The secret to a successful IT career is to never stop learning, according to a survey released by Robert Half Technology. Fifty percent of the chief information officers surveyed said their best career advice for new grads entering the tech industry is to keep learning new skills and stay current in their field. Seventeen percent of respondents said they'd tell first-time job seekers to take any opportunity that will help them get a foot in the door with an employer.

“Technology professionals who keep their skills up to date are universally in demand,” said John Reed, senior executive director of Robert Half Technology. “Employers want to hire people current with the latest software, tools and trends—and these are continually evolving. Employees who can hit the ground running with minimal training are highly sought at any level.”

CIOs were asked, "Which of the following best describes the one piece of career advice you believe is most important for a new graduate entering the technology field?" The top responses:

• Keep learning new skills to stay current: 50 percent
• Be willing to take any job to get your foot in the door: 17 percent
• Be ready and willing to work long hours: 13 percent
• Join industry networking groups: 8 percent
• Find a mentor: 8 percent
• Other/don't know: 3 percent

The survey is based on more than 2,400 telephone interviews with CIOs from a random sample of U.S. companies with 100 or more employees in 24 major metropolitan areas.