What are the best strategies for succeeding in your first IT job?
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Landing your first IT job can be both exciting and challenging. You may have the skills and qualifications, but you also need to adapt to the workplace culture, expectations, and responsibilities. How can you make a good impression, learn from your mistakes, and grow your career? Here are some of the best strategies for succeeding in your first IT job.
One of the most important qualities of a successful IT professional is the willingness to learn new things and take on new challenges. Don't wait for someone to tell you what to do or how to do it. Instead, show initiative and curiosity by asking questions, seeking feedback, and researching solutions. You can also demonstrate your enthusiasm and value by volunteering for projects, taking online courses, or joining professional networks.
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Vedant Khairnar
DEVeloper Avocado🥑@Juspay @Hyperswitch| Founder of DevScript| GDG Cloud Nagpur| in a DEEP Life!!
First IT job can be a bit challenging based on how you perceive it: 1) Directly getting into an ongoing project can be troublesome. Speaking from personal experience, it's like catching a running train. You might get demotivated. Being curious to know more things is the key to such situations. Always be open to knowing new things. 2) Whether it be first IT job or first job, being proactive is an important thing. Show initiative, be energetic about things. Resonate with people. 3) Fine, good to be motivated but how? Define milestones and celebrate them. The thought of things getting completed works like a charm to be motivated. 4) Seeking continuous feedback will help you improve faster and in the right direction under proper mentorship.
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Phillip Conrado
Systems Analyst II | Andritz
One of the best strategies for succeeding in your first IT job is to adopt the philosophy that there are no impossible challenges, only those for which you have yet to master what it takes to accomplish them. Continuous learning is the key to success!
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Riyaz Khan
Head of Operations | Business Operations Strategist | Efficiency & Process Optimization | Operational Excellence
Succeeding in your first IT job requires a combination of technical skills, adaptability, and effective communication. Here are some strategies to help you thrive in your early IT career. 1. Continuous Learning 2. Build a Strong Foundation 3. Effective Communication 4. Networking 5. Problem-Solving Skills 6. Adaptability 7. Time Management 8. Collaborations 9. Attention to Details 10. Professionalism 11. Take Imitative 12. Soft Skill Development By combining these strategies with a genuine passion for technology and a proactive approach to your professional development, you'll be well-positioned for success in your first IT job.
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Communication is key in any IT job, whether you are working with clients, colleagues, or managers. You need to be able to explain technical concepts in simple terms, listen actively, and collaborate with others. You also need to be respectful and professional in your tone, language, and etiquette. Avoid jargon, slang, or sarcasm that may confuse or offend others. Use clear and concise emails, messages, and reports. And always acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of others.
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Phillip Conrado
Systems Analyst II | Andritz
As IT professionals, especially when we are starting in a field, we often focus our attention exclusively on technical skills. In my experience, I believe that soft skills, such as communication, can be as important as, or even more important than, technical knowledge. This is because technologies tend to become obsolete, but it's important to emphasize that effective communication, in combination with technical skills, always enables us to deliver our solutions as closely as possible to what customers desire.
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Simon Wheeler
Business Student in NL from IT in UK
Absolutely, communication is the key to your first IT role. Your soft skills are vital for IT. Remove the stigma of the IT Crowd, and become a charismatic voice to someone who needs help. You might have all the technical knowledge, but people don't want to ask for help if they don't feel welcome. Tell them that this issue will be sorted. If you're struggling to solve the problem, tell them what you're trying! Ease their worries about the Excel sheet they have to get out by this afternoon. But don't throw jargon at them! If they're frustrated with you, take it on the chin.
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Alex Cronin
Hardware Nation | Networking, Security, IT Infrastructure
To compete and find true success, modern IT professionals need more than just technical skills. Organizations now value soft skills like effective communication just as highly. IT professionals must be able to convey complex technical concepts to a wide range of audiences, from technical stakeholders to non-technical stakeholders, such as product managers and executives. Organizations look for people that can communicate clearly and in a collaborative manner, and always prioritize strategic business objectives.
IT jobs can be demanding and unpredictable. You may have to deal with multiple tasks, deadlines, and requests at the same time. To avoid stress and burnout, you need to manage your time and priorities effectively. You can do this by setting realistic goals, planning your schedule, and tracking your progress. You can also use tools and apps that help you organize your work, such as calendars, reminders, and task managers. And don't forget to take breaks, relax, and recharge.
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Alexandra Mercz
👩🏼💼Founder | 🦹♀️ Chief of Staff | 📈Transformation, Strategy and Governance Leader | ♻️ ESG and Sustainability Advocate | 👩🏼🎤 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Champion | 🏆 SG 100 Women in Tech Winner
Starting your first IT job is like being a new pilot: Understanding the Cockpit: Get to know your workplace's controls and culture. Flight Path (Prioritization): Goals: Set your destination. Planning: Map out challenges. Tools: Use instruments like calendars to navigate. Breaks: Refuel and refresh periodically. Stay focused on priorities, and you'll navigate your IT career smoothly.
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Sandeep Shah
NODEJS | OPENAI API | CHATGPT | MAGENTO | PYTHON
I quickly realized that time management was essential in IT. To avoid chaos, I started using a task manager app. It helped me keep deadlines in check and allowed me to allocate time wisely. But don't forget to pencil in breaks; they're lifesavers when debugging code!
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Alex Cronin
Hardware Nation | Networking, Security, IT Infrastructure
As a new or experienced IT professional joining a new organization, the first thing you should do is figure out what you are responsible for. Once you know that, use the 80/20 rule to prioritize your tasks. IT pros often have a lot on their plates, with multiple projects and deadlines to juggle. That's why it's so important to have a system for managing your time effectively. I personally find time blocking to be effective. It helps me stay focused and avoid distractions. Of course, the best way to manage your time is to find a system that works for you and stick with it. There's no one-size-fits-all approach.
Another way to succeed in your first IT job is to seek mentorship and guidance from someone who has more experience and knowledge than you. A mentor can help you navigate the challenges, opportunities, and expectations of your role. They can also offer you advice, feedback, and support. You can find a mentor within your organization, or outside of it, such as through online platforms, events, or communities. You can also ask your manager or HR for recommendations.
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Adil Rathore
Project Management Institute PMP® | ServiceNow Implementer - 6x Certified | CSA - ServiceNow | CSD - ServiceNow | CIS - ITSM | CIS-Discovery | CIS- Service Mapping | CIS - Event Management
You should look for experienced colleagues who have the skills and knowledge you need in your job. For this you need to determine what specific skills and guidance you need and this should be done prior. Dont be afraid to approach someone you would like to ask if they would consider being your mentor. However, you should respect their time commitments as mentors are busy individuals.
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Sandeep Shah
NODEJS | OPENAI API | CHATGPT | MAGENTO | PYTHON
My mentor played a vital role in my growth. I approached a seasoned colleague who generously shared their knowledge and insights. Having a mentor was like having a compass in the IT wilderness, guiding me through challenges and decisions.
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Alex Cronin
Hardware Nation | Networking, Security, IT Infrastructure
I never had a mentor in the traditional sense, but I did find people who had already achieved what I wanted to achieve. I looked up to these people and aspired to be like them. I would often envision myself already achieving my goals, and this kept me motivated to work hard to make that vision a reality. In order to achieve anything of significance, you will have to put in a lot of work, and do it consistently - in order to do that, you must have a clear vision of where you want to go.
IT is a dynamic and constantly evolving field. You need to be flexible and adaptable to the changes and trends that affect your work. You may have to learn new skills, use new tools, or switch to new projects. You may also have to work with different teams, clients, or environments. To cope with these changes, you need to have a positive attitude, a growth mindset, and a problem-solving approach. You also need to be open to feedback, criticism, and suggestions.
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Sandeep Shah
NODEJS | OPENAI API | CHATGPT | MAGENTO | PYTHON
In IT, change is constant. My ability to adapt and embrace new technologies and methodologies made my life easier. It also led to some hilarious trial-and-error moments, but hey, that's how you learn!
Finally, you need to showcase your achievements and potential in your first IT job. You need to prove that you are competent, reliable, and valuable to your employer. You can do this by documenting your work, highlighting your results, and sharing your insights. You can also update your portfolio, resume, and online profiles with your latest projects and skills. And don't be shy to ask for recognition, promotion, or raise when you deserve it.
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Simon Wheeler
Business Student in NL from IT in UK
What does this mean? Well, if you receive a ticket/problem that looks like a challenge, give it a go. Try to see if you can solve it, assure the customer what you are trying to solve this. And when you have exhausted all attempts, before you pass it on to someone else, make sure you list everything you have tried! Everything. Even a potential solution! Something that you think might be the problem! This how you show "I know what I'm doing."
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Elías Rovere
🚀 IT Sourcer | Talent Acquisition | IT Recruiter | Digital Marketing
In addition to updating your portfolio and online profiles, look for opportunities to showcase your work at conferences, webinars, or write articles on relevant topics in your field. This will help you highlight your achievements and establish your authority in the IT industry.
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Sandeep Shah
NODEJS | OPENAI API | CHATGPT | MAGENTO | PYTHON
As I gained experience, I made sure to document my achievements. I created a portfolio that showcased my projects and results. When the time came, I confidently discussed my accomplishments with my manager, which eventually led to recognition and a well-deserved raise.
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Ravi Kumar Dasari (M.B.A, PMP®,CRISC®)
Executive Director - Group Operations & Technology Office (GOTO) APAC Head of Technology Risk at UBS Singapore
1. Discipline and punctuality 2. Positive can do attitude 3. Develop prioritisation skills 4. Understand the rationale behind decisions made by leaders and costantly compare it with your own answers. See on the hindsight how your own thinking or decision making can improve 5. Common sense is not very common, so apply common sense to solve most of the problems 5. Grow network within organization 6. Be a team player
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Mahogany B.
I.T. is a team sport. Also, the pursuit of knowledge and the willingness to embrace new challenges serve as the cornerstones of personal and professional development in the dynamic I.T. industry. Here are some useful tips for when first starting out: Learn Continuously In the ever-evolving I.T. landscape, continuous learning is pivotal. Stay updated through online courses, webinars, and workshops to remain abreast of emerging trends. Try New Challenges Embrace new challenges by exploring diverse projects within cross-functional teams, broadening your skill set and gaining varied experiences. Nurture Relationships Cultivate strong relationships within your team to build trust, enhancing collaboration, and ensuring better project outcomes.
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Elías Rovere
🚀 IT Sourcer | Talent Acquisition | IT Recruiter | Digital Marketing
For trainees, keep these resume tips in mind: 1. Maintain consistency between your PDF resume and LinkedIn to avoid discrepancies. 2. Highlight university or personal projects as professional experience in the "projects" section on LinkedIn. 3. Use action verbs to describe your activities and demonstrate results (e.g., led, developed, designed, etc.). 4. Leverage LinkedIn's 'Skills' tags to showcase your tech expertise. 5. Follow companies that often hire trainees and juniors. Join groups where job openings in your desired technology are posted, and follow pages that promote these positions.