In 2015, SHARE teamed up with IBM Systems Magazine and independent research company Signet Research Inc. to get a more in-depth look at the mainframe skills gap by creating a survey asking IBM Systems Magazine subscribers and SHARE members questions related to the mainframe skills gap.

Those of us who do volunteer work for this fine organization understand that doing so contributes to the mainframe community at large. We know that SHARE volunteerism can be both fun and rewarding, but most of us never focus on what it gives back to us in the form of personal growth.

Tough as it is to winnow down the session choices on the technical topics to try to fit your schedule, I suggest that you take a look at sessions that help you grow your professional capabilities, which can then be leveraged to open new opportunities for you.

Your manager is motivated to keep you exactly where you are because you are performing a valuable service. Though some managers will offer to help you plan your career, ultimately you’re the one who cares, so you are the one who has to take action. You have to make a plan.

Who wants to spend time trying to convince their organization’s CEO or CFO the value of the mainframe? They’ll ignore you or give your supervisor heck because you dared to approach them directly. However, making a case for the mainframe might save your job and the future of your organization.