What Are the Best Tips for IT Career Development?

There is no exact science to advancing in an information technology (IT) career. Certain positive behaviors that can be applied, however, help to create conditions that are quite conducive to growth. Professionals in this industry cannot be too narrow-minded in the thought processes that lead to advancement. IT is continually changing, and employees need to remain nimble enough to reap the benefits of that evolution. Selecting the right employer and willingly taking on different projects while not becoming pigeonholed to a particular service all support IT career development.

In preparing to advance in the field of IT, a professional should establish goals that are both short term and long term in nature. According to the Kellogg Forum, this approach takes precedence over focusing on daily tasks. The reason is due to the fast-paced nature of IT. Instead of limiting one's accomplishments to the task at hand, industry participants should create a blueprint outlining contributions that can be made over the next decade in order to support IT career development. A long-term growth plan will help an IT professional to keep from being overanxious about career advancement.

IT career development is likely to unfold in an environment where an employee is comfortable with the work surroundings and gets along with coworkers. Choosing an employer with a manager that suits the personality of the employee will create more of a positive experience that will not stifle the growth of the IT professional. An employee should feel as though his or her ideas are appreciated and should not be reluctant to make suggestions.

Also, the employer should be quick to reward an IT professional with financial or other incentives if that individual is making a positive difference. In the event an IT professional does not seem to be getting the recognition that is due, it may mean that IT career advancement will not occur in this place of employment. It may be necessary to change companies and sometimes accept lower compensation in order to advance in the future.

Taking on new projects is essential for IT career development. IT professionals are frequently updating and improving standards at a corporation, and becoming the master of one task can limit career growth. In certain instances, an IT professional should accept a project that is daunting or appears to require greater skills than the employee possesses. This will only challenge the individual and promote greater IT career development.