What career advancements do you have your eye on for 2018? A promotion, a change in your role, or even working for a new company? Whatever your next step, here are the top five ways to develop your IT career and increase your chances of being successful:
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Learn more
While many of us would love to be lifelong learners, carving out time to keep up with changes in technology or in your industry is difficult. Yet, if you’re able to find the time to squeeze in some learning, we suggest listening to audiobooks or podcasts that are relevant to your field.
Take the time to learn while you’re commuting, travelling to meetings or conferences. Or if you prefer, listen to an audiobook in the comfort of your own home. There is a wealth of information and resources available that can help develop you
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Find the right mentor
A mentor can help guide your next career moves. But, some mentors are more invested and skilled than others. If you have a mentor, consider whether they have ever told you what not to do.
Raghav Haran explained how important it is to have a mentor. He told his mentor he was considering working for a larger company, and his mentor told him that he shouldn’t contact or send his CV based on a prior working relationship with the company. Haran says, “That one email probably saved me months or even years of time going down the wrong path.”
Make sure that you choose mentors who are willing to tell you when you’re making a mistake.
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Develop personal skills
It’s no secret that many of the brightest technically minded people struggle to develop the kind of personal skills that career success demands. If this sounds like you, the good news is that a little investment in these skills goes a long way—and will make you really stand out from your competition.
Study.com offers an excellent class on interpersonal skills with a work focus. Those aiming for management positions might prefer a course on learning to coach, like one offered by Coursera.
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Attend workshops and conferences
While online workshops and conferences are growing in popularity, the benefits of in-person events are advantageous. Attending a workshop can help you complete your goals by practising your personal skills and being confident.
These events will also help you keep up to date on the latest trends and changes in your industry. Furthermore, workshops and conferences also give you the ability to network and meet other key leaders which may be very valuable in the future.
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Get new certifications
Technology is always pushing forward, and those who don’t upgrade their skills will be left behind. It’s always a smart idea to spend some time gaining certifications for new skills and abilities in high demand.
This will be particularly helpful for those looking to change their role. As an IT recruiter, we know exactly how important new certifications are to employers. Gaining the right ones will push your resume to the top of the pile.
If you’re having trouble finding the right opportunities to push your career forward, we can help! At Live Assets, we work with incredible employers who are looking for employees who are interested in growing their careers. Contact us today and connect with top IT employers in the Toronto and the GTA.