Moving On in the IT Industry

With the IT industry moving at an ever faster pace, it should come as no surprise that the turnover of staff has a tendency to follow the same regimen. In today's environment of skills shortage and high staff demand, job changing has become commonplace. The days of leaving a company after 40 years of faithful service with a gold watch and a great retirement package are long gone. Today, changing careers and job roles in the IT industry has become an integral part of maintaining and enhancing a professional's career portfolio. It is not uncommon for a professional to change careers and job roles numerous times over a lifetime. That is not to say that you can't work for the same company for many years and be very content and successful. That scenario, however, is the exception rather than the norm.

Changing jobs may not be uncommon, but that is not to suggest that it is an easy process. On a personal level, it can be difficult to leave co-workers and the security and familiarity of a job. People who work in IT tend to create strong bonds between themselves and their co-workers. These relationships often enable them to discuss issues that non-IT workers may not necessarily understand. These bonds can be hard to break.

On a professional level, job transition requires a direction and a strategy to ensure that you have the right reason for leaving, and that you make the right choice for your next position. Before leaving a job you need to consider carefully why you are leaving, have a strategy for doing so, and have some idea of where you are headed and what you need to get you there.



In this article, we discuss some important issues that you should consider when thinking about changing jobs. We've addressed some of the more common issues that you face when considering a change and make some suggestions on how to approach each one. Before that, however, you need to seriously consider why you're looking to move on.

Second Time Around

So far, you may have been given an overview of the IT industry, outlined some specific IT areas, and offered information on choosing and preparing for a career in IT from the perspective of someone starting out. Although this information is important, your approach to getting your second job requires additional thought. This time you have gained the relevant experience, and you have more to offer a potential employer.You also have more to ask for. When it comes time to start looking for your second job, you need to be aware of what will be different from your first time around.

A Little Respect

As if there were not enough to think about already, starting a new job brings with it the consideration of the other members of the staff. In your first job, as a new recruit, the other technical individuals in the company did not see you as a threat and were happy to help you along. As mentioned in other areas of this book, technical people tend to be very jealous of their knowledge and their position within an organization. In the new company, to begin with at least, you can expect a degree of probing from them while they sound out your expertise. The key to getting along is to be confident without being arrogant. If your skill is at a higher level than that of your co-workers, it will become apparent soon enough through day-to-day operation.There is no need, and it would be very unwise, to tell them of it at the outset. Try to remember that it is reasonable for them to be curious about your skills and knowledge, and that a small piece of them is thinking about self preservation. As the adage goes, respect has to be earned. In the early days of a new job, you are trying to earn the respect of your co-workers and your new boss. It is a time when you should be listening, watching, and cooperating. Respect the fact that your new co-workers know the environment and work ethic better than you, and have things that you can learn from. Treat them with respect, and over time they will come to respect you.

Moving on in your IT career is often as big a step as starting out. It is a time when you must tread carefully, ensuring that you leave open doors behind you and that you approach your new challenge with a measured confidence.Your ability to deal with the process of changing jobs and your attitude in a new role will both serve to reinforce your professionalism, and ultimately your marketability. Below are a few of the key points that we discussed in this article:

• Only move on if you are certain that you are going to improve your situation in some respect.
  
  
• Resign carefully. Not only will it make the process easier, but always remember that you are likely to need a reference from your current employer.
  
  
• Choose your next position with the same degree of care as you chose your first. Consider all of the factors regarding the position, not just the ones that you perceive will be better than the last.
  
  
• When you start your new job, treat your new colleagues with a degree of respect. People who work in IT can be very proud and protective.
  

And one last thing: Never, ever, resign from a job before you have found another. It is much easier to find work when you are working-please remember this!

Good Luck!