Having trouble setting your career priorities? Wonder if your skills will transfer to another job? Perhaps training will help you get ahead? Ask Richard Shurtz about it.

Richard Shurtz is President and CEO of Stratford College, headquartered in Tysons Corner, Va., which offers accredited career training in computer programming, computer network management, business administration, hotel and restaurant management and culinary arts.

Shurtz, the principal architect of the information technology curriculum, says the current career buzz is about women in IT. This job market has changed dramatically, he says, and recruiters are looking now for workers with a mix of computer technology, communication and management skills. This new mix has allowed a record number of women to enter IT, a field that Shurtz says has no salary differential between men and women.

Shurtz has helped many students determine transferable skills from past employment and apply them to new jobs. Using his techniques, many individuals have broken "resume lock" and have switched careers successfully.

Prior to Stratford College, Shurtz was Vice President of Physical Sciences for the BDM Corporation. He also led an electro-optics research team at the Night Vision Laboratory. He received both his Ph.D. and M.S. from Catholic University in Physics and his B.S. from the University of Arkansas in Physics and Mathematics.

The transcript of the live careers event follows below:

Jobs: Richard Shurtz, thank you for joining us today to talk about switching careers. We have a lot of questions from the audience, so let's get started.

Germantown, MD: Hi, I am an Oracle developer-designer of business applications. I'd like to get more into web based work especially e-commerce. What would be the direction and the scope of pursuing my goal in MD? -I-270 corridor-.-I know there are many opportunities in Nova.-
Thanks.

Richard Shurtz: Individuals who know the backend database side of the website are in demand. Make certain that you know the latest Oracle version, which is Internet enabled. If you couple your Oracle knowledge with the front end DHTML, Java, Javascript you package would be complete. Look at companies who are running to catch up to the Internet if you want to be a star player. Look at established companies if you want to be on the team. Telephone companies, IBM, AOL are examples of established companies in this area.

Manassas, Virginia: Hi, I am about to start a five month intensive training program on Internet Technologies that will switch my career path from Business Systems Manager to Web Developer. I would like to take a 3 month break from work to concentrate on school and family. How will future employers view this hiatus?

Richard Shurtz: The beauty of our new networked environment is that you can work on projects from home. I would suggest that you do some limited work at home and communicate via the web. Your employer will appreciate your dedication and you can set your hours to meet the needs of your family.

Chantilly, VA: I have a Ph.D. in physics, but all of my work experience has been as a college professor. What is the best way for me to get involved with the technology companies in the Washington area?

Richard Shurtz: Absolutely. Individuals with scientific degrees have the ability to synthesize data and to simplify a problem. They do particular well at planning delaying complex systems. I would suggest becoming familiar with one of the hot areas (networking, programming, distributed database) and getting your foot in the door. After that, your natural abilities will move you up quickly. I have always found that my scientific training was useful for me in this way.

Alexandria, VA: I presently work in a consulting firm, specializing in DoD contracts. I wish to get out of this environment and have tried to apply for jobs outside DoD and I am qualified for those positions. I have also rewritten my resume to look more "civilian" and still no response, what can I do?

Richard Shurtz: You need to network. A resume is too one dimensional. I would recommend the Survey Techniques that are used in "What Color is Your Parachute?" Those techniques get you talking to employers, but not as an applicant. They give you the chance to create interact at a different level. Those who distinguish themselves, beyond the paper resume, are those who succeed.

Stephens City, VA: I am an elementary teacher considering a change of career. For what types of positions might I be qualified? I'm not sure where to begin.

Richard Shurtz: Elementary school teachers have the ability to communicate well and document their observations. They also have the ability to work in teams and problem solve. These skills are in demand in the technology areas. I would recommend Computer Networking as an easy way to enter the Technical Arena. You can get the knowledge you need from a number of schools in the area, including Stratford. We have many former teachers taking the technology track.

Sterling VA: I am a 56 year old mainframe business programmer. I'd like to continue to work for about 10 more years. Do you think mainframes will be around that long?

Richard Shurtz: I recommend you tune up your skills and make your last ten the years the best. And who knows it may be even more years. Since you understand business programming, I would recommend that you get some Oracle training and apply your skills to this environment. Your past knowledge of businesses programming would differentiate you from the rest of the pack. Use your experience to an advantage.

Jobs: We are now half-way through this live event. Today's discussion topic is switching careers and our guest is Dr. Richard Shurtz of Stratford College, which specializes in career training in IT, restaurant and hotel management, culinary arts and business administration. Submit your career questions now.

Washington, D.C.: I have 15 years experience working in local government with skills in project management, writing, presentations and research. I read High Tech Jobs for Low Tech People and think that I would enjoy web design, particularly developing content and e-commerce. However, most schools that offer web design don't mention the e-commerce aspects. What suggestions do you have for me?

Richard Shurtz: Web development has both frontend design and backend programming. The backend programmers make about 50% more money because they are in demand. Web development is a good way to get into technology. Start at the frontend with knowledge of DHTML, Javascript, and Java. And then go to the backend database programming if you enjoy it. Your work experience gives you the kind of skills that are frequently lacking in a technologist. Also you may consider computer networking or programming.

Bowie, Maryland: I have just entered into a technical position that turns out not to be as challenging as I had hoped. Should I try for another position elsewhere with employers perhaps fearful of the fact that I'm "jumping ship" so soon after going on the cruise? My previous position I was at for about three years. Or should I stay where I am for say, 6 months or a year, and then try again?
Thanks in advance.

Richard Shurtz: Staying only six months is a little short. I would recommend that you look for opportunities within the company. They may pay for additional training that would qualify you for advancement. If you show initiative, you may be able to create a position for yourself. Then if all else fails, you can leave with a good conscience. I would start networking now, informally, in case it does not work out.

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Washington, D.C.: What do you think would be the best way for me to secure an entry level position in the IT field? I have a bachelor's degree in psychology -chemistry minor- and roughly 5 years administrative type experience. I am thoroughly familiar with all major word-processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software and know some programming languages-C, Basic, and Fortran-although haven't used them in years.

I have sent out resumes to no response. What would you suggest as my next course of action?

Richard Shurtz: I would get training in either networking or programming. There are tremendous opportunities in these areas and you can learn them relatively quickly. Since you know some programming, update you programming skills with Visual Basic or learn how to make an Oracle application front end and you would be in demand. A liberal arts education is a good foundation upon which to build a technical career.

Washington dc: hi dr shurtz,
i have been in the service -ie mailclerk- for over three years now, i have a great deaL OF experience IN OTHER areasfor example the served in the army for three years, then became an employee n the central intelligence agency for 7 years, but potential employers seem to only focus on what i have been doing for the last few years, whaT avenue do i take to show them there is a lot more than the current position

Richard Shurtz: Get some IT training quickly. Finish a few school projects with your new skills to demonstrate what you can do. Then network. Once your in, work long, hard hours to meet the needs of the company.

Rockville MD: What are the most vital skills necessary to be successful in the area of ecommerce?

Richard Shurtz: Knowing how to make the site interactive, which means reading data from and storing data in a database, is what differentiates the beginner from the pro in this area.

Wheaton, MD: When entering new technology industries how does one know how much previous knowledge is needed?
For the Internet, etc.

Richard Shurtz: The best way is go to school and learn the new technology like computer networking or programming. You can do this without any prior knowledge. However, to break into the job market, you need to leverage your past experience to make yourself unique. If you were in construction, go to construction companies. If you were in banks, apply to bank IT department. Your past experience is an advantage in this case.

Washington, DC: I am a 24 year old female in the IT industry currently looking to switch jobs within the industry. I haven't been having much luck. I don't know if its b-c I have only two years of professional experience, and companies are really looking for more -even though I have only inquired about positions saying they want at least 2 years experience- or if its the resume sending process.

I read the Technology Employment section in the Post on Sundays, and most companies want you to email your resume, which I have been doing with a cover letter in the body of the email. The problem is, the ads do not contain a name or phone number. I am not addressing my email to anyone and have no means of following up with them. Do you think this is the problem? Is there any way to find out exactly who I am sending my resume to so I can properly address the letter, or do these companies not really care? Is following up still the "right" thing to do. My sister is a recruiter and says she finds following up annoying; she'll call them if she wants to speak to them. I am lost. I thought the industry was begging for people to work for them.

PLEASE advise...

Thanks!

Richard Shurtz: Go to job fairs and talk to the hiring managers. You need face time. Also, survey technical people to see what how they view the job market. Your challenge is to penetrate the H/R shield.

DC: Govt. program analyst and former writer-editor within five years of retirement considering career change or post retirement career. What would be my path to content developer or editor-reviewer for web content? I know there
are such jobs.

Richard Shurtz: Learn some HTML and basic formatting techniques. Then go for content generations on the web. But you must be aware that many of the large sites dynamically create web pages from databases. You may also consider creating training manuals for large software development projects.

Gaithersburg MD: I am a female with 15+ years of programming experience and project management with a Fortune 100 company. I want to move from the purely technical into more project management. Do you feel formal certification as a project manager is required and if so is in-house certification good enough or some other form better?

Richard Shurtz: Management is one area where performance is the prime determinant. The fact that you have successfully managed some projects to completion is good enough. Find a way to document your management success and begin surveying or companies or other divisions in your company. I am suspicious of individuals who can only define themselves by certifications alone. And I know this field needs more women in management...you're in a good position.

Rockville, MD: You are a very successful physicist and riding the tide of IT. What is your secret?

Richard Shurtz: Adaptability and continuous lifelong learning. Knowledge not money is what motivates me.

Alexandria, VA: I worked for a few years as an ORACLE programmer. I have not worked in more than a year because of a workplace accident. Several of my fingers caught were burned when my laptop caught on fire. Do you think my skills are outdated? And do you think that only having four working fingers will limit my programming ability?-Paul Innella

Richard Shurtz: In any project, only 10-20 percent is hardcoding. There is much activity relating to requirements definition, customer interaction, flowcharting. Your Oracle knowledge is valuable. I would look in areas do not require such intense use of the keyboard. However, I would also take a look at some of the new voice recognitions software. It is getting good and may be your savior.

Springfield, VA: I have a strong background in administrative areas -office management, etc.-, as well as a great deal of on-the-job experience in many software programs and basic newtorking. I also use HTML and Adobe graphics programs. I am a very quick study, and would like to make the jump into a technical job from my current admin position. Although I cannot afford to not work for a long period of time and go to school, I am willing to take a cut in pay for a job that will offer training opportunities. What do you suggest?

Richard Shurtz: Go to school at night. Most of the student at Stratford have full time jobs. We have day, night, and weekend programs. With your base, you could move up quickly with a little more training.

Washington, DC: At 40 years old, is it too late to start a high tech career? Be honest.

Richard Shurtz: It is never too late. We have had students as old as sixty. My career in education began after twenty years in Research and I was the same as you. Expect a new career about every 10 years....you still have two more to go.

Baltimore, MD: Hi, I am currently in an MBA program at Marymount Univ, Arlington,VA. I will concentrate my studies in HealthCare Mgmt. With the way managed care is going, I may decide to leave this area of study. My dilemma is, I like computers and Information Technology, but my skills are a little behind. What suggestions to you have for someone like me , who may want to get an entry level start in IT.

Richard Shurtz: IT is taking the health industry by storm. I would suggest you do IT in the health industry first, and then at a later date jump to an entirely new field. This is a lower risk approach. Also some training may in useful for you now.

Arlington, Texas: I have taught for 22 years in education and want to change careers. I don't know much about computers. Do I have to know a lot about them in order to retrain in the technology field?

Richard Shurtz: No you don't. Teachers make great technologists. We have many at the school now. And your people skills will be an asset.

Jobs: That's all the time we have now. Thanks to everyone for participating, especially our guest Dr. Richard Shurtz of Stratford College, which specializes in career training in IT, restaurant and hotel management, culinary arts and business administration.

We hope you come back and join us every Monday at 11 a.m., when we feature live discussion about careers with special guest experts and Washington Post columnists.

Next Monday at 11 a.m., Post columnist Amy Joyce, who writes Career Track, will be fielding questions and trading advice tips with the online audience. See you then!

Jobs: Oh, and before you go, please see the latest opportunities in The Washington Post's jobs listings.

Thanks again, everybody. See you next week.

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