Computers, their applications and networks are transforming our thinking, our perceptions everyday; constantly changing technology means a relentless upgradation of technical skills to stay ahead in the rat, or rather mouse, race.

What then are the challenges before those aspiring for a career in the rapidly changing IT industry? What are the skills that are needed by fresh technical graduates to be on a par with techno-savvy IIT peers? These were some of the issues that were thrown up at a seminar organised by Chitkara in association with the Punjab Information and Communication Technology Corporation Ltd on the 'Expectation of Software Industry from Fresh Technical Graduates' in Chandigarh recently.

Opined John Chambers, President and CEO, Cisco Systems, "The two fundamental equalisers in the global economy are the Internet and education. The Internet is creating unprecedented opportunities for businesses, individuals and governments and the winners will be those with the right skills and knowledge to compete."

Easy enough but the competition kills. IT pundits cannot tell you which way the industry wind will blow five years on. What will, therefore, distinguish one IT candidate from the next in the time to come will be the 'soft skills.'

"Change, change, change! Change is constant, everything else is variable," says Dr. N Rathi, Manager Campus Relations, Oracle India Private Ltd.

"Being a good team member and leader, result as well as people-oriented and having sound ethics are the qualities of a winner," he feels.

Apart from knowledge and skill, it is the attitude that will set one software graduate apart from another. Sell your skills if you lack experience and brace up for stiff competition, is the mantra of the IT experts.