IT Business Insider - Home

Self-Promotion on the Job (continued)

Experts agree, however, that self-promotion should not be limited to the confines of your current employment. 

"Most good IT managers are well known because they typically have their own blog. They belong to several user groups, are active in them and are highly regarded within those groups. Most importantly, they have a genuine desire to help others and they act on it," says Ardell.

Experts agree, however, that self promotion should not be limited to the confines of your current employment. Expand your world by looking beyond the borders of your current job function and employer and practicing these three Rs.

• Read "In general, reading periodicals, belonging to a variety of specific technology user groups and regional user groups, such as the San Diego Cold Fusion User Group, will ensure that IT professionals remain competitive and available for interesting work," says Ardell.
• Respect "Acknowledge the heck out of your team for doing a good job.  It will help your career tremendously if you have the good will and vote of the people who work for you. Blogging keeps your visibility up in the industry overall," says Robbins.
• Recall "Maintain continuous contact with business constituents, internal and external. Because if you don't, they'll forget about you," says Orlov.

Moving to the next level of your career may progress along a well-defined path, but without some help from your own hands, it may not progress at all. Map out a range of possibilities and make known your desires and abilities. Then be ready to move ahead when the opportunity appears.

"To get ahead in the IT environment today, point out your business smarts and people skills, as these are the skills companies are seeking in their top IT people. Interestingly, self-promotion, when done right, illustrates both of those skills," concludes Orlov.

<< Previous Page

Next Feature Management For Smarties >>