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There’s no denying that working in the tech field is one of the best career choices right now — in fact, it’s one of the best career options for the future, too. There are just so many opportunities at the moment, more than can be filled, and that’s not going to change any time soon. While we tend to think that technology currently touches everything, the digital transformation has really only just gotten started.
However, it’s important that while there are plenty of jobs, there are also many people working in tech, and that means competition for better positions can be fierce. In this blog, we’re going to run through some effective tips that IT workers can incorporate in order to advance their careers.
Work on Soft Skills
It used to be that if you were good at your job, then that was enough. But times have changed. As well as being technically proficient, IT workers also need to have the requisite ‘soft skills’ to get ahead. So what do we mean by this? It’s about things like communication, flexibility, the ability to work as part of a team, and even things like giving public speeches. You might not have worked on these things before, but it’s worthwhile doing so!
Boost Your Qualifications
You’ll likely have some recognized qualifications in your locker. But it’s not as if you have to just rely on your college degree to take you to where you want to go. As we all know, the tech world doesn’t stay still very long. It’s a bit like healthcare; a doctor must always be taking new courses and brushing up on their skills. Taking a course that’ll lead to ITIL v3 certification, for example, will enable you to apply for better-paying and more advanced jobs. It’s a good idea to routinely take a look at where your weaknesses lie or which field has become more advanced, and take a course that’ll bring you up to speed.
Find a Mentor
There’ll come a day when it feels like you know all there is to know about the tech world. Alas, by that stage, you’ll be at the end of your career or close to it. So wouldn’t it be handy to have access to those pearls of wisdom earlier on? Of course it would. You can get them by finding a mentor who will help to guide you through your career. Mentors can bring a lot to a professional life, so it’s a little surprising that they’re not used more often. Ask someone to be your mentor, and they’ll probably be happy to help you!
Take Risks
Finally, remember that when competition for positions is fierce, sometimes a little bit of bravery can go a long way. Technology is a cutting edge field with a lot of exciting options; there’s really no need to stay in the middle lane all the time. If you see an opportunity that’s outside of your comfort zone but which looks exciting, then take it.
