Information Technology:
Top 5 Tips for a Successful Career in IT
by Mike Walsh
There are several ways to attain career success in the IT industry. Whether
you are in programming, web design, network planning, or computer
maintenance and support, the following tips will you help you get where you
want to go - faster!
1.) Be passionate
IT is like any profession; if you love what you're doing then you are more
likely to succeed. The job is hard enough without needing a motivation to
get up in the morning! IT professionals do not command high salaries because
their work is easy. Pressure, stress and challenge come from many sources.
If you love what you do then you are more likely to be good at it. Passion
and enthusiasm are always present in those who achieve career success.
2.) Manage your career
You can no longer rely on your company to promote your career aspirations
and security. This can have benefits. Decide where you want to be and take
steps to make it happen. Take stock of where you are at in your career. How
are you progressing? Managing your own security means knowing yourself.
Regularly review your technical skills, your work environment and trends in
the industry. Make a realistic career plan, which is flexible enough to cope
with change, then execute it. If you don't, then who will?
3.) Be Flexible
A flexible working approach is highly desirable to IT employers. Embrace new
technologies and faster ways of working and communicating. Don't be afraid
to 'have a go' and even make a few mistakes. The wider the skill set and
experience, the more valuable you become to employers when compared to
colleagues with rigid agendas. Make yourself an answer to as many employer
problems as you can. A solution to a problem is always attractive.
4.) Keep current
We all know the pace of change in technology. If you do not keep your
technical skills up-to-date, then you are effectively de-skilling yourself.
Technology will pass you by. Employers' focus is often on the 'now', so
don't rely on them to be looking out for your future. This is your industry
too. Enjoy the challenge of new training - even if you have to finance it
yourself.
5.) Develop Soft-skills
We often ignore soft skills training, but those who excel at bringing their
technical skills to the population usually achieve the greater success. In 9
cases out of 10, the person promoted may not have the best technical skills
in the department. Those who excel are not only solid performers but also
the best communicators, confident with customers as well as colleagues. They
show leadership skills and business awareness and can understand how IT
relates to profitability and communication. Don't forget - promotion boards
are often staffed by non-technical personnel. Make yourself an all-round
solution to a company problem and watch your managers appreciate your
skills.
No Brain, No Gain
by Sacha Cohen
Stay Sharp So You Can Move Ahead
- Industry experience isn't enough
- Learn new skills and stay abreast of industry happenings
- Take a multi-pronged approach to keeping your skills up-to-date
If you think that years of industry experience, glowing references and a
stellar CV are enough to help you land your next job, think again. Whether
you're employed and casually looking for other opportunities, or unemployed
and anxiously trying to land a job, you must spend time each week learning
and keeping your skills sharp.
Sounds easy, right? Well, you'd be surprised at how few people recognise the
value of what I call informal learning. This includes reading trade
publications and industry-specific magazines, active networking,
participating in listservs and user groups, and attending seminars and
events.
It's not enough to rely on employers for training. In the ferociously
competitive IT field, you need to pay special attention to your own career
development. Each week, you should spend at least a few hours reading about
your industry, researching new trends and emerging technologies, and
learning what it will take to manage your career more effectively.
Although this may sound like just another chore that you don't have time
for, if you approach it the right way, it will become as much a part of your
daily routine as brushing your teeth or going to the gym.
The following six simple steps are cheap, painless and essential if you want
to get ahead.
Ask colleagues what listervs they belong to. If possible, sign up for the
digest version of the list, so you will receive posts in an aggregate form
and can manage them more efficiently. Spend 30 minutes or so each day
catching up with email, reading the lists and organising information that
can help you in your job search.
Read Actively
In the IT industry, there are dozens of magazines and weeklies that offer
insider information, technology trends and analysis, industry statistics,
company news and briefs, announcements of changes in executive-level
management, in-depth company profiles and more.
Pick one or two broad-interest publications (e.g., Wired, the Industry
Standard, Business 2.0, Fast Company) and several targeted publications
(e.g., Windows Developer's Journal, Java Developers Journal, Network
Computing, PC World, MacWorld). You don't need to read each magazine cover
to cover. Focus on what interests you and what will enhance your career.
Then skim the rest.
Sign up for E-Newsletters
Cut back on endless surfing by getting relevant content delivered to your
email in-box. E-newsletters from Monster.com, CNET, ZDNet, AOL, Hotwired,
Netscape's In-Box Direct and others include advice, tips and news. The best
part? They're concise, timely and free.
Recruit a Mentor
What better way to get support and advice than from a seasoned industry
professional? You can find out about mentoring opportunities through
associations, on listservs and while you're networking.
Work the Net
Hunt for news you can use on the job and in interviews. Spend time
consciously looking for news pertaining to your career, the companies where
you'd like to get hired and the technologies that will change how you do
your job. That way, when you are being interviewed, you'll be able to talk
intelligently about your skills and expertise, and also about the industry
as a whole.
Socialise with a Purpose
Attend industry events, business-related happy hours and job fairs.
Volunteer at an association where you can network with others in your field,
and take the time to have fun while you make connections. One unusual
networking resource is Fast Company's Company of Friends -- groups of
individuals around the country who meet informally to discuss the issues
raised in the pages of this hip business magazine.--
With Regards..
M S ALI Dubai
+971-505268781
+919895733783
[EMAIL PROTECTED] <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> *
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