It is a generally accepted premise that those who are thinking of beginning a career in the IT sector should be able to work with machines.

However, an expert in the field has suggested that relationship skills are just as important for IT employees as technical competence.

Mary Finlay, deputy chief information officer at Partners HealthCare System, wrote in her blog on NetworkWorld.com that successful IT workers should be able to collaborate and communicate with others.

This type of individual "is focused on doing the right thing", she stated, adding that they also know how "to work effectively through delicate situations".

As such, people who are thinking of changing career or taking a step into an IT role may want to consider enhancing both their computer-related and people-related skills.

Over 3,000,000 people were employed in the information sector in 2006, according to statistics from the Department of Labor.