I’ve worked in tech for more than 20 years. The amount of knowledge I have obtained
I’ve worked in tech for more than 20 years now and have accumulated a treasure trove of knowledge I thought should be shared with you and others that are on this tech journey.
A mentor once told me that it’s much easier to grow when you have access to the tools necessary for your growth. Here are 10 lessons that will help your growth in IT:
We’ve all faced it before, dreading coming into work because you feel like you might not belong or you’re faced with feeling like an imposter because you don’t know as much as your colleague. Imposter Syndrome isn’t new to us at all, in fact, many of the most seasoned IT professionals have felt like an imposter in almost every new role they’ve had.
But my lesson for you is that fear isn’t your leader or your friend. Don’t let it control you. In fact, if you learn to control your fear even in the face of the most daunting tasks you’ll do your best, no matter what that little voice in your head may say.
Now that you’ve overcome your fears the next step is to work smarter, not harder. Remember this: “Hard work pays off, but smart work pays dividends.”
Sometimes, you may work hard but not be rewarded for it. You may ask yourself then what’s the point of working at all? But the key to reaping what you’ve sown is working smarter. This may mean updating the company wiki or repository after streamlining a process or implementing a groundbreaking script. Another practice you can implement is sharing new processes you’ve developed with the team via email. Don’t forget to ask them for their input so they recognize the work you’ve done while learning something new.
There are many people that treat tech as a regular 9 to 5 but if you want to take your life a step further or get that next job opportunity you need to put in the additional work. This might mean using one hour out of your day to learn something new and get certified.
Then you can do everything you can to meet people and grow your network. That’s the easiest way to stand out in your field. According to LinkedIn, 80% of professionals consider networking vital to their career success
“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” – Robert Collier
There is only one fact that’s always constant in technology, the industry is always changing. It’s your responsibility to change with it, be constantly curious about the field you choose.
To keep up with how often technology grows, you need to grow with it. Don’t just stick to one vendor or certification, explore them all. If you see something that interests you, then go for it. There’s no limit on what you can learn and implement in your own position.
We mentioned earlier that many people treat their tech job like a regular 9 to 5, but the downside to this is that if you get comfortable doing what you love day-in, day-out, the technology you love might become phased out. Then you’re left scrambling trying to find a job in an industry that has left you behind. Don’t let this happen to you.
You need to challenge yourself to feel uncomfortable, step into a new role and be excited to learn something new. This experience will mean growth, succeed or fail, the growth you experience will be your greatest asset.
Effective communication is often underestimated in tech, but it’s vital. My time on the help desk was a career game-changer. According to a McKinsey report, well-connected teams see a productivity increase of 20–25%. Collaborating with individuals across all levels taught me how to support and empathize with everyone, from customer service techs to executives. I treated each person equally, recognizing their expertise in their field. I learned not to belittle their challenges or assume knowledge gaps. Instead, my role was to provide solutions and communicate them effectively.
Understanding the foundations of computing, networking, virtualization, cloud computing, computer science, and security has been instrumental in my career. Deep-level comprehension of network engineering and troubleshooting stemmed from this foundation. It’s important not to rush in this industry; focus on mastering the fundamentals.
When you are faced with unfamiliar concepts, seek guidance from mentors, conduct hands-on lab work, and acquire the necessary knowledge. Building a strong foundational knowledge base is paramount for growth and success in the field.
The key to pursuing excellence is to embrace an organic, long-term learning process, and not to live in a shell of static, safe mediocrity. Usually, growth comes at the expense of previous comfort or safety. ― Josh Waitzkin, The Art of Learning: A Journey in the Pursuit of Excellence
Think long and hard before you make these moves and ask the right questions in interviews. What does the day-to-day look like? What is the progression trajectory of this position? What opportunities will you have for growth? All money definitely isn’t good money, so do your research on the company and make sure it’s definitely where you see yourself thriving.
While certifications are marketed well, it’s more important to recognize the value of practical experience. Entry-level certifications are beneficial, but they should be pursued alongside gaining relevant experience. If you already have a job in support or network engineering, it’s more valuable to focus on advancing your experience rather than obtaining basic certifications.
Your next certification should challenge and validate your knowledge, ultimately aligning with your career direction. Prioritize gaining hands-on experience and formulating a plan to reach your desired goals, as real-world experience reigns supreme in job interviews and learning more.
Working in technology is a marathon, not a sprint. It is important to remember that everyone moves at their own pace. The tortoise and the hare story is true, as some people push ahead but then lose steam. Job hopping every few months provides for only a limited amount of learning. Those who commit to a role for three to four years usually gain a thorough understanding of it and excel.
Even I have regrets about quitting some jobs I’ve taken too soon. Longevity in the sector is achieved by adopting a marathon approach, focusing on basic knowledge, and acquiring substantial experience.
These lessons are not guarantees, but they offer valuable guidance that can shape your trajectory in a positive way. Ultimately, the choice is yours to make, and by implementing these lessons, you increase your chances of achieving your goals and realizing your full potential in the tech industry. You can find more resources like this at #Labeveryday.