“Even as many seek to revitalize traditional industries, lasting job creation will require an understanding of important new dynamics in the global labor market. This is not about white collar vs. blue collar jobs, but about the 'new collar' jobs that employers in many industries demand, but which remain largely unfilled. ”
Ginni Rometty, Chairman, President and CEO of IBM
“There's more than one way to get a job in IT. With our emphasis on new collar, it's about having the skills and practical experience, and not just about having a diploma. Already, 10-15 percent of IBM's US hires do not have a traditional 4-year degree, and even more of our US job openings don't necessarily require one. ”
Joanna Daly, Vice President, IBM Talent
Key New
Collar Job
Roles
Through programs ranging from coding camps to community college courses and innovative vocational schools, our New Collar colleagues have built marketable skills in some of the technology industry’s fastest growing fields.
Explore Job Opportunities by profession
Application Developer
Do you have a passion for leading-edge technology and solving unique problems for clients? As an Application Developer, you'll be responsible for performing a variety of technical duties including application programming, analysis, testing, and product installation to deliver high-quality application solutions. Working as part of a collaborative team, you'll partner with others while getting valuable on the job training and building in-demand technical skills.
We need application developers with experience in development, knowledge of languages like AngularJS, NodeJS, HTML, CSS, Javascript, JQuery, and SQL, and boundless creativity and curiosity.
On a daily basis, you could be working locally or with a client, participating in a design session, leading an Agile scrum meeting, or getting down and dirty in the code. The possibilities to create something new and exciting are endless.
Visit the IBM Skills Gateway to develop your skills.
Explore the Cloud Application Developer learning journey
Explore the Mobile Application Developer learning journey
Explore the Analytics Business Intelligence Developer learning journey
Systems Administrator
As a System Administrator, you are responsible for monitoring and maintaining customer environments, up time, backups, software installations, architecture reviews, and other regular tasks. By deploying and providing day-to-day support of complex Linux and Windows environments, ensuring customer performance, and analyzing data to provide recommendations, you'll establish lasting and trusted client relationships to ensure our success.
The ideal candidate has basic knowledge of agile methodologies, some hands-on experience with Linux and Windows, knowledge of networking and security fundamentals, as well as back-up and storage architecture.
Visit the IBM Skills Gateway to develop your skills.
Explore the Mobile System Administrator learning journey
Explore the Administering a DevOps solution learning journey
Explore the Administering a Bluemix-based application learning journey
Data Center Technician
The IBM Bluemix Infrastructure (SoftLayer, an IBM Company) offers a unified platform that gives users cloud computing any way they want it, deployed on demand, with a single pane of glass for systems management.
As a Data Center Technician, you'll rack, build, cable, configure, and provision Intel and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), troubleshoot, test, and conduct quality assurance on server hardware, create and resolve trouble tickets, and install, test and label cable and fiber using standard data center protocols.
Check out our opportunities -- you'll need some basic knowledge of computer hardware, and a bit of work experience in a technical field, as well as basic knowledge in Windows, Linux or Unix Operating Systems.
Visit the IBM Skills Gateway to develop your skills.
Explore the IBM System z H/W Systems learning journey
Project Manager
IBM project managers are on the front lines every day, partnering with clients to help shape their projects every step of the way. By applying techniques for planning, tracking, change control and risk management, you will ensure scope, cost, schedule, and contractual deliverables.
In this fast-paced environment, you'll use your skills and leadership competencies for team building, client relations, negotiation, decision making, problem solving and conflict management. Know agile? Even better!
If you have experience in managing projects, coordinating activities, scheduling tasks, and a strong background in Microsoft Office, take a look to see if Project Management might be a good path for you.
Visit the IBM Skills Gateway to develop your skills. Click here to learn more!
Software Engineer
Code is what makes the world go round -- and as a Software Developer at IBM, you'll contribute to the continued design and implementation of new software and programs that help to change the world. As part of local or global teams, you'll be working on new and existing IBM offerings, helping to design, code, and test. Depending on your role, you may also need to exercise your detective skills as you investigate and resolve functional, system verification, and performance problems.
You’ll work in an agile, collaborative environment and employ IBM Design Thinking to create products that provide a great user experience along with high performance, security, quality, and stability. Languages, relational databases, and operating systems will vary -- but your focus on the fundamentals of software development and a commitment to continuous improvement are a baseline.
Knowledge of languages such as C, C++, C# Python, Java, or Scala is a great starting point, and you'll also need exceptional verbal, written, and teaming skills, organizational abilities and demonstrated multi-tasking abilities. Look for roles in Backend or Server Systems Programming, Cloud-Based Development, or Automation and Testing.
Visit the IBM Skills Gateway to develop your skills. Click here to learn more!
Designer
IBM has long felt that "good design is good business," and we're looking for Visual and UX designers and Front-end Developers to join our growing practice. No two days will be the same. You'll use your analytical ability and creativity to address ambiguous, large, complex problems and projects. You'll apply IBM Design Thinking methodologies to uncover user and business requirements and understand the technical landscape. Above all, you must be a critical thinker who values empathy and product focus as a defining factor in design.
Do you have a proven track record of delightful and innovative mobile and web designs? Demonstrated skills developing personas, writing scenarios, wireframes? Proficiency in using Sketch, Photoshop, Illustrator, Axure, Balsmiq? Check out our Design roles and start creating a new future.
Visit the IBM Skills Gateway to develop your skills. Click here to learn more!
Technical Support Representative
Do you have a passion for IT and new technology? Do you enjoy problem-solving? Our Technical Support Representatives work with other IBMers to cross-functionally and globally collaborate to solve complex challenges. You'll get involved in a variety of projects which will expose you to a community of technical experts enabling you to build a strong foundation for your career.
If you're inquisitive and self-motivated, you'll thrive in this challenging, but exciting environment where no two days are alike. Strong written and verbal communication skills as well as basic knowledge of Microsoft Office and standard computer applications will contribute to your success in this role.
Visit the IBM Skills Gateway to develop your skills. Click here to learn more!
Security Analyst
Data and network security are hot topics everywhere, and at IBM, we have a huge focus on them. Our Security Analysts support security administration teams (often on Federal services contracts) by assisting in security monitoring and SOP creation, supporting the elevated privilege account management process, contributing to working tickets that are in the queue and becoming proficient with the various tools in the client environment.
If you have experience in standard operating procedures and previous work experience with a federal government client, as well as the ability to learn quickly and strong communication skills, this might be the right fit for your first role at IBM.
Building a New Collar Cybersecurity Workforce
Visit the IBM Skills Gateway to develop your skills.
Help Desk Agent
The Help Desk Agent position is a great opportunity for someone to get their foot in the door at IBM. We support a large number of service desks and with some clients who have 24/7/365 requirements, we have ongoing demand for hiring. Our Help Desk agents can be dedicated to one team or work as part of a shared service and support multiple teams utilizing a variety of channels.
Your focus will be our clients -- working to resolve technical issues, provide in-depth troubleshooting, verify suggested solutions, manage the ticketing process to resolution, all while maintaining a world-class level of customer service. But you'll have a lot of flexibility and opportunities to work on growing your career. On low volume call days, you'll be able to work on your career development - and we have many success stories of growth to roles like Critical Situation Manager and Business Operations.
A basic technical background is helpful to be able to do the job. The ability to multi-task, document properly, and provide excellent customer service are necessary skills. The Help Desk agent is an excellent career path to start your career at IBM.
Visit the IBM Skills Gateway to develop your skills. Click here to learn more!
Today’s New Collar IBMers
Gabriel
(New York City)
Gabriel is among the first graduates of P-TECH, the innovative grade 9-14 academic program that combines the best of high-school STEM coursework with community college, mentoring and hands-on training to build sought after career skills. Gabriel’s interest in technology has taken him from hacking his high school IT system, to coding online commerce experiences.
Rey
(Houston, TX)
Rey was determined to expand his horizons beyond work in the fast food industry. Through an associate’s degree and completion of various industry certifications, Rey attained sought-after skills in network management. Today, he helps oversee network infrastructure for Bluemix, IBM’s cloud-based development platform.
Savannah
(San Francisco, CA)
Savannah pursued an education in creative writing, but developed a fascination with programming and computer science. After completing an immersive six-month coding bootcamp, she became one of the first employees at IBM’s Bluemix development garage in San Francisco. She’s still creating, but at the intersection of art and code.
Randy
(Austin, TX)
One day, while writing hip hop lyrics, Randy spontaneously decided that a technology career would afford him the best opportunity to provide for his family. From there, his new collar journey took Randy from California to Texas, and included a mix of college education and software development camps. Today, he’s part of a team helping IBMers worldwide employ new technologies and methodologies to better serve clients.
Cecelia
(Rocket Center, WV)
When she couldn’t find work as a teacher, Cecelia decided it was time to reinvent her career. She joined IBM as a project staffing professional, but was soon intrigued by fast-growing opportunities in cybersecurity. Through on-the-job training and coursework at her local community college, Cecelia built the skills she needed to take on a new role – securing sensitive workloads for U.S. Government clients as an IBM cybersecurity professional.
Joshua
(Austin, TX)
Joshua built skills in graphic design through community college, and then worked on projects ranging from mailers to magazine layouts for a number of employers. Now, as part of IBM’s Security division, he’s bridging the gap between the unit’s product and marketing teams, and helped lead a total rebranding of the department.
Ty
(Austin, TX)
Ty started his design career illustrating comic books and animating mobile apps. After transitioning to digital design, Ty found his way to IBM. Today, he manages a team of professionals that design seamless and efficient user experiences for developers utilizing the IBM Cloud.
Today’s New Collar IBMers
Gabriel
(New York City)
Gabriel is among the first graduates of P-TECH, the innovative grade 9-14 academic program that combines the best of high-school STEM coursework with community college, mentoring and hands-on training to build sought after career skills. Gabriel’s interest in technology has taken him from hacking his high school IT system, to coding online commerce experiences.
Rey
(Houston, TX)
Rey was determined to expand his horizons beyond work in the fast food industry. Through an associate’s degree and completion of various industry certifications, Rey attained sought-after skills in network management. Today, he helps oversee network infrastructure for Bluemix, IBM’s cloud-based development platform.
Savannah
(San Francisco, CA)
Savannah pursued an education in creative writing, but developed a fascination with programming and computer science. After completing an immersive six-month coding bootcamp, she became one of the first employees at IBM’s Bluemix development garage in San Francisco. She’s still creating, but at the intersection of art and code.
Randy
(Austin, TX)
One day, while writing hip hop lyrics, Randy spontaneously decided that a technology career would afford him the best opportunity to provide for his family. From there, his new collar journey took Randy from California to Texas, and included a mix of college education and software development camps. Today, he’s part of a team helping IBMers worldwide employ new technologies and methodologies to better serve clients.
Cecelia
(Rocket Center, WV)
When she couldn’t find work as a teacher, Cecelia decided it was time to reinvent her career. She joined IBM as a project staffing professional, but was soon intrigued by fast-growing opportunities in cybersecurity. Through on-the-job training and coursework at her local community college, Cecelia built the skills she needed to take on a new role – securing sensitive workloads for U.S. Government clients as an IBM cybersecurity professional.
Joshua
(Austin, TX)
Joshua built skills in graphic design through community college, and then worked on projects ranging from mailers to magazine layouts for a number of employers. Now, as part of IBM’s Security division, he’s bridging the gap between the unit’s product and marketing teams, and helped lead a total rebranding of the department.
Ty
(Austin, TX)
Ty started his design career illustrating comic books and animating mobile apps. After transitioning to digital design, Ty found his way to IBM. Today, he manages a team of professionals that design seamless and efficient user experiences for developers utilizing the IBM Cloud.
Today’s New Collar IBMers
Gabriel
(New York City)
Gabriel is among the first graduates of P-TECH, the innovative grade 9-14 academic program that combines the best of high-school STEM coursework with community college, mentoring and hands-on training to build sought after career skills. Gabriel’s interest in technology has taken him from hacking his high school IT system, to coding online commerce experiences.
Rey
(Houston, TX)
Rey was determined to expand his horizons beyond work in the fast food industry. Through an associate’s degree and completion of various industry certifications, Rey attained sought-after skills in network management. Today, he helps oversee network infrastructure for Bluemix, IBM’s cloud-based development platform.
Savannah
(San Francisco, CA)
Savannah pursued an education in creative writing, but developed a fascination with programming and computer science. After completing an immersive six-month coding bootcamp, she became one of the first employees at IBM’s Bluemix development garage in San Francisco. She’s still creating, but at the intersection of art and code.
Randy
(Austin, TX)
One day, while writing hip hop lyrics, Randy spontaneously decided that a technology career would afford him the best opportunity to provide for his family. From there, his new collar journey took Randy from California to Texas, and included a mix of college education and software development camps. Today, he’s part of a team helping IBMers worldwide employ new technologies and methodologies to better serve clients.
Cecelia
(Rocket Center, WV)
When she couldn’t find work as a teacher, Cecelia decided it was time to reinvent her career. She joined IBM as a project staffing professional, but was soon intrigued by fast-growing opportunities in cybersecurity. Through on-the-job training and coursework at her local community college, Cecelia built the skills she needed to take on a new role – securing sensitive workloads for U.S. Government clients as an IBM cybersecurity professional.
Joshua
(Austin, TX)
Joshua built skills in graphic design through community college, and then worked on projects ranging from mailers to magazine layouts for a number of employers. Now, as part of IBM’s Security division, he’s bridging the gap between the unit’s product and marketing teams, and helped lead a total rebranding of the department.
Ty
(Austin, TX)
Ty started his design career illustrating comic books and animating mobile apps. After transitioning to digital design, Ty found his way to IBM. Today, he manages a team of professionals that design seamless and efficient user experiences for developers utilizing the IBM Cloud.
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