Developing a passion for learning
We all are witnessing how fast the business environment can be forced to change. It requires to adopt and learn new things every day. The IT industry has been a frontrunner for new products and solution. However, we are still facing a significant lack of skills. According to “Global Knowledge - IT Decision Maker Insight” - globally IT skills gaps have increased by 155% in three years. Strategic and continuous learning is the antidote.
Ready to master
On the bright side, IT professionals have a strong desire for growth. The fact that 39% of If IT community take some form of learning every week illustrates the commitment of professional.
I can look at the numbers and say: “We are on a right track”, but I know that in reality it is continuous work to build the learning and growth culture.
In a “People, Process, Technology” world, technology plays the supporting role - it is only as powerful as the people who create and strengthen it. It requires leaders’ attention and involvement to identify development opportunities, it requires a completely new mindset for all of us about our own development, including a career path.
Career path between the past and in the future
The idea about a career as a path with clear boundaries and set professional development options might be the traditional way how we perceive our career.
However, with organizational structures becoming less hierarchical, typical work set-ups are often broken and transition to new ways. We work in clusters, for missions, teams become more autonomous, environments become more dynamic, we are required to be more agile and able to learn fast. Companies set their expectations and required roles accordingly to their dynamic needs.
The future career path will be more about the variety of skills and ability to apply them in different contexts. It will look more like a wave not as a ladder.
Every new project, new responsibility, new initiative, new skills applied at work will add a value to our career portfolio.
Start with a good conversation with your manager, discuss your interests and design your professional development plan. That’s the way how you will position yourself for the greatest chance of success.
QE Coach | WP QA Group Line Manager | Software quality process manager at If P&C Insurance AS
3 年This is great Janis Kesteris, thanks for sharing. I recall one HR presentation around 5 years ago describing the concept that in the future companies will be buying skills and competences, not roles or job titles. And the people who can quickly adapt and execute the taks will be more valuable. I think we have reached that point. Welcome to the always changing environment and continuous learning.