Letters to the Editor

Following are the letters to the editor written in response to "Report: Feds must work on IT worker shortage" [FCW.com, Oct. 26, 2000].

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Looking for IT in all the wrong places

I've decided to apply for some computer specialist/programmer positions, but I've found that the government does not look for IT skills from within first.

The cost of ignorance

I am really tired of seeing in the headlines this IT worker shortage. There is no shortage: It is a mismanagement of resources and a disgrace to the profession how IT workers are treated.

Money and respect

Your FCW article ignores the simplest solutions of all. Just have the employers (1) pay big money for IT workers and (2) give them respect.

Stuck in stovepipes

Part of the problem is that the civil service sector "stovepipes," labeling current civil servants into a career program. Once you are in a field, you really can't get out of it.

It's all about money

Increase salaries and add some perks like telecommuting, and I think you could get more people to stick around.