In the technology industry, high turnover rates are often blamed for problems such as increased organizational costs and decreased productivity, but employee turnover actually increases job satisfaction for those who remain. It offers “hidden benefits”.
Frequent employee changes foster both lateral and upward mobility, allowing technology professionals to gain new skills and experience to advance their careers. Growth opportunities can come unexpectedly and spark interest in new technologies or fields.
The question, then, is how to avoid career stagnation at a time when turnover rates are significantly lower, especially for traditional skill positions.
Here are some ways to reignite your learning and growth when advancement opportunities are decreasing and your career seems to be stagnant.
take a look at your own backyard
Don’t think you have to remain neutral just because there are fewer job openings.
Caroline Ceniza Levin, a career coach at DreamCareerClub.com, points out that there are plenty of opportunities to add complementary skills or move into a new role under the radar, especially at larger companies.
You just have to make an effort to find them, she said. For example, be proactive in letting your boss or other managers know about your skills and interests.
Laura Normile, a career coach for women in tech and founder of Woven Careers, agrees.
Now is the time to assert yourself, Nomir explained. Find out what it takes to get to the next level and make sure your boss understands your career goals and accomplishments. Decide whether to pursue the Senior Contributor, Expert Track, or Management Track so you understand the rubric for progressing.
Be sure to build your internal network by connecting with colleagues across departments, levels, and functions within your organization and finding out what they’re working on.
The more people you know and the more you are interested in their work, the more opportunities will automatically come your way. Being involved in business process automation, business analysis, financial operations, customer development, information security, and other job areas will help you transition and succeed in the future job market. You may also find opportunities to fill positions in other departments left vacant by a temporary freeze on external hiring.
become T-shaped
You don’t need another role or title to develop T-shaped skills. You can tap into your leadership potential and work collaboratively with others. Growth comes simply by engaging in new and different activities.
For example, by taking the initiative to mentor junior team members, assist the process documentation team, or train others in the requirements gathering process, you can advance your leadership position and gain recognition within your company. It allows things to be open, Nomir said. If you can demonstrate your leadership abilities without a job title or title, it’s only a matter of time before you’re offered a formal leadership position.
Start developing your niche or consider turning into a subject matter expert (SME). Becoming an authority is a surefire way to set yourself apart, make yourself irreplaceable, and increase your credibility and marketability.
Your boss will probably appreciate it if you offer to take something off of her job or help organize an internal hackathon to encourage creativity, promote problem-solving, and reinvigorate the culture.
It’s your responsibility to consider the challenges most closely related to your role and suggest ways to solve problems, develop better processes, improve revenue and morale, and have a greater impact. .
Take a look outside your backyard
If all else fails, there’s always room for growth outside of your company and your network. Consider volunteering to be a guest lecturer at a local university or an advisor for a technology incubator or nonprofit organization.
Technology professionals have skills and experience that others may find valuable, Ceniza Levine says. Digging into the ecosystem is a great way to expand your horizons and find opportunities that align with your passions.
No matter what your economic situation is, it’s never a good time to just sit back and wallow. Get a call back from a recruiter, reconnect with a former colleague or classmate, or consider taking a course or attending a bootcamp to add in-demand or complementary skills. can.
Companies often have learning and development budgets that need to be spent by the end of the year, and managers are looking for ways to address skills gaps within their organizations. This is the perfect time to improve your skills and demonstrate your growth mindset to current and future employers.
