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Prepare Yourself for the ICT Industry – A Career in ICT in Hong Kong Police Force

18-02-2009

Hong Kong Police Force

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Today’s Youth

• Digital Natives (vs Digital Immigrants)• Always on-line/twitters (sense of

connectedness)• New social fabric – Inhabiting multiple

identities and living in a culture of sharing and peer collaboration

• Multitasking

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Presentation Overview

• A career in ICT in public sector • How ICT is used in HKPF • ICT in Hong Kong: Opportunities and

survival skills in challenging times

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ICT Caner Options

• Enterprise ICT• ICT Industry• Research & Development

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Hong Kong Police Force

• Annual budget of HK$11,000 million• Largest Government department• 31,000 staff members (600 ICT staff)• Serving a population of 7 million• 1,100 sq.km• Satisfaction rate of 85%

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Mission

Using ICT • To make Hong Kong one of the

safest cities in the Asia-Pacific region• To improve the quality of life of

people in Hong Kong

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Career Path

Senior Engineer / Senior System Manager

Engineer / System Manager

Chief Engineer / Chief System Manager

Assistant Engineer / Analyst Programmer

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Desired Qualities of An ICT Professional in HKPF

• Ability to work in a team• Highly professional attitude• Familiarity with cutting edge ICT

developments

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A Career in ICT in Hong Kong: Opportunities and Survival

Skills in Challenging Times

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Reasons to stay positive

ICT:

• Is central to the economy• Is a key source of competitiveness for all

sectors• Opens up new markets, increases

performance, enables transformation and innovation, and drives productivity

• Is a vibrant and robust profession• 66,697 ICT employees in Hong Kong

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Blasé attitude towards ICT

• ICT industry is not regulated at present • It is fairly young; and is still developing the

standards, qualifications, and code of practice that other professions have

• Students and parents do not choose ICT degree programs nowadays

• Image problem – unexciting and dull

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ICT Career Opportunities

Plenty, because:

• Opportunities can be everywhere• You are able to work anywhere• You can participate in all areas of the

company• ICT is becoming more and more

indispensable in the world despite the economic slowdown

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Essential Survival Skills

Adjusting your mindset…

• Keep on learning to stay competitive – studying and above all learning should be an important part of your career

• Get to know about new trends and technological developments in the industry, not just in Hong Kong but in other parts of the world, e.g. through the Internet

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Essential Survival Skills

When at work…

• Stay focused and be proactive – show your boss that you are a valuable member of your company. Always think about how you can contribute to your company

• Be diligent and willing to take up responsibilities

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Essential Survival Skills

Armouring yourself…

• Brush up on language and communication skills

• Be aware of current affairs, including government policies, social-economic and even cultural issues

• Stay positive – maintain work-life balance and good physical and mental health

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Essential Survival Skills

For those seeking a job…

• Adjust your expectation – you may need to lower your expected entry pay – but fear not

• Have confidence in yourself and don’t give up – Don’t stay idle at home

• Talk to more people, especially your family members – their support is important

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How to achieve a progressive ICT career in Hong Kong

Know thyself…

• Identify your own goals and make long-term plans accordingly

• Create a “brand” for yourself – be your own “brand manager”, and market it

• Plan further education carefully – consider the impact on your time and finances

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How to achieve a progressive ICT career in Hong Kong

Do your homework…

• Invest on your soft skills, including business skills, team building and leadership abilities – Through taking courses and learning in the workplace and beyond

• Find out more about the culture of your target companies when looking for a job – See if it will match you

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How to achieve a progressive ICT career in Hong Kong

Have someone guide you…

• Seek advice from your supervisor and superior – Learn about your strengths and weaknesses, and how you can improve

• Build and maintain a web of contacts through networking – within and beyond your industry

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How to achieve a progressive ICT career in Hong Kong

Stepping up…

• Obtain professional qualifications and certifications – it is essential to gain the right qualifications to get on the career ladder

• Join professional associations – may start as Young Members

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Wish You All the Bestand

Thank You