3 years ago, I worked in network. I was doing digital xconns, and also had worked in the CO's. In 2014 when AT&T started talking about not doing network in wireline, and said if we as employees, wanted to continue working for AT&T we needed to get training in IT type jobs, I took them seriously. I completed a BS in IT all paid for by AT&T. I was craft at the time. Once I completed my degree, the company soon hired me as a software engineer. I have also helped one of my friends make the pivot from mobile customer service into Tech Dev. I believe that to stay with the company we have to keep a head of the curve and pay attention to where it is headed to make sure our skills are still needed.
6 replies (most recent on top)
NANO NANO.
I also bought into the Capabilities Evolution (workforce 2020). I went back to school and earned a BS in IT/Telecommunications. I took all the Transformation Learning classes, and completed one Nano degree and working on a second. I wasn’t affected by this round of layoffs but feel due to my age (over 55), years of service (almost 38), and salary, my days may be numbered even though my group is considered a growth area (saving the company money) and we have more work than we can handle. We just lost a couple of high performers on Monday. I’d be interested in learning how many of the people let go had done similar to what we did. Does the company appreciate employees who made the effort? Like to hope so but I’m thinking not.
I am in IT as well- your post smells of arrogance as 10-15k managers many in IT were let go Monday- glad you are employed for now but with 180 Billion dollars of debt the company could care less about your IT Degree going forward. Pivot skills may have helped you but you may be pivoting to India to train your replacement on your next AT&T assignment.
I too work in Tech Dev and have been involved in numerous transition "initiatives" for 2018 & 2019. The current Tech Dev leadership is looking to grow the developer and software engineer base through low cost contractors not employees. Contractors are extremely cheap and can be furloughed when work slows or there is a change in priorities. The future of employees in those positions is very insecure.
Tech Dev has been hit pretty hard, and I don't see that stopping. Glad you're happy in your role and all, good luck.
It will only help you to a point. Tech Dev is a dead end. Software engineering is a race to the bottom. I made the same mistake you did- and moved into tech dev from another area. IT, in my opinion, is the WORST of the white collar professions to work in. There are problems with massive offshoring and rampanat H1b abuse.
I keep get pressure to get my PMP. No thanks. I will go back and work in the area my degree is in. I will get paid less, but I’m that profession, there is not a problem with cheap foreign labor.
IT is a waste.
Adding- I have two very bright college age kids. I have told them to avoid IT like the plague. It’s a dead end for Americans.