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Career Tools
Build Your Career


Know your objectives and preferences

  • Define your own specific objectives, both personal and professional, before you begin.
  • Decide if you are interested in contract or permanent placement. Each has its advantages.
  • 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 innovative new roads with smaller 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. Avoid letting salary alone influence your decision to accept or reject a potential opportunity.
  • 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.

Additional factors to consider

  • Are you willing to commute or relocate?
  • You may have very specific needs that affect your career choices. Single parents, for instance, may require a daycare facility onsite.
  • If you have health considerations, you might need an organization with a comprehensive benefit plan.
  • Communicate your requirements up front so a potential employer can map an opportunity to those needs.
  • Do you enjoy the challenge of learning leading-edge technologies or do you prefer to work in areas in which you already have experience?
  • As an IT professional, it is in your best interest to stay attuned to emerging technologies and to keep your skills current.

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