Staying Flexible for an IT Future - CareerAlley

Staying Flexible for an IT Future - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. The future depends on what you do today. Mahatma Gandhi The field of information technology is one of the fastest growing fields in any industry. According to data collected by Dice.com, more than half of all hiring-managers surveyed plan to expand their IT departments in 2012. Although openings in the industry are multiplying, there are also a large number of new IT professionals entering the industry. For this reason, individuals working or planning to work in the field of IT must find innovative ways to set themselves apart from the crowd and attract the attention of potential employers. The Role of Flexibility Flexibility is an important quality in any industry, but it is essential for success in IT. As new technologies develop, the IT industry continuously changes. To stay relevant in this industry, IT professionals must choose their experiences carefully in order to create a profile that is as flexible as possible. For example, the rise of cloud computing has recently led to dramatic changes in the methods businesses use to process and manage data. While the move to the cloud may derail the career of some IT employees, a well-trained, formidable professional can move from a standard IT job to the more specialized position of coordinating database management and online security issues with cloud support personnel. Specializing in Flexibility To become a competitive, flexible IT professional, individuals must make every decision with their futures in mind. Below are some strategies IT professionals can use to stay on top in the field. Develop a versatile resume. Since the resume is often the first exposure potential employers have to a job candidate, it must make a good impression. By constantly developing new skills through independent study, participating in industry-related workshops and enrolling in continuing education programs whenever possible, IT professionals can create a list of credentials that appeal to potential employers. Stay in the know. IT professionals should keep themselves informed about new developments in the IT industry. When a professional continuously updates his industry-current knowledge, he can quickly adapt to any changes that come his way. Take initiative. When new technologies or methods emerge, IT professionals should actively seek to become familiar with them. For example, an IT professional who learns to adapt to the cloud is more valuable to a company than one who knows about the cloud but cant operate within it. Try new things. IT professionals who are already working in the field can increase their flexibility by remaining open to new ideas. When an employer is considering a new method or program, a wise IT professional will be the first to try it. Doing so shows the employer that the individual adapts to change easily and is always willing to learn. In an industry that can change overnight, flexibility is a necessary survival skill. Fortunately, an IT professional can develop this quality and exhibit it to potential employers by making a few simple changes in the way he approaches his education and his career. By purposefully researching new technologies and learning to use them, a professional not only increases his knowledge and useful skills, but also demonstrates his dedication to the field as a whole. This is a Guest post. If you would like to submit a guest post to CareerAlley, please follow these guest post guidelines. Good luck in your search. Visit me on Facebook