By now, most businesses are starting to feel the impact of the global economic downturn. It is not surprising that some IT professionals are beginning to grow concerned about their future.

However, the latest assessment of UK GDP trends by the Office of National Statistics highlights only one area of growth – computing – set against an overall contraction of 1.5 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2008.

This relative strength is probably due to a number of reasons, including the increasing importance of technology in day-to-day business operations and its ability to help companies weather the economic storm and rebuild after the recession.

Making this happen requires talented and experienced IT professionals. Whether you are looking for career progression or job security, a good place to start is in making sure you have up-to-date skills and knowledge in areas that employers value.

Employers are increasingly looking for business-focused technology specialists. They need people who understand the organisation and the client, can communicate clearly, solve problems and manage projects. Technology professionals who can demonstrate these skills are immensely valuable to business, and remain in short supply.

That is not to say that technical skills don’t matter. It’s just that by themselves they are often not enough. Employers want to know that you can use your technical knowledge to solve real problems.

Innovation continues to matter to companies – and innovation is underpinned by technology. IT professionals need the technical and creative skills to drive innovation, as well as the people skills to help their colleagues through the resulting IT-enabled change.

It is worth evaluating your skills and experience against these trends. Opt for formal qualifications, but remember that all learning counts – including that acquired on the job or through informal training. The benefits of time spent building knowledge will outlast the downturn and help us to prepare for the opportunities that lie ahead.

After all, IT is an industry of change. To thrive in this environment, it helps to be able to change and grow along with it. Continuous skills development should be second nature to us all.

Karen Price is chief executive of e-Skills UK, the sector skills council for business and information technologyy