IT experts, please have a look at this.
 

As of now, I have about 6 years of work experience in IT (PT+FT). Here is the breakdown: 2 years-Computer Support Specialist, 3 years-Systems Analyst, 1 year- System Specialist (similar to Network Systems and Data Communication Analyst) and 6 months-Management Analyst.

Lately, I have been thinking about gaining a solid and recognizable skill in one specific area of IT and I was talking to few guys that I know about this idea. Majority of them suggested Linux (becoming Red Hat Certified Engineer). A few of them suggested Oracle DBA. And a couple of them suggested Business Analysis.

Which one has better value in long run? When I say value, I am talking about ease of finding job, job security, and salary?

Which skill has better future in New Zealand? Linux or Oracle or Business Analysis?

Thanks.

Re: IT experts, please have a look at this.
 

More UNIX than Linux I'd say, but with any of them you'd have no problem getting employment...

Re: IT experts, please have a look at this.
 

It's a bit "horses for courses" isn't it?

Those are three very different roles and you'd have to decide which one fits the bill for you.

My opinion of the current NZ market is:
Linux :thumbup: - there's a definite shortage of skilled linux admin/support type people, and this is probably the easiest to get worthwhile training in. RedHat is reasonably common
Oracle DBA :unsure: - Oracle doesn't have the same user base here as SQLServer and if I was looking to train as either it would be SQLServer (probably the opposite to the UK). However, most DBA jobs always want *serious* amounts of experience before they'd consider you....so I'd think twice about investing in this
Business Analysis :thumbdown: - similar to DBAs in a way...experience counts far more than any form of training, so if you've not got that sort of background (yet ;) ) I'd look to get in as something else, then try to switch into a BA role

Looks like I'm recommending Linux I guess.....go for it :thumbsup:

Feel free to PM me if I can give you any more info

Re: IT experts, please have a look at this.
 

I agree, Linux is a good way to go.

Re: IT experts, please have a look at this.
 

Do they have Unix in NZ?

Re: IT experts, please have a look at this.
 

I don't know about the others, but with 1 years experience as a BA, you could expect about $100/hr. This is without any BA qualifications.

Re: IT experts, please have a look at this.
 

Thank you everybody for your time and suggestion. Looks like Linux has the better job prospect and future in NZ.

It would be nice to know how much a red hat certified engineer makes in NZ?

How come the Linux skill is not listed in both of those lists that the NZIS use for immigration purpose? They call it something like long term and short term skill shortage etc.

$100 an hour? That is a lot of money. Much more than what I make right now even after converting my US dollar to NZ dollar. I heard that BA is similar to Systems Analyst and less technical. I have a couple of years of experience as a Systems Analyst. MrCFD, are you in this line of work?

Out of those three jobs, which one would have more interaction with people, face to face, if not at least on the phone? I do not like e-mail interaction and chat.

Re: IT experts, please have a look at this.
 

A business analyst can be either technical or business (process) orientated. Each is in demand in Wellington and will always be in demand with the amount the government spends here! As a systems analyst your skills would be easily transferable as a technical business analyst. My situation is slightly different, I work full time for an English company as an Economist, and also have two full time contracts - one as a business process analyst charging a fee rate of around $100/hr, and the other as a trader (CFDs, equities, FX, etc) and only get paid when my clients trade! Keeps me busy but I earn close to 3 times what I could in the UK (after converting the currencies).

I definitely think that the business analyst route would be the way to go if it is people interaction you want. Even as a technical/IT business analyst, you are acting as the interpreter between management and IT, which means that you would be gathering requirements by interviewing stakeholders, and compiling these into a technical specification document to present to IT.

Hope this helps!
Steve.

Re: IT experts, please have a look at this.
 

MrCFD,

Thank you for taking the time to explain about IT/Business Analysts.

Actually, I would prefer to be less technical if I can find a job like that. I have been told that if I have a good technical skill, I will be able to find jobs easily no matter where I am (any country). That was one of the reasons I asked the questions about Oracle, Linux, and BA. Even though I would prefer to be less technical, at the same time I am ready to learn any technical skill, if that is what it takes to have a better future for me and my family.

I am trying to change my job responsibilities to Business Analyst in my current job to get more experience in that area. I am not sure if they will let me do that. At the same time, I will learn Linux as well in the evenings and weekends.

Thanks again.