Expert's answer

I would first suggest looking for positions that are of interest to you and then making sure you have the proper training and experience to get considered for them. I would also suggest that you look at the local newspaper ads and talk to some of headhunters/recruiters to see what skills are in demand.

Keep in mind that this will be a ongoing process. In the 25+ years I have been in the IT field, one thing I've learned is that what's in demand keeps changing. In the early/mid 90's, if you had Novell skills and some experience with Microsoft, you could just about write your own ticket. Then, the demand for Microsoft skills started increasing and new areas of interested started appearing on the screen such as Cisco and other certifications.

So above all, remain flexible in the IT areas that you are willing to work on. There will be some that you won't want to touch with a 10 foot pole. That's fine, not everyone can work in every field. Your learning will never end; if you think it will, you are going to be in for a big disappointment when others who are more flexible start to pass you by on the career ladder.