Here’s an article describing how New tech and innovative business models are changing the shape of tech employment – How cloud computing and the on-demand economy are remaking IT careers | ZDNet
I’m not sure how much of this is “news” – people have been joining IT from the business side for as long as I have been around (30+ years).
Whether we think this is a new trend or an old one – let’s consider this through a SFIA lens and identify the areas where individuals and enlightened employers can use SFIA to help navigate and facilitate this trend.
1 The SFIA generic responsibilities are a starting point
The way these are constructed and the language used make it simple for non-technical people to identify their level.
Likewise, employers can pitch the level of the role which they are filling against the SFIA levels.
2 SFIA skills highlight the easy entry points for non-technical people.
Looking at the 97 SFIA skills there is a large number of skills which make an easy entry point for non-technical people, e.g.
- Portfolio management,
- Programme management,
- Business analysis,
- Business modelling,
- Organisation design,
- Change implementation planning and management,
- Product management,
- Digital marketing,
- Relationship management,
- Sourcing, the list goes on and on.
In fact when you look at the list it’s a compelling story. SFIA already describes these non technical skills. An employer / individual looking to facilitate this move already has the skills framework needed to facilitate this. Win win for everyone.
3 The SFIA “capability model”
By breaking out SFIA skills, behaviours and knowledge, a
nd experience into different dimension of capability; the SFIA model helps individuals identify their strengths and plan their development.
So, as an example, non-technical project manager could identify a strength as their business domain knowledge and existing experience of implementing projects. Their development areas on moving to an “IT Project manager” role may be to increase technical domain knowledge, knowledge of IT project management processes and tools.
This provides clarity to individual and employers and reduce time to full productivity for individuals making the move.
10 things people looking to move into Technology / IT roles need to know.