Although there is a popular belief that the IT industry is solely focused on financial gain, it's important to note that knowledge and expertise are highly valued among specialists in this field. Education and experience are becoming increasingly necessary for individuals seeking employment in the industry, as companies are placing a greater emphasis on these qualifications. This trend can be attributed to the rapid growth and evolution of the IT industry within our country.
Fabian Pietras, Business Unit Director at Antal IT Services, comments:
"According to the HackerRank ranking, Polish employees rank third in terms of being the best in programming. In the same ranking, Poles ranked first in performing tasks in the Java language. 90% of programmers in Poland have higher education, and approximately 18,000 people graduate from ICT-related studies every year. It is worth noting that many programmers in Poland obtain degrees in fields not directly related to software development and applications. A significant number of programmers graduate from disciplines such as physics, mathematics, and statistics, which gives Polish IT specialists versatile knowledge.”
Many American and Western European companies are seeking skilled and versatile employees in the Polish job market. The Polish IT specialists are highly appreciated for their knowledge and capabilities, making it a great opportunity for them to secure well-paying and career-advancing work. Moreover, companies can benefit from hiring exceptional employees while achieving cost savings. It's worth noting that the IT industry in Poland is still thriving. Our country places great emphasis on educating experts in this field. In a relatively short amount of time, we've managed to catch up with IT professionals from Silicon Valley, who began their careers much earlier. This progress is now being recognized and is yielding positive results.
Poland currently faces a shortage of 147,000 IT specialists
Poland's IT industry is facing a shortage of skilled professionals, with foreign firms actively pursuing the country's top talent. According to the Polish Economic Institute, the domestic market is in need of around 150,000 IT specialists. However, this figure is based on the percentage of employees in Poland and is equivalent to EU standards. The actual demand based on the country's economic potential is estimated at around 25,000 professionals, indicating that there are still opportunities for programmers, developers, and testers within Polish tech companies. Nonetheless, the shortfall suggests that Poland's economy is not running at full capacity and that there is considerable untapped potential. What could be the reasons for this state of affairs?
According to Ignacy Święcicki, who leads the digital economy team at the Polish Economic Institute, there is a significant issue with the shortage of IT specialists in Poland. While the IT sector is thriving, with software houses and foreign company branches providing a hub for skilled IT professionals, other companies require IT services but struggle to find the necessary talent. Święcicki explains: "In our opinion, first of all, barriers arise here in terms of the sense of need for this digital transformation and awareness of what IT is needed for, and secondly, there is a cost barrier."
Foreign companies take advantage of this situation very well as they search for IT specialists in Poland, offering them developmental work and good earnings. Analyzing data from the Polish IT recruitment market, it can be concluded that they partially overlap with the "Ranking of the Most Wanted IT Positions" by Huntly. Job offers for Data Scientists, IT Architects, Cybersecurity Specialists, UX Designers, and Cloud Specialists are in high demand. Candidates have the option to work either in Poland or for international companies. Factors that determine this decision are undoubtedly salaries and working conditions, as well as development and advancement opportunities.
It appears that IT professionals have the upper hand when it comes to choosing the most appealing job offer. However, it's important for them to stay alert as the industry is experiencing a shortage of skilled workers despite the abundance of job opportunities. Without the necessary skills and expertise, it can be challenging to land a job or contract, whether it's a permanent position or a B2B arrangement.
As an IT specialist, it's crucial to continually improve your skills, stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends, and pursue further education and certifications. By doing so, you can position yourself as a highly sought-after professional in the competitive IT job market. To achieve your career goals, it's important to be proactive in seeking out opportunities that align with your aspirations, whether it's working for local Polish companies or multinational organizations. Moreover, building a strong professional network and participating in industry events, conferences, and online communities can provide valuable connections and insights into job opportunities. Establishing a solid reputation through successful projects and receiving positive recommendations from clients and colleagues can also enhance your market value and increase your chances of securing desirable positions.
Polish IT specialists are in high demand globally, as foreign companies recognize their talent and expertise and actively recruit them. However, the local economy must also address existing gaps in the IT industry. Initiatives should promote digital transformation and increase awareness of the importance of IT across various sectors. Additionally, efforts should be made to overcome cost barriers that prevent some companies from fully utilizing IT services.
In conclusion, Polish IT specialists have the opportunity to choose from a range of attractive job offers both locally and internationally, as they continue to develop their skills, stay informed about industry trends, and seize opportunities for growth. By doing so, they can shape their careers and contribute to the further advancement of the IT industry in Poland.
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