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Star tech

Pocket protectors, propeller heads. If any group suffers from an image as the Rodney Dangerfield of the working world, it's technology professionals. Now an ad hoc U.S. organization has decided to strike a blow for techies everywhere. A coalition comprising technology companies, IT organizations, and educational associations has picked this October 5 as the first annual Techies Day. The date will feature public recognition programs, corporate celebrations, and—most important—school outreach. Tech professionals will visit classrooms to encourage children to study science and pursue lives as, well, geeks.

But you can stuff the cheap potshots, warn the event's organizers, because the lack of workers has dire repercussions for the U.S. economy. The demand for IT professionals is forecast to double by 2003, says Doug Berg, president of techies.com, a recruitment firm. For every 6 to 8 new tech jobs, only 1 or 2 qualified persons apply. Berg cites bleak figures showing that the number of U.S. students graduating with degrees in engineering, math, physics, and science dropped 5% between 1990 and 1996.

"There's a perception problem around this area. People think those in it are all geeks and nerds, and kids don't think it's a fun career," complains Berg. Techies Day is one small step toward changing that perception. So, take your MIS staff out to lunch and can the quips.

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