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November 16, 2009 12:00 AM

New IT Pros: Chart Your Career

Windows IT Pro
InstantDoc ID #103156
Rating: (1)

There's a hilarious play called Avenue Q that follows the lives of several young adults as they struggle to find jobs, build relationships, and generally make it in the "real world." One of the songs in this play is called "I Wish I Could Go Back to College," where the actors show how everything is laid out for you in college, but everything is up to you once you get out into the world.

If you've ever felt like this (especially if you're new to IT), then Microsoft Learning's new Chart your Career page is for you. The page lists a number of different positions in IT (with a short roadmap showing what positions are higher tiers), then goes on to explain what type of work you'll do in that position, what skills are required, how much experience you need, etc.

For instance, the web developer page starts like this: "As a Web developer, you are a technical expert in the dynamic Web programming tools and languages that fuel the interactive Web. You may work independently or as part of an organization’s multidisciplinary team to build and integrate interactive Web sites, Web applications, and Web services for both intranet and Internet uses." Skills listed include "Using ASP or ASP.NET for server-side development," "Writing functional and design specifications for Web applications," and several others.

It may not be an academic advisor, but this site seems like a really good (and easy to understand) starting point for people looking to see where they are and where they want to go. Plus, these pages should give you a good idea of the terminology, software, and skills you'll want to address in your resume and when interviewing for jobs.

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Comments
  • Brian
    3 years ago
    Nov 23, 2009

    Here's some great advice a reader sent me via email:

    "I've been working in IT for over 20 now. When I was younger I admit I was geeky, and lacked all the social skills that geeks are famous for. Here are a few tips that I would pass along to the younger generation.

    #1: Learn the art of conversation. I'm not just talking about giving presentations -- although it is a very helpful skill to have -- but learn to speak to anyone. People can do this easily by joining Toastmasters. I wish someone had introduced me to Toastmasters when I was younger. I have learned so much from Toastmasters, and have developed confidence in speaking to people and giving presentations.

    #2: Yes, learn business and marketing skills. Aside from the art of conversation, you need to be able to speak to managers and C-level executives in a language they understand. I work in IT security, and this was my brick wall...and then I learned to quantify information using Statistics. I still hate Statistics, but I can effectively get my point across quickly.

    #3: Learn to tie a full Windsor knot. I thought my wife was crazy when she had mentioned this to me, but I have to admit that a full Windsor knot looks so much better than a half Windsor. It takes practice, but it has a more professional look. A full Windsor knot with a Trump dress shirt has worked me.

    I recommend this YouTube video:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfv782Ix8zI&feature=channel

    #4: There's more to life than computers. Yes, we make a living on computers but there is more to life than playing with servers, firewalls, and routers. No one is going to be on their deathbed saying, "Gee, I wish I had spent more time learning Microsoft Server X." Get a gun permit and go to shooting competitions. Learn to fly an airplane or skydive. Sit outside and enjoy nature. Go scuba diving."

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