The job market for web and app developers in the Twin Cities appears to be picking up, according to a major IT staffing firm.
An official with
Robert Half Technology in the Twin Cities says the agency has seen a significant spike in demand for IT skills, especially in temporary contract positions.
"If you compare this quarter over the same quarter last year, our business is up substantially," says Kathy Northamer, senior regional vice president in the Twin Cities. "Specifically we're seeing a big increase in the application development or the web development space. We're just seeing such a huge increase in need."
Northamer wasn't able to provide specific numbers about the increase. She attributes the activity to a couple of factors. Some companies are feeling more confident about the economy, but others have simply put off website redesigns and other projects as long as they are able to. Also, companies are putting more of their marketing dollars into online campaigns, which require developers.
The company has also noticed growing demand for network administration and help-desk professionals, Northamer says.
Northamer's observation fits with new employment figures
released last week by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. Temporary hiring was 14.5 percent higher in May than it was the previous year, marking the largest rate of gain since mid 2006.
Source: Kathy Northamer, Robert Half Technology
Writer:
Dan Haugen