Nerds need not apply: The rise of the client-savvy technologist
The stereotype of all people working in technology being introverted nerds is, of course, rather dated. However, it's safe to say that those in technical roles generally don't exhibit the same extrovert personality traits of those in more front office positions. The lines are becoming increasingly blurred, however.
Technical know-how is still a prerequisite, but if there's one thing that both investment banks and tech vendors are asking for in their IT staff, it's "customer-facing" skills, says Shawn Banerji, executive director within the financial technology division of headhunters Russell Reynolds Associates.
"In a world where technology is becoming all-pervasive and critical, having technical skills – which are becoming increasingly commoditised – is no longer enough," he says. "Banks want individuals with leadership skills, who can build and maintain relationships – both internally and externally – and create product solutions that ultimately drive organisations."
One of the more interesting results of this trend is that the traditional flow of technologists from IT vendors into financial institutions is now becoming a two-way street.
"Financial institutions are looking to service providers in order to tap those people with client skills, and the service providers are now hiring from the investment banks in order to bring in that deep subject matter expertise," he says.
When it comes to recruiting senior level tech hires – from CTO down to VPs – Banerji says that employers are now looking for "front office personality types, with technical expertise". These are not easy to find, he says.
However, even further down the pecking order – where the emphasis is still very much on technical skills and financial services domain knowledge – these customer-facing skills are also increasingly desirable.
"The IT positions we recruit require professionals who excel in a stressful environment. They must be customer focused; having the ability to respond quickly, professionally and courteously to all internal stakeholders and be team players who support their colleagues and share their skills," says James Richmond, sales director at IT in finance recruiters Cititec. "It is about being part of the business, all pulling together, rather than working in an IT silo."
