How can I make a long-term IT career plan?
In 1965, Gordon Moore, the founder of Intel, predicted that computing technology would increase in value at the same time it would decrease in cost.
In other words, Moore’s Law argued that as the pace of computer technology continues to double its capabilities and becomes smaller, quicker and smarter, it inevitably becomes more affordable. How right he was.
Moore’s Law will inevitably characterise the future of the IT industry. The next decade promises much with developments in voice recognition, cloud computing and mobile technology. We may even see the end of television as we know it.
By its very nature, the IT industry is constantly on the look out for the next innovate user experience or application that will precede all that has gone before it. But what does this mean to your future prospects?
There's no disputing the fact that both personal and business use of IT will continue to grow. Consequently, skilled IT practitioners who can combine technical and ‘soft’ business skills (communication, team-working, business acumen, etc) will forever be in demand. That demand can carve out a long and rewarding career path for those who have the IT skills that are in short supply.
It's up to you to stay in touch with the IT world, decide the areas where you feel will be in demand in the future, and focus your efforts on developing your skills. be careful not to throw all your eggs in one basket.
If you're spent thousands on training courses to become an expert in Java, what are you going to do when a new technology replaces it?
When making career goals, make sure they are SMART:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Attainable
- Realistic
- Timely
Whether you go for a managerial route, into consultancy or to start your own business stay one step ahead of the game and become a pioneer in the industry, boldly going where no IT professional has gone before.
Wondering what to do now? Check out our expert career advice, find out more about the IT industry or search for the latest IT jobs.