The gold-collar worker has problem-solving abilities, creativity, talent, and intelligence; performs non-repetitive and complex work difficult to evaluate; and prefers self management. Gold-collar information technology workers learn continually from experience; recognize the synergy of teams; can demonstrate leadership; and are strategic thinkers who see the big picture and can change strategic directions when necessary. Where business and science intersect, the basic focus of the gold-collar worker is interdisciplinary knowledge and experience. They use knowledge from more than one area; tend to be autonomous; tend to work in traditionally male occupations; and are in great demand. Employers and educators need new ways to manage, recruit, retain, and educate them. A more productive approach to management includes concentrating on end results by setting goals rather than controlling the processes involved. To be competitive, employers often must offer significant signing bonuses and high starting salaries to recruit gold-collar workers and large raises on demand to retain them in the face of other job offers. Traditional bachelor's and graduate degree programs may need to expand their focus beyond a single academic discipline and should help students acquire skills not typically covered in academic programs. New models of educational delivery may be essential for a 21st century gold-collar work force. (Contains 17 references.) (YLB)