A survey of women Internet users in SA has confirmed their "goal-oriented" approach to life.
High-end IT skills coupled with experience and business savvy command the highest salaries, but the highest total earning potential resides in the IT sales space. Achievers can earn up to 60% more through incentives, while career prospects, challenge and responsibility are key job satisfaction factors.
E-business and networking skills continue to drive the certification market, while entry-level qualifications lose favour.
Benefits included in IT packages are much the same, but achievers can earn up to 60% more through incentives.
The local IT industry is still the domain of white males and workaholics, while Johannesburg and Pretoria remain the areas of choice.
South Africa`s IT professionals still don`t rate base pay as the top factor in job satisfaction, but they want more challenges and growth opportunities than they did in the past.
There has been a shift in IT workers` attitude toward their future in SA as this survey shows fewer employees considering emigration. For those thinking of moving overseas, reasons are now primarily economic, rather than dissatisfaction with the high crime levels and the country`s political mood.
Employers are throwing money at those with high-end skills, experience and business savvy, despite the IT downturn. With an abundance of entry-level candidates, there is a shortage of experienced specialised skills, and a wide gap between top and bottom earners.
ITWeb`s annual IT Salary Survey, now in its fourth year, is unique in that it polls individuals - South African IT professionals - rather than employers or recruitment specialists.
Money is not nearly the number one job satisfaction factor. Holiday and flexible work hours come first.
Women in the South African IT sector want equal pay, flexible hours and more respect, according to a survey conducted by the Department of Information Systems at the University of Cape Town.