Information systems careers: the role of assessment centers

A major dilemma facing an organization today is the successful migration to new computing technologies. Inherent in this problem is how to develop or acquire information systems (IS) workers to implement the transition. Although prevalent in other fields, the information systems profession has not utilized assessment centers to address this issue. This article articulates the problem from the organization’s point of view and suggests strategies for developing the careers of IS employees. Assessment centers can be used to identify skills needed for the career development of IS employees. In addition, the organization obtains the knowledge resources necessary to compete for scarce IS workers. The use of assessment centers results in a win‐win situation for both employees and employers in the information systems industry.