Week-in-Review: Latest tech job rankings, tech support rage, and more

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CIO News Week In Review

This week's news roundup for CIOs and IT pros features links on the latest rankings for U.S. technology jobs, a rant about tech support call centers, news of an Enterpriser's new role, and more. 

Which cities really pay software engineers the best? 

Glassdoor released the latest rankings of the 25 best paying cities for software engineers. The rankings take into consideration salary and cost of living, resulting in the “real adjusted salary” for software engineers in each city. Topping the list is Seattle, where the median base salary for software engineers is $113,242, but when you factor in that the city is +7.1 percent above the national average cost of living, that brings the real adjusted salary to $105,735. Seattle also boasts the most job openings for software engineers - with Glassdoor reporting a whopping 4,205 vacancies. 

Which cities are seeing the highest ‘brain drain?’

A new report on tech talent labor pools identifies Boston as the U.S. city producing “more degrees than jobs.” The study by real estate services firm CBRE reviewed the number of tech degrees that came out of an area over five years and compared it to the number of new tech jobs in the same market, reports Computerworld. The results found that Boston saw the biggest drain of new tech talent. Phoenix, Los Angeles, and Pittsburgh also made the list. 

Why tech support rage is all the rage

The New York Times has a piece on why tech support is purposely unbearable, with research that cites cable and mobile service providers as the worst offenders. You may already know what happens when you call tech support, but if you want to learn more on what happens behind the scenes (and what companies do tech support well) check out Kate Murphy’s coverage of the latest International Customer Management Institute survey. 

Career move for American Cancer Society CIO 

Congratulations to Enterpriser and American Cancer Society CIO Jay Ferro who accepted a new role with EarthLink as Executive Vice President, Chief Information and Product Officer. EarthLink CEO Joe Eazor said in a news release that Jay’s “extensive experience working on complex initiatives that deliver superior operational efficiencies, along with his personal value system and belief in collaboration and service, makes him the perfect addition to the executive team here at EarthLink as we drive the business.” No doubt Jay is an inspirational leader, and fortunately for readers of The Enterprisers Project, he has shared many lessons and advice with us.

What’s on the mind of Target’s new CIO

When Target CIO Mike McNamara joined the company he spent time working as an associate to get to know their experience, as well as what Target customers liked (and didn’t like). In this interview with Peter High, McNamara shares what’s different about the retail industry in the United States, UK, and Asia (not as much as you might think), how his team is organized (fairly traditional), and some of his priorities for the foreseeable future (digital and supply chain). 

On the lighter side: Selfie Elbow

If any of your friends or loved ones start complaining of elbow pain, ask them if it’s possible that they’ve developed selfie elbow. It’s a sign of the times when tech-related injuries like this make headlines. 

Ginny Holden is an independent consultant who brings the practice of IT to life through memorable storytelling.