Economy May Fall, But Mobile And Telecom Jobs Won'tMore than half the professionals surveyed believe globalbusinessspending on telecom, media, and technology will improve orstayconsistent over the next 6 to 12 months.
By W. DavidGardner
InformationWeek
Professional workers in telecommunications, media,andtechnology(TMT) markets are generally apprehensive aboutthetrajectory ofthe overall U.S. economy, but are taking heartthattheirparticular industry segments will perform well, accordingto anewsurvey. In a surveyof880TMT professionals reported Tuesday, TelecomCareers foundthat40%of the respondents expect the U.S. economy won't fare aswellastheir industry over the next 6 to 12 months' 70% saidtheythinktheir industry will grow or remain consistent.
"It is clear that while TMT professionals may be wary of thestateofthe overall economy, they are bullish on where theirindustryisheaded, particularly in the wireless sectors,"saidJohnScarborough, vice president and general manager oftheAustin-basedmarket research firm.
Of the various TMT sectors that appear to be most promisingtotheprofessionals in the TMT field, 40% cited wireless asofferingthebiggest opportunities while mobile applicationdevelopment waspickedby 16%; also scoring highwastheinfrastructure-engineering-manufacturing segment with16%.
The TelecomCareers survey roughly complementedanothersurveyreleased in July by iSuppli, which predictedthatwidespreadadoption of mobile Internet devices like the iPhonewilldrivesocial networking businesses beginning next year.iSupplinotedthat while TMT represents just 5% of global grossdomesticproduct,its impact extends far beyond their $3 trillionglobalvalue.
Managing director of research consultancy IlluminasJayShutter,who directed the survey for TelecomCareers, notedthatrecent dataindicates that consumers may be trimming vacationsanddriving lessfrequently, "but most are unwilling to give uptheircell phones,digital cable and Internet connections. Thismayexplain why 63% ofrespondents believe global business spendingonTMT will improve orstay consistent."