Moving Forward: Keep Learning and Growing

IT professionals should be utilizing a blend of training, certifications, and mentorship to reach their goals. While these actions require work, they are an investment in the future.

Training

Training is arguably more critical in the IT field than any other field given the pace at which technology changes. IT training can stem from both online and in-person training programs. It’s best to look for programs that will not only strengthen current skills but also broaden skill sets for future applications.  Additionally, learning new programming languages or hardware types is crucial. Technical training is not cheap. When deciding on which training to take, it’s best to think about the future and look at the skills that people in your desired job possess. Also, looking to trends is vital. For example, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is quickly becoming a considerable force in IT so one should consider brushing up on data mining and analytics which are at the heart of AI.

Certifications

Depending on the role, certifications may be essential for some IT professionals. For example, for IT security professionals the CISSP and CISM are practically required for most positions. If an IT professional seeks a management position within the IT world a PMP (Program Management Professional) may be a worthwhile certification to obtain. While certifications are time-consuming and expensive, they can pay out in the long run. However, it’s important to note that preparing for certification exams is like any other test and people should stick with the method that works best for them and this can include lesser expensive tools such as books, podcasts, and YouTube videos.

Seek Out a Mentor

Professionals who seek out mentors do better than those who don’t. When looking for a mentor, it’s best to look for someone who occupies your desired future role. This formula allows for career modeling. Having a mentor also provides a professional with a great industry resource, one with whom they can confer on difficult situations. When looking for a mentor, keep in mind that many companies have in-place mentoring programs that will make a match and introduction among employees.

Keeping Up to Date on Industry Practices

In order to advance in IT, one must possess the most up-to-date industry knowledge possible. Attending industry conferences is a great way to stay connected to the latest developments in the industry and is also a great networking opportunity. In addition to industry conferences, spending some time reading publications and blogs can help sharpen any professional’s skills and keep them abreast of future trends.

Career Assessment – A Look Toward the Future

IT professionals must always know where they want to go in the future. Where do they see themselves in the next 5, 10, 15 years? In addition to regular promotions, consider lateral moves and possible industry transitions (going from retail to financial) in the future to maximize your possibilities.

Planning Ahead

When in doubt about outlining the path ahead, it’s a great idea to consult a professional recruiter.  Industry-specialized recruiters are well-positioned to see the future of your practice area. By sharing your career goals and objectives, recruiters can take your career path plan and set you on the right course for long-term success.

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The Year Ahead: The Top Jobs for 2018

Per a CIO.com article regarding the Robert Half Technology 2018 IT salary report these are the top IT positions for the year ahead.

1: Database Developer (Range $97,750 to $175,750)

For Database Developers, a bachelors’ degree in Computer Science or related field is usually preferred. Experience with Oracle and SQL are required. Certifications can also be of great value especially Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDA).

2: Help/Support Desk Technician (Range $32,000 to $81,500)

General requirements vary greatly depending on the level of the role. For entry-level roles, a few years work experience, or an associate’s degree is passable. More senior roles require a bachelor’s degree. Certifications such as the Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST) can also be useful and will often lead to higher pay. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 12% increase in computer support specialists from 2014 to 2024. There will be 88,000 net new jobs during this period.

3: Network Administrator (Range $55,000 to $104, 750)

For network administrators, a bachelor’s degree is preferred. However, in lieu of a degree, significant years of related work experience or certifications can often substitute. The most sought-after certifications include Comp TIA A+ certification, Cisco CCNA certification, and the MCSA (Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate).

4: Data Security Administrator (Range $100,000 to $168, 750)

Data Security Administrator is the highest paying role on the list for 2018. It’s no wonder with all the breaches and hacks plastering the news in 2017. However, this role also often requires the most experience and advanced certification. A bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field is often required, and certifications such as MCSA (Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate) and CISSP are either required or a great plus.

5: System Administrator (Range $65,500 to $102,500)

For system administrators, candidates with certifications such as MCSA and MCSE (Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert) are highly sought after. Also, in many cases, a bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field is preferred.

Looking Beyond 2018: Future Predictions for the IT

When planning for a long-term career, it’s valuable to be aware of future trends that extend beyond the next twelve months. Per Gartner’s Top Ten Predictions for IT in 2018 and Beyond:

• In 2020, AI (Artificial Intelligence) will become a positive net job motivator, creating 2.3 million jobs while eliminating 1.8 million jobs
• By 2021, 40% of IT Staff will be versalists, holding multiple roles, most of which will be business rather than technology related.

Ensuring You Make the Most of out of 2018

In conclusion, if you are a job seeker who is brushing off the resume and starting to look toward the future, it’s important to do a little legwork to determine what roles are the best fit for your background and experience level. When in doubt, it’s a good idea to consult a professional recruiter to create a plan to move forward with your goal of future employment.

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