[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0RbX6FO9l4&w=560&h=315]

DiceTV: Corporate IT is in the midst of a major transformation. You already know that. One thing you may not realize is that the trend to externalize service delivery -- and implement shared services -- will eliminate more than half of today's roles by 2015. That leaves experienced professionals - like you -- little choice but to reinvent yourselves. I think I see something on the starboard bow. I'm Cat Miller, and this is Dice TV. If you are an IT Professional, you need to do some soul-searching -- decide what you want to do and set a new course -- because the clock is ticking. You have to get going, or your employer will end up deciding your fate for you. Here are some ideas to keep your career afloat: Option one is to stick to a pure technical role. Traditional technical roles in corporate America will decline by at least 80 percent. If you want to continue developing applications and technical infrastructure, you'll need to make a change to a cloud provider or innovative high-tech firm -- and hope you'll be one of the few to survive corporate restructuring. The survivors will likely work in advisory roles, and you will need a broad base of expert technical knowledge along with the ability to integrate governance and planning into day-to-day operations. Consulting is another option. However, long-term survival requires a commitment to continuously learning the latest technology. Technology professionals with diverse specialties should consider banding together and offering their services through a "guild" as an alternative to working in the corporate world. Option three is to get into an emerging field. Although some roles will be eliminated, the shift to the cloud and service management will create at least seven new IT-related positions, including leadership roles in Shared Services and Technology Brokers. And, there'll be an estimated 250 percent increase in the need for Information Architects. Another thing… Do some research on YouTube and TechCrunch to learn about emerging skills like Usability Design, Information Visualization, and Cloud Integration. Since CIOs are still devising their plans and are concerned about information security, you have a limited opportunity to reposition yourself to fend off advances from outsiders. Option number four is to find an embedded role. At least sixteen positions in IT will move to Shared Services by 2015, and 88 percent of embedded jobs won't require a technical background. The change could usher in new opportunities for multi-skilled professionals, because Business Unit Line Managers will need basic knowledge in Requirements Definition, Product and Vendor Management, and Product Evaluation. Requesting a transfer to a business unit today can help you become tomorrow's Line Manager, Relationship Manager or User Experience Designer. It's better to embrace change now and move out of the IT silo ASAP -- so you can re-tool for your future  and stay afloat. This is Cat Miller for Dice TV. We now return you to your regular desktop.