Careers in IT have performed increasingly well over the past decade. But the pandemic of 2020 and now 2021, has catapulted those within it to new heights.

As online activity and the technology that supports it continues to prosper and evolve, those working within the IT industry can too.

Businesses are relying on tech support now more than ever before, with particular demand for workers who can provide data security, data analysis, and cloud architecture.

Whether you have been in IT for years or are just starting out, this article will help you gain insight into what companies are currently looking for in employees. Plus, you’ll learn how you can continue to improve your career in tech-based on future trend predictions.

Find a Mentor

Even if you already consider yourself an established member of the IT community, having someone whose opinions you trust can be a tremendous source of support in times of uncertainty.

Many companies employ a mentoring programme to help new team members settle in and find support. Studies on those programmes tell us that mentees are more confident, satisfied, and productive when provided with this opportunity.

If you work freelance or your company does not offer a mentorship programme, you can reap similar benefits in other ways. Join active online forums or have regular conversations with friends, family members or co-workers that you trust within the industry.

Create a Career Map

It is so much harder to hit a target when you haven’t yet identified what it is. Drawing up a career map can allow you to not only spend time researching and contemplating where you actually want to be in the future, but also give you a chance to witness that trajectory in a comprehensive format.

Consider the next five years and where you would ideally like to be positioned by the time those years are over. Then outline what concrete steps you can take to get there.

If you have already done this exercise, revisit it and see what has changed within yourself and the industry as a whole.

Upgrade Your Remote Working Space

Many IT jobs are easy to perform remotely, which is why you need to upgrade your home-working space. Covid-19 hasn’t gone anywhere yet, and estimates are still very unsure about when the world will return to “normal”.

This means investing in ergonomic products like an office chair, working desk, or high-quality headset for online communications.

Making your remote working space comfortable and functional will save you many aches and pains further down the line.

Follow Industry Trends

The world of technology is constantly growing and evolving. If you want to stay ahead of the game, attempting to keep up-to-date on industry trends will give you a broader perspective of the future and increase your chances of career success.

Mobile-app development, cryptocurrency advancements, augmented reality (AR) and more are currently making waves in the IT industry.

But who knows what will develop over time? If you want to find success in IT, following industry trends is an indisputable advantage.

Specialise in Something

While dabbling in many different areas of IT can show versatility, specialising in one particular area shows dedication, drive, and competence.

Companies want to know you’ve got a solid understanding of your job and can handle your area of expertise without hesitance.

Whether it’s web development, programming, mobile security or any prominent job profile within IT, you’ll have a higher chance of landing a concrete position if you specialise in it.

Open Up a Cryptocurrency Wallet

Many employers and companies around the world are adapting to the advancement of cryptocurrency. They’re offering to pay employees in digital currencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum (amongst many others).

This not only fuels the cryptocurrency market itself but presents you with an opportunity to accrue interest on your salary.

Creating a personal cryptocurrency wallet for sending or receiving payment will display your adaptability and innovation around the way the tech world is changing.

Work on Your Communication Skills

If you want to be a successful IT professional, your communication skills need to stay up to scratch. People in IT tend to get a bad rep for their social habits. But the truth is that many of them end up doing a lot of person-to-person communication that requires real tact and experience.

Whether you’re working in tech support answering phone calls or collaborating with a team on a large-scale project, refining your communication skills will make you an even better IT professional.

Consider Taking a Short Course

IT covers such a broad spectrum of job profiles and career paths, you will easily be able to find a course that upskills your abilities and makes your resume look more appealing.

Jobs in IT are in demand. But that also means that finding a good one is a competitive business.

If you want to stand out amongst the crowd, consider broadening your knowledge by taking a short online course on any IT-related topic. Whatever you choose should both align with your future goals and interest you on a personal level.

AI, M-Commerce, and Cybersecurity

Artificial Intelligence (AI), Mobile e-commerce and cybersecurity are three aspects of technology that are estimated to dominate the IT industry over the next decade.

Exploring any of these avenues is highly unlikely to result in a lack of work or a low-paying job. If you are searching for a new IT direction to go in, these are all excellent choices for your career.

Don’t Stop Learning

Technology has made several massive leaps over the past few years, and its trajectory is only expected to accelerate as time passes.

We are currently witnessing some of the most exciting progressions in IT that will (and already has) changed the future of the relationship between society and technology.

As an IT professional, you will need to surrender to the fact that adapting is now a natural part of your career—you never know what’s coming next.

Keeping an open mindset and accepting that you can never stop learning is going to be the force that pushes your IT career to the next level.

By Addison Shaw