Wayne’s World: Spring 2013 Edition
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Welcome to Spring,
I know many of us in northern climes are happy to move into this new season, having put up with some pretty nasty conditions this winter.
Similarly, I think the same holds true for the economy and the jobs picture. This recession “recovery” has been the longest and slowest on record, according to the experts. Let’s hope that the worst is well behind us and we see some real growth in the GDP and the job market.
We all know the job picture has changed considerably from where it was in 2008-2009. Companies have achieved record profits with fewer people, and automation means many former jobs will not come back. We have gone through a restructuring of the economy over the past few years.
Nevertheless, the need for skilled employees remains at high levels and the demand is larger than the pool of potential candidates – this holds true for everyone from welders to IT architects. As we look at this situation, it may be helpful to note that there is a difference in the world of permanent jobs versus temporary contracting positions.
In my observations and current thinking, companies are going to remain tilted toward NOT hiring perm employees. They will hire contract workers to fill in some gaps in their internal resources and skills mix, and for project-based assignments. But, as you know, things change all the time. The resurgence of the housing and stock market may see a larger number of baby boomers retiring, thus opening up opportunities for permanent employees. Time will tell.
The rosiest picture for permanent employment will be in healthcare as our new healthcare laws become implemented. Other sectors of the economy are dependent on many variables and so intertwined that it is hard to predict how things will shape up. I am hopeful, however, that the supply chain/logistics world, energy, auto and home products will also contribute to positive employment numbers.
Since EDI Specialists, Inc. can be viewed as a microcosm of the economy and overall IT jobs market, I suggest you check our jobs board to see first-hand what and where the opportunities are currently.
Wayne from Maine
About Wayne Marshall
Wayne Marshall is currently Vice President of Professional Services at EDI Staffing. His responsibilities touch upon every facet of the company including strategy development; new business development; sales; marketing; consulting; contract management; general regulatory compliance; managing of technical resources and projects; and, most recently, HIPAA compliance as the Information Security Officer. He also manages key consulting practices and growth areas, ranging from Healthcare to GXS to Application Integration, working closely with clients and consultants alike.
Prior to joining EDI Staffing in 1999, Wayne was employed for 23 years at Polaroid Corporation where he managed their worldwide EC/EDI program. Combined with his invaluable training and background as a System Analyst, Wayne is considered a leader in the field. He has authored articles, spoken at conferences, participated in training videos, and founded the New England Electronic Commerce Users’ Group, the largest of its kind in the U.S.
His knowledge of the vendor community, software tools and industry trends resulted in his appointment to the Board of Directors for DISA, the secretariat of the ASC X12 standards organization. Wayne has also served as EDI Staffing’s representative to various organizations such as the Vendor Compliance Federation, Industrial Supply Association, and others.
Wayne graduated Summa Cum Laude from Northeastern University with a BSBA and a concentration in Management Information Systems. He enjoys various hobbies and vocations such as wine making, cooking, gardening, music, reading, playing with his pets, and keeping up with current events. Wayne most enjoys spending time with his three sons and three granddaughters.
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