Saturday, 18 October 2014

4 Steps for Building Career in IT


If you have made up your mind to join the industry of Information Technology then you would be glad to know that there are a lot of opportunities awaiting you. Currently, the future in IT seems to be very bright as the industry is moving from the traditional computer or web based solutions towards the novel, innovative and unconventional solutions.

After the boom created by Cloud Computing and Big Data, the Internet of Everything (IoE) has hit the mainstream; many companies have already started to act upon it and are building up their arsenal for getting a head start. The advent of Google Glass, the launch of smart watches like LG G Watch, Samsung Gear Live and the rumours of Apple iWatch proves that the future of wearable technology is promising too. That’s not all, the Phonebloks, the concept of modular smartphone designed by Dave Hakkens, all add up a great value to the world of technology.

With so many technological advancements queued up, the future seems to be no less than any science fiction. All of us are indeed very fortunate to be a part of such a great technological era.

So, how to utilize this opportunity and get the best out of it?
      
      1.       Acquire Education

Having adequate thorough knowledge of a certain domain is the most essential thing for getting any kind of job. People would trust and give you an opportunity only if they feel you are capable with the requisite skills and knowledge. Attending a University is one of the most popular, easiest and the most trusted sources of getting yourself certified in a particular field.

Earning a graduation degree/diploma majoring in IT, Computer Science, Electronics and Telecommunication, Computer Information System, Computer Networking System, Software Engineering, Software Systems, etc., may help you land an IT job. For most of the companies your scores do matter; as it provides a yardstick to measure your abilities with respect to your contemporaries.

Some employers, like Google Inc., hire people purely on the basis of their skills and knowledge rather than their educational background. According to the stats, about 15% of the employees in Google are either college dropouts or have never attended college. Fifteen percent is a very small population when compared to the 85% of the graduates in Google. And not every dropout turns to be Steve Jobs or Bill Gates. So, a degree earned does increase your chance of getting a job.

Hints & Tips: While your degree is the gate-pass to the IT industry, your knowledge is the widget to grow. So, ensure you study and acquire knowledge while you obtain your degree.

      2.       Get Working 
After earning a basic knowledge through a degree or diploma in computers, you are all set to enter into the IT world. There are many ways for getting yourself employed.

      3.       Build Network
Believe it or not, a person with stronger professional network finds more and better opportunities than a person with weaker professional network, irrespective of their knowledge and skills. While knowledge and skills are required to prove yourself at various opportunities and get to the top, good professional networking skills help you get those opportunities.

According to the Forbes, a professional network is required not only for your growth, but also your survival. A good professional network allows you to gain more knowledge, increase your visibility and advance smoothly in your career.

Hints & Tips: Do not hesitate to meet people, talk to them and know more about them. Allow people to speak more and express their ideas. Connect to everyone you know on Internet via LinkedIn and Facebook. And most importantly, always try to help others by solving their problems. Generally, people remember those individuals more who readily help rather than those who often ask for help.

      4.       Get Specialized Certifications
Certifications from renowned sources act like elevators in your career. Certifications enable you to market yourself, demonstrate to others that your skills are up-to-date and at the same time allow you to stand out from the crowd.

Getting certified requires you to register yourself with the certification provider. Once you get registered, you need to prepare well and attempt to clear the exams. Some of the certifications, like PMP (Project Management Professional), require you to continuously practice what you have acquired to hold them on.

Hints & Tips: Attempt certifications only after you acquire a couple of relevant years of experience in your domain. There are multiple drawbacks of getting certified early: you may not be continuing in the domain you have got certified, you may have lost interest in what you are doing and are thinking to switch, you may not be able to easily relate the things in the course of the certification, and/or you are not getting the opportunity to grow in the field you are certified. Go for a certification when you believe you have got adequate knowledge and experience, and you are really thinking of growing in the same field. Getting certified is not enough. You have to update your certifications by either getting a higher level certification or by practicing it, whichever is required by the certification provider.

Please do not hesitate from sharing this article to help others if you have found it useful J

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