A Technical Job is Not All about Being Technical
by: techiecrossing
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Word Count: 1123
The tech
job market is tough and will continue to be so. Technological changes
are a major cause of worker displacement, and changes in technology affect
those in tech jobs faster than those in other fields. No other era has
seen such quantum leaps in paradigm-shifting technology in such short periods
of time.
The
technical knowledge you have in the morning may be obsolete by evening.
In our information-based era, new technology is blossoming and fading faster
than ever. The latest cars have more computerization than the Apollo 13
spacecraft, and the job of an auto mechanic can scarcely be termed low-tech any
longer. In the manufacturing sector, jobs and processes have already shifted to
countries where there is cheaper labor. In the knowledge sector, jobs that can
be handled remotely have already become remote. Amidst the fast-paced
environment of the job market, relying simply on your technological skills to
carry you through is no longer an effective career strategy. Continually
updating your skill sets and developing other skills beyond your arsenal of
technical abilities are essential today for a successful tech career.
The techie who keeps his or
her job is a survivor first and a techie second.
The best worker is never laid off from his or her job. Corporations go to great
lengths, including offering training programs, to retain valuable talent in technological jobs.
However, when your present technological skills are not adequate to cope with
new technology in the field, your employer's decision to retain you will not
depend on your technological skills. Your employer has to view you as something
more than a simple techie, and it is up to you to make him or her see that.
When employers are sure of the adaptive and results-oriented nature of an
individual employee, his or her name is never going to be on the list of
possible layoffs when there is an impending change in the work environment.
Increase your value to your
employer.
- Work the in-house
network.
Don't just be the guy who's referred to for specific technical problems.
Be identified as a person who speaks the language of management. - Make connections with
senior-level managers. Without connecting with senior staff members,
you will never come to know the unwritten rules within a company and the
industry. The knowledge and information you gain from senior staff will
help you make better on-the-job decisions. - Honor the time of
superiors and your commitments. Failing to keep commitments and
wasting the time of senior-level staff and superiors is one of the easiest
ways to lose credibility. On the other hand, honoring their time and your
commitments builds the credibility you need to stay and progress in your
career. Rather than looking for what someone can do for you, look for what
you can do for someone else. - Volunteer for projects
that others are not ready to accept. More often than not,
the manager who makes the assignment knows which project most employees
will try to avoid. Your willingness to take the risk and help out will
stand you in good stead. - Volunteer for projects
that span departments. Accomplishments related to projects that span
different departments help to build your professional reputation. - Focus on
accomplishments. Problems at work are often generic across companies and
industries. Today, more emphasis is given to accomplishments on the job
than to time spent in the job. Exhibiting effectiveness in generic areas
increases your value both to your current and prospective employers. - Ask for informal
evaluations from senior staff members and management. Having an informal
conversation with your manager about your work saves you from unpleasant
surprises. Open channels of communication reduce misunderstandings and
misjudgments. - Don't be afraid to
blow your own horn. Being modest about your accomplishments is
not going to serve you well. Do not be arrogant, but make sure everybody
concerned is aware of your bottom-line contributions to the company. - Take every opportunity
to cross train. Select an area of interest like marketing or sales within
your company and cross train yourself.
Remain
alert and develop yourself.
- Never be complacent. Complacency leads to
inactivity, arrogance, and loss of sharpness. - Keep yourself ready
for the eventuality of a job loss. Read the changes in the wind and be
prepared to respond efficiently when they affect you adversely. Keep
looking for better opportunities all the time. Remember, it is always
easier to negotiate with a prospective employer while employed than it is
to negotiate as an unemployed worker. - Identify other
opportunities. Do not ignore career options that are far from the beaten
track. Continually assess how your skills can fit into another position or
another industry. Try to identify opportunities outside your sphere of
familiarity. - Be prepared to
reorient your career objectives according to the market situation. Don't be inflexible.
If situations demand that you leave your comfort zone, do so, and don't
rule out relocation or a pay cut when there are better future prospects. - Never stop learning. Take advantage of all
company offers of training seminars or tuition reimbursement. A lot of
people suddenly put a stop to their learning mode after finishing their
schooling. Do not end your education with your degree.
Above
all else, be confident that you can always find work. That's the manual for job
survival.
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