What do you do if your IT career growth is stagnant and you want to develop a growth mindset?

After assessing your current situation, develop a 3-5 years career plan related to your expectations and passion in IT: do you expect to be a team lead,line manager, director etc. You career plan may include technical and/or managerial roles. Accordingly, research the skills that are needed for the planned role(s), and check how you can reach your goals by enhancing your skills. - Have a roadmap for the skills you need to acquire that matches the roles you are seeking and start developing them and tracking your progress to stay motivated

SMART Goals: Specific (address exactly what you want to achieve), Measurable (track your progress with clear metrics), Achievable (set goals that are challenging but attainable), Relevant (aligned with your overall career aspirations), and Time-bound (have a defined deadline for achieving each goal). Beyond Technical Focus: Don't just focus on technical certifications. Consider well-rounded development that includes leadership skills, communication skills, or project management skills. These complementary areas can make you a more valuable asset and open doors to new opportunities.

After researching the different skills you need to acquire based on your career plan, You can: - discuss with your line manager your aspirations and agree on suggested trainings if possible - check the certifications that align with your aspirations (Project Management, IT governance, Service management, networking, infrastructure, cybersecurity...)

Are you looking to deepen your knowledge and expertise in your current technical area (upskilling), or are you looking to acquire entirely new skill sets to transition into a different IT field (reskilling)? This will help you determine the most appropriate learning paths. For upskilling, consider advanced certifications, specialized courses, or participation in online learning communities focused on your specific technology stack. For reskilling, boot camps, intensive online programs, or even a college degree program might be a better fit. Regardless of the approach, focus on acquiring hands-on experience through projects or volunteer work to solidify your new skills.

Maintaining a career growth mindset in IT involves actively seeking out and reading research papers on upcoming technologies. This helps professionals stay ahead of emerging trends, anticipate challenges, and position themselves as thought leaders in the field, leading to new career opportunities and advancement.

Targeted Networking: Instead of generic IT conferences, seek out events focused on your desired growth areas. Look for conferences or meetups dedicated to specific technologies, methodologies, or leadership topics relevant to your career goals. Industry associations and professional societies can also be excellent resources for targeted networking. Become a Contributor: Establish yourself as a thought leader by contributing insights on blogs or forums. This builds visibility, and credibility, and demonstrates your expertise.

To develop a growth mindset and overcome stagnation in your IT career, set clear goals, identify areas for improvement, and seek learning opportunities such as courses and workshops. Embrace challenges, seek feedback, and cultivate curiosity about new technologies and trends. Network and collaborate with other professionals, persist in your efforts, and celebrate progress along the way. By adopting a growth mindset and actively pursuing opportunities for learning and development, you can break through stagnation and unlock new opportunities for career growth in the IT field.