Surviving in the IT industry after 40 years can seem overwhelming. This article offers practical tips and strategies for IT professionals to stay competitive, tackle new challenges, and leverage their extensive experience as a valuable asset. Below are some actionable approaches, ranked by the effort needed (from low to high) and the impact they can achieve.
1. Improve Communication
Effective communication is essential to articulate ideas, collaborate with peers, and influence stakeholders. Strong communication can open doors to leadership roles and elevate your professional image.
Quick ways to improve communication skills:
Watch videos and courses on corporate business communication.
Learn common phrases to be used in meetings and other business settings
Join any public speaking groups like Toastmasters.
Use tools like Grammarly and leverage chatgpt for written communication.
Practice and Practise and practice for key meetings by rehearsing your points and updates to share.
2. Social Media Presence as Thought Leader
Establishing yourself as a thought leader on platforms like LinkedIn helps showcase your expertise and builds credibility in your domain. It’s an excellent way to attract opportunities and expand your network.
Build your Social Media Presence
Share and like insightful posts and company news weekly.
Engage with others’ content by commenting thoughtfully.
Follow a few industry leaders and trends to stay informed.
Create a professional profile picture and banner for your social media handles
3. Dynamic CV & LinkedIn
A well-structured CV and LinkedIn profile are critical to showcasing your skills, achievements, and value proposition to potential employers or collaborators. Regular updates ensure relevance to industry needs.
Maintain up to date CV and LinkedIn
Use latest formats and highlight measurable achievements.
Include keywords relevant to your target roles.
Request recommendations from colleagues and leaders.
Showcase certifications and projects with links where possible.
4. Network with Stakeholders
Building strong relationships with stakeholders across teams and organizations enhances your visibility and opens up opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Network is you Net worth within and outside the company
Schedule informal catch-ups to understand their priorities.
Volunteer for cross-functional projects to expand your network.
Wish them on occasions and offer help wherever you can
Make sure to attend internal events or town halls to connect.
5. Participate in Conferences & Webinars
Engaging in industry events helps you stay updated with the latest trends, expand your network, and establish credibility within your professional community.
Go beyond and position as a Growth Leader
Research and register for relevant events in advance.
Prepare questions or topics to discuss with speakers or attendees.
Follow up with connections made during events on LinkedIn.
Summarize key learnings and share them within your network.
6. Increase Visibility
Being visible in your organization and industry ensures that your contributions are recognized and positions you as a go-to expert in your field.
Be visible on the floor, in the meetings and offsite
Ask questions in the meeting you attend - The simplest and most visible
Volunteer for high-impact or cross-department projects.
Offer to present updates or results in team meetings.
Write internal blogs or newsletters showcasing insights.
7. Learn the Latest Trending Technologies
Staying updated with new technologies keeps your skills relevant and makes you an asset in adapting to changing industry demands.
Spend time learning latest technologies in the market:
Identify the top technologies in your field
Take online courses on platforms like Youtbe, Coursera, Udemy.
Work on small projects or certifications to gain hands-on experience.
Share these achievements on your profile and talk about it with you teams and leaders
8. Learn Coaching & Facilitation
Coaching and facilitation skills are invaluable for guiding teams, resolving conflicts, and driving productive discussions. These are the areas where high experience candidates and above 40 years will position well.
After 40 Years in IT, getting to Coaching is a great move
Enroll in a coaching certification program (e.g., ICF, ICP-ACC).
Practice facilitating meetings and retrospectives.
Use tools like Liberating Structures for team engagement.
Seek feedback on your coaching approach and refine it.
9. Increase Executive Presence
Executive presence is about how you present yourself, influence decisions, and instill confidence in others. It’s a key attribute for advancing into leadership roles.
Executive is your Key to success
Practice concise and impactful communication.
Dress professionally and maintain confident body language.
Develop a point of view and back it with data in discussions.
Seek opportunities to present to senior leadership.
10. Change to a Lower-Tier Company
You will be valued more due to your experience in a bigger company. This can be counter intuitive, but executed well, this move can give you a better package and a bigger role
Take risks and explore new opportunities.
· Identify companies where your skills align with their needs.
Leverage your network to learn about openings in such companies.
Highlight your leadership and mentorship abilities during interviews.
Here are the key takeaways on How to Survive after 40 Years in IT Industry
Improve Communication
Social Media Presence as Thought Leader
Dynamic CV & LinkedIn
Network with Stakeholders
Participate in Conferences & Webinars
Increase Visibility
Learn The Latest Trending Technologies
Learn Coaching & Facilitation
Increase Executive Presence
Change To a Lower-Tier Company
Achieving success in IT after 40 years isn't solely about staying updated with the newest technologies; it's also about utilizing your experience, cultivating robust networks, and consistently adapting to change. By implementing these strategies, you can thrive in the industry and become an inspiration to others. Keep in mind that your career is a marathon, not a sprint, and with the right attitude, you can make it a fulfilling and rewarding journey.
Do let know know you thoughts and challenges in the comments below and will try to address them. For any specific issues or looking for 1-1 mentorship, drop in a mail at progranstrategyhq@gmail.com
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