Professional development has become desirable and essential in today’s dynamic and unpredictable job market. Based on my experience, I will present several key tips to help you effectively manage your career, focusing on developing skills and advancing your positions.
Setting professional goals
Everyone starts from the first step, and that beginning is crucial. Regardless of whether your interest lies in programming, computers, or any other field that can turn into a profession and way of life, it’s essential to set professional goals. In some companies, like Sii, the line manager can assist in defining professional goals, aligning them with the organization’s mission, and guiding your development path according to your interests.
Beginnings can vary. Many individuals, even those specialized in their field reading this article, may want to switch careers. Your start might be behind you, but the good news is it’s never too late! There’s no age limit to learning a specialization you enjoy (no one checks 😊). Whether you’ve dreamed of being a developer forever or felt inspired this year, the first step is the most challenging… so get started!
Remember that finding your path is already a significant success. Use online roadmaps available on the internet to plan the steps of your professional journey.
Education and trainings
The world is changing, as are the job market requirements. If you haven’t defined your goal yet, specific training can broaden your horizons and provide a foundation for a particular area. Here are three training examples to consider.
Java – programming basics
Aimed at those without programming experience, this course offers a practical introduction to programming. Available online on educational platforms like Sii.pl, Coursera, or edX. More information about the course can be found, among others, on our dedicated page.
Project Management Fundamentals course
Ideal for those looking to understand project management foundations, covering planning, progress monitoring, and problem-solving. Available on various platforms, including LinkedIn Learning.
Workshops on the applications of Artificial Intelligence in business
Focusing on practical AI applications in various business sectors. Organized by different institutions and available on educational platforms.
Networking and leveraging team knowledge
Building and maintaining professional contacts can open many doors. Networking isn’t limited to official industry events; social media platforms like LinkedIn can be equally valuable. Reach out to people who have achieved success in your field of interest.
In our company, there are highly competent individuals worth learning from. One easy way to connect with them without incurring costs is the GetDigital conference held annually by Sii. Renowned figures like Robert C. Martin (Uncle Bob) also delivered lectures during this event.
Mentoring and coaching
Mentoring is about transferring knowledge, sharing experience, and supporting professional development. To find a mentor, consider using social platforms like LinkedIn or 4programmers.net. Many people from various industries are willing to provide support and share their knowledge.
Keep in mind that some corporations run internal mentoring programs. In Sii, a mentoring program is available for employees, acting as a platform connecting mentors with mentees and offering a list of individuals willing to support them in achieving professional goals.
Active participation is key to a fruitful mentor-mentee relationship. Ask questions, share your goals, and be open to suggestions. Mentorship is also a mutual knowledge exchange, so don’t hesitate to share your experiences. This way, you’ll discover a wealth of opportunities and build a support network that transcends the boundaries of a single organization.
Investing in yourself
Allocate more time to your development, as many practitioners believe it’s the best and most profitable investment.
Investing in yourself is a broad concept encompassing various actions leading to personal and professional development. Here are some practical suggestions:
- Read tech articles and follow blogs – subscribe to industry blogs and portals to stay updated on the latest trends and information in your field of interest. Read expert articles that expand your knowledge.
- Participate in free online workshops and training – many platforms offer free workshops on soft skills, technical skills, or time management. It’s an excellent way to gain practical skills without incurring costs.
- Engage in industry communities – join online communities, forums, or groups on social platforms. Collaborate and exchange experiences with other professionals.
- Watch video materials – utilize resources on platforms like YouTube, such as presentations, lectures, or webinars. Subscribe to channels of experts in the field you want to develop.
- Learn languages – learning new languages opens the possibility to broader communication and professional opportunities. Use available online courses or free language learning apps.
It’s essential to highlight that investing in yourself involves diverse forms of learning and development tailored to individual preferences. Regardless of the chosen alternative, consistent engagement in the self-development process is crucial.
Work-life balance
Remember that professional development shouldn’t come at the expense of your health or personal life. Finding a balance is key to long-term success. A small dose of laziness is also essential. Trying new things, even if it sometimes means losing money or time on training, is crucial. Knowledge gained is valuable even if it’s about realizing a field isn’t suitable for you.
An example could be my decision to learn programming. I spent much time acquiring skills and started working as a programmer. However, I quickly realized it wasn’t the right path for me. The challenges associated with application development were too exhausting, and after 8 hours of work, I felt like I had run a marathon. I understood that coding for pleasure is a completely different experience than commercial programming.
Although learning programming didn’t lead me to a programming career, the knowledge I acquired found application in my current role as a project manager. Even seemingly misplaced decisions can bring valuable experiences.
Flexibility and adaptability
In today’s IT world, adaptability to dynamic changes is crucial. Understanding why flexibility is essential helps grasp the benefits of being ready for change.
In the IT field, expect continuous transformations, such as:
- Technological changes – new programming languages, tools, or frameworks regularly emerge. The ability to quickly learn new technologies helps maintain competitiveness in the job market.
- Innovative solutions – IT is a space where new creative ideas are constantly born. Adapting to innovative solutions and implementing novel concepts become key skills.
- Moving away from old mindsets – abandoning old thinking patterns for innovative approaches in the IT environment is often necessary. Mental flexibility allows adapting to changing paradigms.
- Personal and functional changes – team rotations, role changes, or reshuffling in organizational structures are common. Flexibility in adapting to new work environments and teams is crucial.
An example from my experience is when the team I worked with decided to migrate to a new framework. Although it required learning new tools and processes, it allowed us to leverage opportunities that improved our work efficiency in the long run.
Summary
While reading this article, you may have noticed that many of the presented pieces of information seem trivial. That’s a good sign! Often, the simplest principles are the most crucial, but they are easy to forget in the daily hustle. Remember that in every organization, many individuals are just starting their careers, while others are already experienced and may have different developmental needs. Therefore, this article can serve as a reminder of basic but key aspects of professional development.
Note that every career is a journey, not a race. Be patient and consistent in your actions; you will see how your efforts bear fruit. Professional development is not just about acquiring new skills but also about understanding yourself and your preferences. Every path, even seemingly unsuccessful, is a step towards better understanding yourself and your professional needs. Supporting each other on this journey and utilizing available tools and knowledge is the key to individual and collective success.
If you have already taken your first professional steps and are looking for a company that actively supports employee development through mentoring programs and an extensive offering of internal and external training, take a look at the recruitment pages of Sii. Perhaps we have exactly what you’re looking for 😊
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If you are curious about the career paths of our experts, be sure to take a look at the articles in which they share their career paths and thoughts.
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