Ecosystems: Effects On Careers

Last column I discussed how ecosystems in technology – those unified technology products like Apple makes and everyone else wants to make – are a big trend in tech.  Considering recent news and developments, I'd say the existence of this trend is fairly obvious.  What is not always obvious is what it means for we progeeks and our careers and ambitions.

Wanting to cover the career impact because, hey it's what I do, I'll look at different areas of work and media and how ecosystems impact them.  This "divided up" method should make organizing and communicating my thoughts easier.  If I miss anything while doing it this way, call me on it.

Read more

Ecosystems: One Of The Next Big Things

So as the smoke clears from the Microsoft-Nokia deal, one word stands out – Ecosystem.  Microsoft and Nokia outright discussed of creating an Ecosystem of technology in the mobile space.

"Plans for a broad strategic partnership with Microsoft to build a new global mobile ecosystem; Windows Phone would serve as Nokia’s primary smartphone platform."

This doesn't surprise me in the least.  The reason for my lack of shock is that the importance and interest in building technical ecosystems of products has been building for awhile.  It's been heading this direction for years -  several companies bilding ecosystems of products and services.

Read more

How to Jumpstart Your Career With a Blog

(This is a guest post by Lauren Orsini.  Thanks Lauren!)
       
If you read Steven’s interview with me, you know that my blog was an important part of landing a new job. I always knew that blogging was a great way to record and share my passions, but I didn’t realize that it could also get me work.
 
I started my short-lived NaNoJobMo (a riff on NaNoWriMo) blog on November 1. The basis of NaNoWriMo is that anyone can be a novelist in a month as long as they plug away at it every day for 30 days. I thought I could apply the same logic to my job hunt. I would apply to a new job every day for 30 days, and I would do it publicly so the world could hold me accountable to my vow.
 

Read more