Having worked in the IT industry for years, I’ve come to realize how crucial a clear career plan is for tech professionals. This field is like an ocean—some ride the waves, while others drift aimlessly. Today, I want to share some practical insights on career growth.
When I first started, I was all over the place—dabbling in front-end one day, big data the next, ending up with shallow knowledge in everything. Then my mentor told me, "In this industry, breadth sets your floor, but depth defines your ceiling." That hit home. I eventually focused on cloud computing, and now I’m a technical expert at my company.
Choosing the right direction matters more than blind effort.
I’ve seen too many people jump into AI just because it’s trendy, only to realize it’s not their strength. Do this instead:
1. List your top three skills.
2. See where they fit in IT. For example, if you’re good at math and detail-oriented, data analysis might be for you. If you’re a strong communicator, project management could be a better fit.
Build solid fundamentals—don’t just chase hype.
Some newcomers rush into deep learning or blockchain but struggle with basic SQL queries. My favorite interview question is: "Can you explain TCP three-way handshake in plain terms?" Those who can simplify complex concepts are often the real experts.
Real projects are your golden ticket.
Last year, we hired a grad from an average university, but he’d been contributing to GitHub since his sophomore year and had three Java Full-Stack projects under his belt. Now, he outperforms many master’s grads. In this field, problem-solving code speaks louder than a fancy degree.
Soft skills determine how far you’ll go.
I’ve seen brilliant engineers stall because they couldn’t communicate. Every week, practice:
Discussing projects with teammates,
Explaining tech to non-tech people (like product managers),
Writing clear documentation. These skills become priceless as you advance.
Learn strategically.
My rule: Spend 80% of your time mastering your core domain and 20% exploring related areas. For example, if you’re a backend dev, touch on front-end basics but stay focused on server-side tech. Deep-dive into 1–2 new technologies a year—more than that, and you’ll spread yourself too thin.
Patience is key.
I’ve met people who expected to become architects in three years, only to plateau. The most successful colleagues? They stayed committed to one field for 5–8 years. There are no shortcuts; lasting success comes from persistence.
Three tips for newcomers:
1. First year: Cement your CS fundamentals—don’t chase trends yet.
2. Find a mentor: Their guidance will save you years of trial and error.
3. After every project, reflect: What worked? What didn’t?
Yes, IT is demanding—but it’s also one of the few fields where skill and effort can truly change your life. Stay focused, keep learning, and progress step by step. In an industry that never stops evolving, steady growth beats overnight success every time.
Release time:2025-04-10
