Habits that Can Help You Grow in Your IT Career

Featured article by Calvin Paige, Independent Technology Author

Having been certified in the field of Information Technology you are now ready to work in the career you have always dreamed of. However, please bear in mind that having a degree in your field needn’t stop there. It doesn’t need to be the only thing you have in your arsenal when hunting for the perfect job. Actually, there are many times an employer will look more closely at who you are, the habits that make you a unique individual and a potentially valuable employee. These are the habits you should be developing if you want to grow in your IT career.

Diligence and Hard Work

One of the traits that you should make a habit of is being diligent in everything you undertake and work hard at it. This does not mean to be all consumed by your job but to give 100% instead of the typical 60% to 80% that the average employee gives. This may be the first job you have in IT, but make it a memorable start. Give all that you have and your efforts will be rewarded. Whether you can grow with your current employer or are looking to advance with another company, this reference will most often carry more weight than even your degree or certification. So, show them what you’ve got!

Always Continue Learning

One of the things you’ve learned about technology is that it never stops advancing. In light of this, you also should never stop growing in your field. Continue learning about new technology as it is developed and also learn business skills that make you invaluable to your employer. Once course that comes highly recommended is the Lean Six Sigma certification which is a blend of two disciplines, the Lean discipline along with Six Sigma. When mastered, you can provide quantifiable results which is why any company will jump at the opportunity to have you on board.

Learn to Be a Team Player

Successful professionals want to advance but they know the benefit of being a team player. Early on in your career, make sure to develop a team-oriented mindset. Although you want to gain recognition, you are going to be part of a team and together you can move mountains. Alone, you might be able to dust off an ant hill. Poor analogy aside, the point is that no two people have the same capabilities or levels of understanding so that when you are put on a project with a team, your combined resources can produce amazing results that will surely get recognized by the administration. Want to advance in your job? Learn to ride on the power of a team effort. You’d be amazed at just how far this will get you.

Practice the Art of Negotiation

Finally, the one thing which may keep you behind in your efforts to advance is in failing to learn the art of negotiation. When you apply for a job and submit your resume, chances are you will not be offered the pay you want or the benefits you had hoped for. Don’t summarily refuse a job because you can’t get what you want immediately. Try negotiating a better offer and you just might be surprised. Negotiating will also help you in your chosen profession. If you are looking to advance in your career, there will be times when you need to present an idea to your superiors. Artful negotiations may be needed to get them on board with your presentation but once you’ve ‘sold’ them, you can take your career to new heights.

Remember, just because you have been certified to work as an IT professional doesn’t mean you know all there is to know. Continue growing and learning. Develop habits of successful people and before you know it you will be at the top of your game.