Despite increasing layoffs across the country, demand for IT pros remains high, especially for software developers and senior software developers.
According to our recent IT & Development Outlook Report, 89 percent of CIOs and CTOs say that the global shortage of software developers has impacted them. According to another recent report, over 100,000 jobs for IT pros have gone unfulfilled in the U.S.
Many of these job openings exist at large tech companies that are simultaneously letting go of current tech and IT professionals to preserve resources against macroeconomic uncertainty. In the coming year, these organizations will prioritize top-producing talent.
Expectations are at an all-time high, and the complexity of organizations’ digital transformations is evolving rapidly. That means IT pros will need skills that make them both more productive and versatile.
[ Also read IT talent: Top 6 books for job hunters in 2023. ]
Here are four tips to help you grow your IT career in 2023.
1. Focus on soft skills
The ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, clients, and managers is critical these days, especially as many communications happen virtually.
Top IT professionals should be able to articulate thoughts, actively listen, and pay attention in virtual or in-person meetings. These soft skills are vital to productive cooperation and efficient work.
2. Be flexible
Most businesses will likely need to pivot in the upcoming year. An uncertain economic and business climate means that priorities will certainly be shifting.
More specifically, companies will be looking to utilize digital transformation to reach their growth and expansion goals in 2023. For some companies, this might entail bringing in a fresh new workforce, while others may focus on upskilling their current employees.
Since no two companies are the same, predicting if your skills will fit future business and digital transformation strategies can be challenging. Be proactive when it comes to upskilling. That begins with mental preparation – being mentally prepared for change will help you carve a more efficient path to success.
3. Keep up with the latest tech trends
Staying up to date with the latest tech trends sharpens your skills and helps you identify organizations that align with your career goals. Numerous resources provide continuing education opportunities, many of which are free or low-cost.
Allocate time to focus on improving your skills beyond your primary area of responsibility. For example, project managers can bolster their product development knowledge, while software engineers might learn how to lead a team.
4. Be an advocate
Being a true advocate for your employer not only helps you produce better work but can also help you find new roles in the future. Promoting your workplace to friends and your network can attract new talent and clients to your organization, making you a more attractive job candidate down the line.
Additionally, many companies find that employees who utilize social media are far more effective than external influencers at building trust and intimacy.
Companies have increasingly come to value employee-generated content, which can help IT pros gain a competitive edge when looking for employment. Establishing a track record of advocating and celebrating your employer can be a handy tool when presenting yourself to future employers.
[ Ready to level up your communication skills? Get advice from IT leaders. Download our Ebook: 10 resources to make you a better communicator. ]
