11 Ways To Advance Your Career In IT
11 ways to advance your career in IT
There is no user manual for establishing a long, successful career in information technology, but there occasionally appears to be a secret handshake.
Here's how to keep your career on the right track, whether you're just getting started or considering a change.
1. Find your calling
One of the allure of working in technology is the ability to choose your own adventure, to identify and pursue an area that speaks to you.
"If you care about security, you can help prevent hackings and data leaks," Anthony James, founder and CEO of Linux Academy, explains. “With a passion for development and information technology, you can combine the two and work in DevOps. When you choose the right area of information technology for you, learning becomes enjoyable and effortless. This industry enjoys questioning the status quo and its underlying assumptions. Acquire the ability to do the same and to welcome it.”
2. Maintain an eye out for potential opportunities
Mike Coakley found himself at a bank after graduating from college, cold-calling potential customers about refinancing their mortgages. However, he asserts, the software used to run the business — and pay the employees — was in desperate need of an upgrade. He took on the work himself, and his division's president transferred him to information technology. He is currently the Chief Information Officer for the City of White Plains, New York, and a Pace University adjunct professor of computer science and information technology.
“Keep your eyes and ears open, because opportunities constantly present themselves to us,” Coakley advises. “Always be willing to take a chance and try something new. If you do fail, ensure that you take something away from the experience.”
3. Brush up on your soft skills
Concentrate on the fundamentals, argues Anudeep Parhar, chief information officer at Entrust Datacard. Soft skills are difficult to acquire, never expire, and make you difficult to replace.
“Technical skills are constantly evolving, and while it is critical to stay current, it is even more critical to build those new skills on top of a strong foundation,” Parhar says. “The most critical skills to cultivate are problem solving, solution development, an eagle eye for detail, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Then, even if you lack a particular skill set or breadth of knowledge, you can be trusted to acquire them.”
4. Take calculated risks
While playing it safe has a number of advantages, gaining ground is not one of them. According to our experts, an exceptional IT career can be uncomfortable at times. “Some individuals will always attempt to convince you to avoid risks and take the safest course of action,” says Hunter Muller, president and CEO of HMG Strategy. “Disregard that advice. Adhere to your instincts and take calculated risks when you believe they are justified. Make sure you learn from your mistakes and pivot quickly.”
5. Take on difficult assignments
Given the importance of being noticed, taking on unglamorous tasks can help you network and establish a reputation as someone who can be relied upon.
“Early in my career, I decided to specialize in and volunteer for jobs that no one else wanted,” says Saied Seghatleslami, president and chief operating officer of Pypestream. “They were always critical to the business's success and were frequently difficult and unpleasant — and frequently not glorious. It was always observed and commended. Additionally, it has aided me in developing unique skills that are frequently in demand.
6. Start small
You can build a strong IT career on a foundation of progressively better gigs, accumulating new challenges and responsibilities — as well as hard-won experience — along the way. If you're just getting started, Al Smith, chief technology officer at iCIMS, advises you to scale back your expectations.
“Just because you do not immediately obtain a position leading product development at Google following graduation does not mean your career is doomed or that you will never obtain the position you desire,” Smith explains. “Experience gained through an internship or entry-level position, even if it appears to be outside of your field, can truly lay the groundwork for your career by developing the necessary skills. Today's college graduates appear to understand that they may not land their first job in their chosen field. Employees who take this receptive stance will fare better than their peers in terms of securing an IT job and progressing in their careers.”
7. Fight off redundancy
Strengthening your critical thinking abilities can help you avoid job loss due to near-future threats to your career, such as AI and automation. “Approach problems from both a micro and macro perspective,” advises Leeyen Rogers, JotForm's vice president of marketing. “Instead of focusing exclusively on execution, consider the 'why' from a variety of perspectives — and prioritize understanding over execution.”
Additionally, she recommends adapting the traditional fake-it-to-make-it strategy to the rapidly changing world of technology. "Eradicate imposter syndrome." You are capable of much more than you believe,” Rogers asserts. “Do not allow your age or any other factor beyond your control to make you believe you are less effective, talented, or knowledgeable than anyone else. If you lack knowledge of something, you can acquire it.”
8. Concentrate on the bottom line
If you want to advance your career, it's critical to elevate both your company and yourself, according to Marco Cirillo, CTO and co-founder of Kibii. The skills you acquire should assist you in making a profit.
“To increase your value, you must develop skills in revenue generation and cost reduction, as businesses focus on cost cutting more than ever,” Cirillo says. “Do not concentrate on developing skills for jobs that are an expense to the business. At the end of the day, businesses care about their bottom line; therefore, demonstrate that your skill set is an asset to revenue generation, not an expense.”
9. Go where the action is
The recommendation to relocate west — specifically to California — may raise eyebrows, given the high cost of housing and the burgeoning or established tech hubs in Austin, Raleigh-Durham, and elsewhere. However, Amir Sharif, co-founder and vice president of business development at Aporeto, claims that this was the best career advice he has ever received.
“If you want to pursue a career in finance, you go to New York or London,” Sharif explains. “If you want to work in the entertainment industry, you come to Los Angeles. You make your way to Silicon Valley. Being in Silicon Valley puts you in close proximity to the world's best technology minds and companies. This proximity connects you to a network of people shaping the future. Proceed to the location where the future is being created.”
10. Pair problems with solutions
If you've identified something at work that is actually a bug rather than a feature, make sure you've considered possible solutions before bringing it up, according to Zoom's Moseley.
“It is your responsibility to be close enough to the issues that you are constantly thinking about your department's challenges and potential solutions,” Moseley says. “While you may not have the ideal solution, presenting an idea demonstrates that you have taken the time to analyze the situation and consider possible solutions. While this is true for any professional position, it is especially true in technology because there are almost always multiple ways to overcome any given obstacle.”
And, while you don't want to be a part of the problem, don't be afraid to speak up for the greater good of the organization, according to Patrick Turner, CTO of Small Footprint. He is still haunted by his failure to intervene when warning signs of trouble appeared on an early project in his career.
“I brought it to the leadership's attention but was told to keep it to myself and that everything would be fine,” Turners explains. “No, it was not. I regret my silence to this day. On the other hand, I've had numerous instances where I spoke up, even in situations where speaking up could have been interpreted as going too far, but which turned out to be sound judgment and ended up averting larger problems. It may not always make everyone happy, nor will it always prevent problems, but at the end of the day, you can sleep soundly knowing that you did everything possible to assist someone in a difficult situation.”
11. Provide value to the company
Inadequate confidence can cause some IT professionals to look inward a little too much. This can result in a state of stagnation and conflict with coworkers.
“It's remarkable how frequently we allow our own insecurities to get in the way of helping ourselves or our businesses,” says Jason Tan, CEO and co-founder of Sift Science. “Understand what value looks like and frame your work-self accordingly.”
Surprisingly, Tan claims that one of his best work experiences occurred as a result of one of the most harrowing career setbacks he has ever encountered: he was laid off. “I was arrogant, and despite receiving regular promotions, I undervalued my opportunity. The experience humbled me and made me aware of how much I lacked knowledge. Keep an open mind and be prepared to work if you want to future-proof your career.”
