define your career preferences

Know Your Objectives and Preferences

• Define your own specific objectives, both personal and professional, before you begin.
• Understand your preferences regarding work styles, environments, pace, etc.
• Determine the job criteria that will help you meet your requirements
• Think about which technologies you enjoy most, especially if you are experienced in more than one area.
• Consider what types of roles will help you achieve your long-term goals.
• Factor in the importance of learning new skills as you work.

Consider the Size of Organization You Like Most

• Many professionals want to work for large companies on the international IT scene.
• Others appreciate the opportunity to pave new roads with smaller innovative start-up firms.
• For still others, the size of the organization does not matter at all.
• Reflect on your own career experiences to date.
• Have you found yourself happier in a small organization, or thriving in a large environment?
• Factor your preferences in this area into your job search.

Select Hands-On Work or Management

• Moving into a management role can be very rewarding
• Management roles, however, include added responsibility, paperwork and the development of careers of those working under your supervision.
• If you enjoy hands-on technical work, management may not be the right direction for you.
• If you are contemplating a move into a management role, consider the reasons why.
• If you would simply like to pursue a higher salary, discuss that possibility with your current manager.
• If you are certain that management is right for you, demonstrate your willingness to learn and to lead.

Determine Your Salary or Rate

• Understand that there is a wide range of salaries and rates for every IT role.
• Research the ranges for different organizations in your local area
• Base your range on the type of work you do, your years of experience and your financial obligations.
• Seek a compensation plan that is appropriate for your given role.
• Factor benefits, such as training, insurance coverage, retirement funds, etc., into your evaluation.
• Avoid letting salary alone influence your decision to accept or reject a potential opportunity.

Are You Prepared to Commute or Relocate?

• Some individuals view a commute as an opportunity for quiet time before the day begins.
• Others prefer not to travel more than a few minutes to the office each day.
• Think about your willingness to commute when evaluating positions.
• Determine your transportation options to and from each workplace.
• Decide whether you would be willing to move to an area closer to where a given office is located.
• Consider asking whether the hiring organization offers telecommuting or other work-from-home options.

Factor In Your Special Needs

• You may have special needs that affect your career choices   Single parents may require a daycare facility onsite.  If you have health considerations, for instance, you might need an organization with a comprehensive benefit plan. You may be averse to accepting a position that requires travel. Communicate your requirements up front so a potential employer can map an opportunity to those needs.

Stay Informed of Market Developments

• Many IT professionals enjoy the challenge of learning leading-edge technologies.
• Others prefer to work in areas in which they have experience.
• Beware of being unwilling to move with the market trends.
• At the same time, remember that lists of “hot” technologies are always changing.
• Stay attuned to emerging areas where there are opportunities to learn and develop as a professional.
• Understand market demands before investing in training in new areas.
• Read industry publications and watch trends in order to make informed career development decisions.