The technology industry is constantly changing and evolving. This allows us to work in an exciting, challenging and rewarding field.
There’s no magic recipe for success, but here are some tips to get you started.
BE INQUISITIVE. Curiosity is your greatest asset. In technology, everything is constantly evolving. New technologies, products, and business models can emerge overnight and change the landscape. To be part of the change, you have to understand it. The only way to do that is to stay curious and ask questions. Don’t think, “But that’s not part of my job.” You will never know how this knowledge will help you later.
EMBRACE LIFELONG LEARNING. A college degree no longer means the end of training. Today we are lifelong students. Research shows that 85% of the jobs that will exist in 2030 have not yet been invented. As technology advances more and more rapidly, we all need to improve our skills throughout our careers. Luckily, online courses make them more accessible. In addition to being invaluable for professional development, it can also lead to personal growth.
IF AT FIRST YOU DON’T SUCCEED… Perseverance is the key to success, especially for women in tech. Today, women occupy only 19% of her positions, down to just 5% of Asian women and her 3% of black and Hispanic women. More progress is needed, but we are on the right track. That doesn’t mean the road is easy, though. Difficulties are expected, but hard work and determination will be rewarded.
NURTURE A SUPPORT SYSTEM. No one succeeds alone. Working mothers especially need a support system. Strong personal networks and communities empower women to successfully meet the challenges of balancing her work and her life. It’s great to see companies offering more support and flexibility. All of these relationships are important and help strengthen you on your journey.
EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED. Your career path may not go the way you envisioned, and that’s okay. If anything, it’s good to explore and experiment so you can find what really excites you. It’s okay if your 22-year-old plan doesn’t match what you do.
Most importantly, enjoy what you do and find ways to keep growing every day.
What’s the key to a successful technology career? Always remember that you don’t know what you don’t know. Keep learning, keep asking questions, and keep pursuing your interests. It paves the way for your growth – both on a personal and professional level.
Keeping up with industry trends and researching the latest technologies is essential to being a successful IT professional. You never know when your boss or another executive will ask you about a new development technology. You should be at least as savvy as they are. IT is a successful industry with many opportunities for success. If you focus on a specific area, hone your soft skills, expand your research skills, build a well-written resume, and never stop mastering your craft, nothing will stop you from succeeding.