You don't need wise men to tell you that there is a shortage of jobs out there. Many of you reading this may even be recently laid off. Well take a look at our job board for open positions.
Atlantic Associates is currently looking for heath care applications analysts and .Net developers. If you are either please contact us immediately. If not please give one of our career counselors a call as see what we can do to help you during these tough economic times.
Atlantic Associates is your IT Staffing Specialists.
www.atlanticai.com
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Thursday, March 20, 2008
March Madness and the Workplace
March 20 may be the official beginning of Spring, but this year it also signifies the beginning of one of the greatest sports rituals: March Madness.
The annual NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship is one of the most watched, followed and gambled on sporting events of the year. Over the past two decades, it’s taken on a life of its own, particularly in the Internet era where the plethora of available information about the tournament – right down the live streaming online broadcasts that CBS now offers – has made this a nationwide spectacle.
Games on the opening two days of the tournament take place on Thursday and Friday afternoon, which many say significantly reduces productivity in the workplace. In fact, a recent AAI survey shows that one-third of the respondents will take time away from the work day to follow the tournament.
Productivity in the workplace is something that concerns all business owners. So too should the business environment that they create for their employees. It’s with this in mind that we encourage management to integrate into the work environment – not abolish – this annual sporting event.
Maybe you offer employees the chance to watch the games in the company conference room during the lunch break. Sure, when they go back to their desks, they may continue to follow the games and waste some company work time. But what’s lost in two days for productivity is almost always gained in employee morale realizing that they employer is interested in a solid work-life balance.
The annual NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship is one of the most watched, followed and gambled on sporting events of the year. Over the past two decades, it’s taken on a life of its own, particularly in the Internet era where the plethora of available information about the tournament – right down the live streaming online broadcasts that CBS now offers – has made this a nationwide spectacle.
Games on the opening two days of the tournament take place on Thursday and Friday afternoon, which many say significantly reduces productivity in the workplace. In fact, a recent AAI survey shows that one-third of the respondents will take time away from the work day to follow the tournament.
Productivity in the workplace is something that concerns all business owners. So too should the business environment that they create for their employees. It’s with this in mind that we encourage management to integrate into the work environment – not abolish – this annual sporting event.
Maybe you offer employees the chance to watch the games in the company conference room during the lunch break. Sure, when they go back to their desks, they may continue to follow the games and waste some company work time. But what’s lost in two days for productivity is almost always gained in employee morale realizing that they employer is interested in a solid work-life balance.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
IT Leading the Way Among Fastest Growing Jobs
Another positive sign for IT staffing was unveiled last week, when the Bureau of Labor Statistics unveiled its predictions for the fastest growing jobs. The data, which appeared on Boston.com’s Careers page, showed IT-related positions occupying five of the top 25 slots.
Leading the way is the network systems and data communications analyst position. Data shows that there will be a whopping 53.4 percent growth in this field by 2016. Boston.com cites the need for businesses to continually implement new technologies as the reason for this growth.
Other IT jobs that ranked in the top 25 for predicted growth between now and 2016 include computer applications software engineers (44.6% growth), computer systems analysts (29% growth), database administrators (28.6% growth) and computer software & systems software engineers (28.2% growth).
All of this is consistent with what we’ve predicted and what we’re seeing at AAI. We have a high demand for programmers, particularly .NET programmers, and still find that there’s a shortage of qualified candidates to current openings.
To read the complete list of the fastest growing jobs, click here.
Leading the way is the network systems and data communications analyst position. Data shows that there will be a whopping 53.4 percent growth in this field by 2016. Boston.com cites the need for businesses to continually implement new technologies as the reason for this growth.
Other IT jobs that ranked in the top 25 for predicted growth between now and 2016 include computer applications software engineers (44.6% growth), computer systems analysts (29% growth), database administrators (28.6% growth) and computer software & systems software engineers (28.2% growth).
All of this is consistent with what we’ve predicted and what we’re seeing at AAI. We have a high demand for programmers, particularly .NET programmers, and still find that there’s a shortage of qualified candidates to current openings.
To read the complete list of the fastest growing jobs, click here.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Having the Right Skills Will Help in this Economy
The current economic crunch doesn’t seem to be taking a turn for the better in the immediate future. Though the U.S. government is taking steps – including signing the recent economic rescue package that is intended to inject billions back into the economy through consumer tax rebates – but for the average person, there are still worries abound.
If you’re currently looking for new a job, you might be losing some sleep at night. Employment numbers for the past two months haven’t painted the rosiest picture.
Even in the IT industry there has been concern over just how strong job prospects are. This comes as late 2007 predictions were extremely positive for job seekers in the IT field.
We believe that the job prospects are indeed still good, but that comes with a caveat. Jack was recently quoted in the Boston Herald as saying that “If you’ve got the right experience, you can find an opportunity in days.”
This is in no way “corporate speak.” Our recruiters tell us that skills matter the most right now. Keep them current and finding a job should not be a problem.
- Dot-net developers are currently the most sought after positions.
- Project manager jobs are also plentiful at this time.
- Both of these positions often command a six-figure salary for qualified candidates.
Local employment numbers back these findings. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Massachusetts added 2,100 tech-related jobs in 2007, outpacing most of the other sectors. The state currently has 50,000 IT jobs, the most since 2002 and 7,900 more jobs than it had at the low point of the last recession in January 2004.
What about those who don’t have the right qualifications to get today’s hot IT jobs? There’s no time like the present to learn. Many key IT certification courses can be completed in less than two years part time. That might not be the best news for those currently unemployed but it’s critical to understand that if your current skills are lacking, sitting on the sideline and doing nothing is not the answer.
It’s easy to paint a gloom-and-doom picture on areas such as employment when the economy takes a negative turn. But truth be told, this is still an excellent time for IT employment. You just have to know what it takes to be successful.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Supporting the Urban Ring
Today, we put aside the conversation of IT staffing to talk about a local initiative that would have a major positive impact on the city of Boston and many surrounding towns. The Urban Ring Project, an initiative that would significantly improve public transportation in key areas including the medical, educational and business sectors of Boston and its surrounding communities, is being considered for public funding as part of House Bill 4409, the Transportation Bond Bill.
As many of you know, Atlantic Associates places many IT employees in The Urban Ring area. We hope that you agree that improving the public transportation in these areas is important. If so, I urge you to contact your local senators and state representatives in support of House Bill 4409, line item 6001-0804.
For more information about The Urban Rink Project, visit its Website at http://www.theurbanring.com/.
As many of you know, Atlantic Associates places many IT employees in The Urban Ring area. We hope that you agree that improving the public transportation in these areas is important. If so, I urge you to contact your local senators and state representatives in support of House Bill 4409, line item 6001-0804.
For more information about The Urban Rink Project, visit its Website at http://www.theurbanring.com/.
Monday, February 4, 2008
A Decade of Excellence
It’s time to blow out the birthday candles, cut the cake and celebrate as AAI turns 10!
As we look back on the past decade, it amazes us how quickly time can pass. When we first began AAI in February of 1998, the IT world was abuzz with the worries associated with Y2K.
Once January 1, 2000 past and we all realized the world wasn’t coming to an end, further challenges awaited. There was the dot-com bubble and the post-9/11 recession that made companies reevaluate how they spent money, particularly in IT.
Even in today’s marketplace, there are economic concerns in key sectors as many of us are unsure about how the current housing and mortgage crisis will resolve itself.
Through all of these challenges, though, we’re proud to say that AAI continues to grow. Over the past decade, our client base has grown 25-fold and the number of qualified applicants we place in some of Massachusetts’ most important industries increases every year.
This has only happened because of the great relationships we have with our clients. We take pride in the service that we’re able to provide daily to each and every one of you.
We value every client we have and are proud of the fact that in our first decade we have a 100% client retention rate. It’s a testament not only to the hard working people who make up our team, but to the partnerships we have built with you.
We’re also very proud of the philanthropic efforts that we’ve undertaken and the accomplishments that we’ve made in the community. Whether its employees who are volunteering in the Greater Boston area or fundraising efforts that support many worthy causes, AAI is fully committed to giving back to the community we serve.
There are too many efforts to list them all, but one that stands out is the opening of Harrington House. The Harrington House is named for Jack’s parents, John and Patsy Harrington, who opened their own Mission Hill home to children in need. Harrington House was dedicated in 2006 and is part of the Home for Little Wanderers, offering a safe, structured, home-like living environment for children between the ages 8 and 13.
As we begin our second decade, we remain committed to expanding our philanthropic and charitable efforts to further benefit those around us in need.
It’s a great time for AAI and we’re thankful to all of you that have made the first ten years so incredible. Let’s raise our glass as we celebrate this milestone and look forward to many more decades of success.
As we look back on the past decade, it amazes us how quickly time can pass. When we first began AAI in February of 1998, the IT world was abuzz with the worries associated with Y2K.
Once January 1, 2000 past and we all realized the world wasn’t coming to an end, further challenges awaited. There was the dot-com bubble and the post-9/11 recession that made companies reevaluate how they spent money, particularly in IT.
Even in today’s marketplace, there are economic concerns in key sectors as many of us are unsure about how the current housing and mortgage crisis will resolve itself.
Through all of these challenges, though, we’re proud to say that AAI continues to grow. Over the past decade, our client base has grown 25-fold and the number of qualified applicants we place in some of Massachusetts’ most important industries increases every year.
This has only happened because of the great relationships we have with our clients. We take pride in the service that we’re able to provide daily to each and every one of you.
We value every client we have and are proud of the fact that in our first decade we have a 100% client retention rate. It’s a testament not only to the hard working people who make up our team, but to the partnerships we have built with you.
We’re also very proud of the philanthropic efforts that we’ve undertaken and the accomplishments that we’ve made in the community. Whether its employees who are volunteering in the Greater Boston area or fundraising efforts that support many worthy causes, AAI is fully committed to giving back to the community we serve.
There are too many efforts to list them all, but one that stands out is the opening of Harrington House. The Harrington House is named for Jack’s parents, John and Patsy Harrington, who opened their own Mission Hill home to children in need. Harrington House was dedicated in 2006 and is part of the Home for Little Wanderers, offering a safe, structured, home-like living environment for children between the ages 8 and 13.
As we begin our second decade, we remain committed to expanding our philanthropic and charitable efforts to further benefit those around us in need.
It’s a great time for AAI and we’re thankful to all of you that have made the first ten years so incredible. Let’s raise our glass as we celebrate this milestone and look forward to many more decades of success.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Is the economic crunch affecting the local job market?
It doesn’t take a genius to recognize that the current economic picture in the United States isn’t exactly rosy. The crash of the sub-prime mortgage market has had trickle-down effects through the entire economy, and the word recession is being tossed around more often than a football from Tom Brady’s hands.
Consumer confidence seems low, but sometimes that can be attributed to the fact that we’re in the midst of presidential primary elections and the gloom and doom that is often spouted by candidates. Still, there are legitimate consumer concerns. The ever-rising costs of oil and natural gas have a direct-to-pocket impact on the American wallets. Lower interest rates are generally met with inflation across the board, which could further threaten consumer spending.
The burning question that accompanies is how the labor market will be affected.
In December, the national unemployment rate rose to a two-year high of 5.0 percent, up from 4.7 percent in November. That’s something that America should be mindful of as economic concerns rise.
In Massachusetts, though, the story paints a more positive picture.
The data released last week for the state indicated that, as expected, there was a spike in December’s unemployment rate. The state unemployment rate rose from 4.3 to 4.5 percent, a slightly lower pace than the national economy. But for the Bay State, looking at this data in such a small window doesn’t paint the entire picture.
Over the 2007 calendar year, the state and national unemployment rates have moved in opposite directions: Massachusetts' rate is seven-tenths of a percentage point lower than the rate of 5.2 percent recorded in December 2006, while the U.S. rate is six-tenths of a percentage point higher than in December 2006.
Much of this can be linked to the ongoing success of some of the state’s key industries: healthcare and education. These industries added 300 jobs in December. Over the year, jobs in Massachusetts' largest super sector increased by 11,000 or 1.8 percent to 624,000, the largest numerical increase of any super sector.
We’re seeing similar growth in technology. Companies across the board continue to invest in improved technologies, making demand for key positions such as developers and project managers.
In fact, a recent survey of more than 100 business executives from Massachusetts-based companies conducted by AAI showed that now is a good time to be an IT employee in the Bay State.
Twenty-two percent of the respondents said that finding qualified candidates is a top priority for 2008. Sixty-nine percent of the respondents said that salaries for certified IT employees will rise this year, likely a response to the supply vs. demand issue.
We need to continue to watch the markets and the economy – both locally and nationally – with interest. But at this point key Massachusetts industries appear very safe which should be received as a silver lining for the state at this time of national economic concern.
Consumer confidence seems low, but sometimes that can be attributed to the fact that we’re in the midst of presidential primary elections and the gloom and doom that is often spouted by candidates. Still, there are legitimate consumer concerns. The ever-rising costs of oil and natural gas have a direct-to-pocket impact on the American wallets. Lower interest rates are generally met with inflation across the board, which could further threaten consumer spending.
The burning question that accompanies is how the labor market will be affected.
In December, the national unemployment rate rose to a two-year high of 5.0 percent, up from 4.7 percent in November. That’s something that America should be mindful of as economic concerns rise.
In Massachusetts, though, the story paints a more positive picture.
The data released last week for the state indicated that, as expected, there was a spike in December’s unemployment rate. The state unemployment rate rose from 4.3 to 4.5 percent, a slightly lower pace than the national economy. But for the Bay State, looking at this data in such a small window doesn’t paint the entire picture.
Over the 2007 calendar year, the state and national unemployment rates have moved in opposite directions: Massachusetts' rate is seven-tenths of a percentage point lower than the rate of 5.2 percent recorded in December 2006, while the U.S. rate is six-tenths of a percentage point higher than in December 2006.
Much of this can be linked to the ongoing success of some of the state’s key industries: healthcare and education. These industries added 300 jobs in December. Over the year, jobs in Massachusetts' largest super sector increased by 11,000 or 1.8 percent to 624,000, the largest numerical increase of any super sector.
We’re seeing similar growth in technology. Companies across the board continue to invest in improved technologies, making demand for key positions such as developers and project managers.
In fact, a recent survey of more than 100 business executives from Massachusetts-based companies conducted by AAI showed that now is a good time to be an IT employee in the Bay State.
Twenty-two percent of the respondents said that finding qualified candidates is a top priority for 2008. Sixty-nine percent of the respondents said that salaries for certified IT employees will rise this year, likely a response to the supply vs. demand issue.
We need to continue to watch the markets and the economy – both locally and nationally – with interest. But at this point key Massachusetts industries appear very safe which should be received as a silver lining for the state at this time of national economic concern.
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