the latest developments from Silicon Valley. Bill Gates - A name that needs no introduction, the co-founder of Microsoft may be more focused on philanthropic and social ventures these days, but remains a commanding voice when it comes to the future of ICT and its impact on the way we live. Finally, we have compiled a list of some of the most insightful and informative podcasts discussing ICT and digital technology trends: Technovation - Hosted by Metis Strategy president Peter High, this informative twice-weekly podcast series featuring conversations with top IT executives and thought leaders, discussing technology trends that are transforming the world of business. This Week in Tech - An all-tech podcast network that features a huge range of different shows, presenting expert analysis, breaking news, tech reviews, how-tos and discussion of regulatory developments. Hanselminutes - This long-running tech podcast from Microsoft-affiliated developer and speaker Scott Hanselman speaks to a diverse range of figures from across the tech industry, discussing technology, culture, the web and the future of the open web. Recode Decode - Hosted by acclaimed US journalist Kara Swisher, Recode Decode features interviews about technology trends with tech executives, politicians, celebrities and more, with past guests including Mark Zuckerberg, Elon Musk and Hillary Clinton. Packet Pushers - For the more technically minded listeners, the Packet Pushers podcast network features in-depth but entertaining discussions on networking and infrastructure engineering by IT architects, offering a great way to update your knowledge. Making Tech Better - From Made Tech’s lead engineer Clare Sudbery and senior engineer Kyle Chapman, Making Tech Better hosts conversations with global experts on how to improve software delivery, enhance efficiency and create better working environments for all. WB-40 - The WB-40 podcast is hosted by UK industry experts Matt Ballantine and Chris Weston, and features regular discussions of how technology is changing the world of work. To learn more about how best to utilise social media to support your job search, take a look at our guide to establishing your online profile. You can also get in touch with a member of our specialist ICT & Digital Technology recruitment team to find out more about how we can assist you.
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Is now the right time to seek a new ICT & Digital Technology role?
There are currently more opportunities available for ICT & Digital Technology professionals than ever before. By focusing on the right offers, candidates will be able to find an exciting new role in one of the UK’s fastest-growing sectors. The last two years have been a highly unusual and challenging time for every sector in the UK, and the ICT and digital technology space has been no exception to this. COVID-19 has transformed many conventional business models, and for a time, the uncertainty caused by the pandemic resulted in widespread pauses on recruitment, making it difficult for even the most talented candidates to find new roles. However, in more recent months, this trend has entirely reversed. With confidence having now returned to the IT sector, businesses across the UK are more eager to hire than ever before, resulting in a surplus of available roles. As such, IT professionals seeking a career change can now take their pick of a wide variety of promising opportunities. Here, we explore some of the reasons why now may be the best time for ICT and digital technology professionals to find a new role, and offer advice on how to make the most of the available opportunities. More IT job opportunities than ever Ever since the UK’s lockdown rules started to lift, businesses across the country have been pursuing aggressive growth strategies in order to get themselves back on track. This is particularly the case for IT firms, many of which will have benefited from the widespread shift over to digital services seen during the pandemic. As such, businesses are greenlighting new projects at a rapid pace and expanding their teams accordingly. This is having a number of beneficial knock-on effects for candidates within the jobs market: Demand for talent is outstripping supply by a significant margin, meaning that candidates are likely to have six or seven potential prospects to choose from, rather than one or two. Because employers are aware of this and are seeking to aggressively compete for the best talent, it means that offers are likely to be made quickly by companies that do not want to miss out on a prospect Salary offers have risen by at least 7%, as companies adjust their salary bandings to become more competitive, and also to account for recent inflation trends and rises in the cost of living Prospective employers are becoming more flexible and willing to consider applicants with less experience than would have typically been required in the past. For example, cyber security is a high-demand area, and companies are now more willing to take on promising prospects with backgrounds in infrastructure or networking and help them retrain The rise of remote working has meant that most companies are now willing to consider candidates from further afield. Rather than restricting their searches to within 30 or 40 miles of a specific location, they are now looking for talent from across the country, and only require them to be on site a handful of times a month, rather than four or five times a week The consequence of all of these trends has been the creation of an extremely candidate-driven marketplace, in which the very best talent has unprecedented power in terms of choosing their next role. They can afford to ask for more money or negotiate on the specific benefits they will receive, knowing that companies will need to provide a competitive offer, or else risk them walking away to look elsewhere. Is this a sustainable trend? Although many of the factors driving these market developments can be traced back to the pandemic, it is clear that they also reflect wider trends that are accelerating growth across the UK IT and digital technology sectors. Recruitment agencies such as Sellick Partnership have seen a significant rise in IT recruitment activity across all specialisms, including permanent, fixed-term and temp roles. This pickup has accelerated since September/October, and has been driven just as much by the long-term growth of the sector as by pandemic-specific factors. This is particularly noticeable in the North East of England, which has quickly become one of the fastest-growing tech hubs in the country, with £86 million in venture capital funding injected into the region in 2020 alone. This trend is a reflection of the available professional talent in the region, thanks to the surfeit of highly-rated universities in the North East, as well as the fact that business costs are much lower than in traditionally busy regions such as Manchester and London. As such, many of the world’s biggest IT companies are setting up bases in areas such as Newcastle and Sunderland, with cyber security firm Arctic Wolf’s choice of Newcastle for its new European headquarters serving as a key example of this. The British government is also investing in the region, pledging to move 9,000 IT jobs for HM Revenue & Customs and the Department for Work and Pensions into the North East, which will further increase the status and competitiveness of the region. Due to all of these factors, IT professionals should have confidence that the industry’s recent growth in the UK will persist even after the immediate impact of the pandemic is over - and that they can start looking for new roles in the sector with confidence. How to make the best of the current opportunity With so many roles available for IT and digital technology professionals, candidates will have greater choice in their job search, and more leeway to negotiate favourable terms. However, to make the most of the current opportunities, jobseekers are advised to maintain focus on the right roles, rather than spreading themselves too thin. Rather than applying for as many positions as possible, it is best to carefully research each organisation and role to make sure they offer the best fit, and to focus on a maximum of three or four applications at any given time. This will give candidates the time and space to represent themselves as effectively as possible during the interview stage. Similarly, if you are choosing to work with an agency partner to help with your job search, it is preferable to work with only one or two who can really get to know your requirements, circumstances and values, and carefully select the opportunities that would suit you best. By putting out too many applications and saturating the market, you are more likely to end up choosing a role that does not offer a good fit, meaning you will need to repeat the job search process within only a few months. If you are looking for an agency partner to help you make the very most of the current opportunities in the IT jobs market, get in touch with Sellick Partnership. We have grown our team in this area over the last year, taking on two new consultants, and have a strong track record of success in helping candidates find digital roles in the public and private sectors. To find out more about how Sellick Partnership can help you find the ideal role, visit our ICT & Digital Technology recruitment services page, where you can browse our latest available jobs and explore online resources to help you prepare for your next big career move.
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The technical challenges of hybrid working
The events of 2020 have undoubtedly challenged pre-existing concepts about the way we work, and prompted many businesses to reflect on their remote working policy. According to a recent survey from the British Council for Offices (BCO), most office workers don’t want to return to the office five days a week when the pandemic is over; with the majority planning on splitting their time between the workplace and home. This hybrid working model, with a mixture of in office and remote working is expected to become the norm for many businesses. With this in mind, we have outlined some of the technical challenges associated with hybrid working and some tools that could help bridge the work-home gap. Technology and ‘mixed reality’ As many of us found when we started working remotely last year, there is already a wealth of relatively simple tools designed available to help with the process. Almost overnight, Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Google Meet became an essential part of the ‘new normal’ but as employers begin to look ahead there is going to be an inevitable shift towards newer technology and collaboration tools that promise an element of ‘mixed reality’ - where staff are able to interact in the same way whether together in the office or at home - to increase productivity, engagement and maintain relationships. How businesses can make the shift to this new software, without causing too much disruption and upsetting the careful working balance that has developed since March, is something that is going to become increasingly important as we move forward. Security We know that this shift to hybrid working presents a number of challenges for those in digital and IT roles, not only will they have to adopt a new approach to working but have found themselves having to manage an increased workload. In addition to their normal responsibilities, they need to consider a range of additional security factors, including staff using personal devices, increased data breaches and phishing attacks. It is inevitable that businesses will look to implement new technologies to help manage these risks in a hybrid work environment. But this shift can bring with it its own set of security challenges and it is vital that businesses identify potential risks before introducing new technology. As Mike Stentonas, Chief Technology Officer at cyber security company CrowdStrike, told the FT, he has seen businesses try and roll out systems and platforms over the course of a weekend that should take six months to plan, research and test - risking the cyber security architecture. Accessing and storing information How information is accessed and stored is a technical challenge for businesses looking to implement a hybrid working model. With staff working from home and some using personal devices, it is difficult to ensure that the same level of security and privacy is maintained. Research carried out by security firm Tessian found that since the start of the pandemic it has become increasingly common to see company information and files sent and shared between personal email accounts. In the same survey, the IT professionals asked said they were worried about remote employees not understanding the risks of connecting to unprotected networks - with 58% of employees admitted to considering or already having connected to public Wi-Fi. It is clear that additional training is required to make sure that employees understand the risks associated with remote working and the importance of ensuring information is being stored and shared in the most secure ways possible. Ultimately, the hybrid model is going to mark a shift away from traditional office-based working and therefore some challenges are to be expected. Over time, businesses will be able to educate their employees about the potential security risks of hybrid working and digital and IT professionals will become better equipped to manage technical challenges. The increased flexibility afforded by hybrid working provides a fantastic opportunity to reconsider previous recruitment practices and consider recruiting talent from further afield. Get in touch with the specialist recruitment consultants at Sellick Partnership to find out more about how we can help you make yourself more attractive as an employer and access the very best talent available.
