Youth-in-IT Videos Showcase New IT-Careers as the Exciting Place to Be

FRAMINGHAM, MA--(Marketwire - Oct 22, 2012) - Time Warner and Vail Resorts, each in cooperation with the CIO Executive Council (Council), recently launched videos with the goal of educating and inspiring today's youth to consider a fun, cutting-edge and lucrative career in information technology (IT). 

Time Warner's video entitled "I.T. is IT!" features young professionals who boast about their IT careers in the entertainment and media industry being collaborative, innovative and extremely 'cool.' Common myths and stereotypes about IT are dispelled and refreshing opportunities in the 'new' information technology (IT) are explained by HBO employees. 

"We are very proud of the innovation and leadership our IT talent brings to Time Warner," said Michael Gabriel, CIO at HBO and member of the CIO Executive Council. "Our young professionals are excited to be working on the cutting edge of media technology projects. It's a cool place to work because of the opportunities for creativity, collaboration and career growth. They are creating the future of media."

The Youth-in-IT video from Vail Resorts showcases how employees in their recreation and hospitality businesses choose to spend their time in enjoyable ways, which includes a job in their IT organization. 

"IT is one path you may not have considered, but you should," said Robert Urwiler, CIO at Vail Resorts and member of the CIO Executive Council. "IT is the heart of our business and we are constantly working together to keep driving forward with innovative solutions. We are inspired by one another -- we design and create and are building the future for the next generation."

It is estimated Gen Y -- those born between 1979 and 1997 -- will comprise more than 40% of the U.S. workforce by 2020, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. CIOs and business leaders need to quickly gain the attention of this segment of the workforce in order to gain competitive advantage for their organization. IT is the driver of business innovation.

"These videos come at a critical time," said Rick Pastore, VP of editorial and programs, CIO Executive Council. "IT executives are faced with the challenge of closing the gap between talent supply and demand. Council members within our Youth in IT Community of Practice strive to educate and excite young people about the outstanding career opportunities in information technology. The Council's new Youth Technology Education Challenge (Y-Tech) award being presented at The Computerworld Honors Program in June 2013 is one aspect of that mission. The award is intended to honor and showcase initiatives by private enterprise to interest young people in learning about and ultimately pursuing careers in IT."

Council members proactively pool their ideas, share successful practices and join forces to make an impact locally and ultimately globally. Members of this community are passionate about getting future generations to think differently about a career in IT and how the CIO community should get involved.

The videos are freely available to business professionals and educators for their use in marketing the profession to young people and career counselors.

About the CIO Executive Council
CIO Executive Council is a member-led executive organization of global business leaders working to drive value from the intersection of business, information technology and strategy. Through peer reliance, collaboration and outreach, members apply the knowledge, insights and best practices of their peers to the success of their enterprises and their own personal achievement. Launched in April 2004, by the parent organization of CIO magazine, the Council is comprised of hundreds of the world's leading chief information officers. To learn more about CIO Executive Council, please visit their website at http://council.cio.com/. CIO Executive Council is part of IDG Enterprise, an International Data Group company. Company information is available at http://idgenterprise.com.