What are the best ways to gain IT Operations Management experience?

??Pursue relevant certifications like ITIL, COBIT, CISSP, AWS, and PMP to validate your skills. ??Gain hands-on experience through internships, projects, or volunteer work in IT operations. ??Engage in cross-functional teams to understand different aspects of IT operations management. ??Participate in online courses, workshops, and self-study to stay updated on industry trends. ??Network with IT professionals through conferences, forums, and online communities to exchange knowledge. ??Continuously apply and refine your skills by managing real-world IT operations challenges. ??Seek mentorship from experienced IT operations managers to gain insights and guidance.

Start with the basics. Complete the ITIL 4 Foundation training, then try and apply some of what you have learned in your area of work. Then sit for the exam and get certified. Do not rush into certifications immediately after the training, as you will then forget the learnings and be happy with the certificate. Once the basics are taken care of, pick-up any one area of Service Management like Incident Management and deep dive into the same.

Before you go for certification, start working with IT support companies and learn the skills. Then when you have some working experience , do the certification. This way you will understand better. Start with ITIL 4 Foundation

I completely agree that certifications are a powerful way to demonstrate and validate IT operations management expertise. They not only sharpen your skills in key areas like ITSM, cloud computing, and security, but also help you stand out in a competitive job market. Personally, I have found that hands-on practice combined with self-study and structured online courses is a great way to prepare for these exams. Certifications like ITIL and AWS have been incredibly beneficial in advancing my career.

Volunteer or Freelance Work: Offer your services to non-profit organizations, local businesses, or freelance opportunities where you can gain practical experience in managing IT operations. Networking and Collaboration: Engage with professionals in the field through forums, industry events, and online communities. Collaborate on projects or seek mentorship to gain insights and learn from their experiences.

Joining a community of like-minded professionals can truly be a game-changer for gaining IT operations management experience. The collaborative opportunities, shared knowledge, and access to valuable resources are unmatched. Communities like ITSM Zone, DevOps Institute, ISACA, and PMI not only help keep you updated on trends but also offer a chance to develop leadership skills through mentoring and networking. It's an excellent way to accelerate career growth and stay ahead in the field.

Best way to gain experience is to Volunteer or get a job as an Intern. The company requirement should match the skill you looking to gain.

This is the most important factor in developing your career as an IT leader. Embrace the unknown and get comfortable with it. I can't count how many times I've ventured into a project or initiative that was completely new to me. In the end, they all worked out just fine and I gained a ton of invaluable experience. You learn from those experiences and carry them forward to new ones. If you're not trying new things, you won't grow. Sure, you'll make mistakes along the way, but that shouldn't stop you from putting your hand up and saying "I can handle this".

When you are the IT Manager , the task will be given to you so not necessary to ask for more challenging task. When the task is assigned, look into ways to get it done efficiently and before the deadlines.

Starting in a call center, I quickly learned that proactivity is key in IT. I volunteered for projects beyond my role, which taught me the ins and outs of IT Operations. Hands-on experience with troubleshooting, system upgrades, and collaborating across teams was invaluable. Each challenge was a learning opportunity, paving my way to becoming an Operations Manager. Embracing additional responsibilities not only broadened my technical skills but also honed my leadership qualities.

Taking on additional responsibilities not only broadens your skill set but also helps build confidence in managing complex IT operations. It's an excellent way to show initiative and leadership, which are highly valued in the industry. Plus, mentoring colleagues offers a win-win scenario—helping others while reinforcing your own knowledge. Thanks for sharing this insightful approach!

Absolutely agree! Learning from experts is invaluable in gaining IT operations management experience. I'd like to add that I've personally learned so much from David Israel. His insights and expertise have been crucial in shaping my understanding and skills in this field. It's amazing how much knowledge can be gained from following industry leaders. Continuous learning from experts can truly make a difference in one's career journey!