Future-proof your IT job

Pradipto Chakrabarty

With increasing use of automation and related technology, there remains a possibility that some job roles will go through the path of either extinction or shape up in a different avatar requiring radically different skill sets. Especially for professionals in the Information Technology — where automation looks to become the basis of business function. AI, machine learning and other disruptive technologies are also creating an impact. So, should aspiring individuals and IT professionals bow down and whittle away?  Certainly not. They can secure relevance through the following ways:

Interpretation of Data

It is completely fair to state that today data that rules the world. Hyper-personalisation is taking customer experience to a whole new dimension and all this is possible because of data driven analytics. Digital  interactions and transactions that users are doing every second leaves its trail for big corporations to harness and create experiences, unique for all. Yet, processing the mountain of data into something useful (and profitable) isn’t easy—hence the requirement of individuals who hold proficiency over data interpretation will be extremely valuable. Win against the tide by understanding the crux of data and molding them into a veritable map that would pave your way to success.

Create value

Stagnancy is what kills progress — be it in jobs or personal life. To expect that your job will remain circumstances-proof, without you putting in efforts to develop new skills, is impossible. It is natural that with technology, the interaction between the target audience and the organisation will evolve. You need to figure out new ways to display the drive to create progressive impact. You can be the person who acquires new skills, or provides new methods to implement automation— this guarantees your space as an orchestration genius who knows his/her way around newer additions, in order to contribute to the future goals of the organisation.

Embrace the opportunity to transform

It is often seen that with extended tenure over a particular position, one loses his/her ability to transform to changing times. Yet, in the field of IT, an aversion to change brings nothing but dismay. IT professionals have long experienced the disruptive forces of automation and technology transformation and it is noted that those who are willing to embrace and incorporate, provide the most value to the whole industry. With the change in business practices, it is important to keep the onus to transform alive, in order to fuel in change while maintain progress throughout. 

Bridge the skill gap through IT certifications

There is more value for people with the ability to manage, interpret, design, secure, and support large-scale data operations. Hence, the requirement to learn should never witness a stalemate — it should empower your decisions and create a conduit of valuable knowledge within you-via certifications. They are a fail-proof medium to get new skill sets while adding the possibility a new position to their already robust role. 

A web developer can gain additional knowledge through adding certifications on cyber security, Linux and Cloud, to his/her repertoire. Fortunately, the educational sector has evolved to such an extent that several organisations are future-proofing IT jobs for the longer run. CompTIA provides certification like CASP+, A+, PenTest+, Security+ and many more. 

A look ahead

Technology has evolved from just being an enabler into a disruptor of traditional business models and, is certainly here to stay.  Yet, replacing the sheer intuitiveness of man is close to impossible — machines can only aid our practices. The value of a well-adapted and proactively contributing professional remains much higher than that of programme-laced commands and hence, future-proofing your job is an uphill, yet an achievable task.

— The writer is Regional Director,  CompTIA India

Develop the ‘insight’ muscle

Here is a simple yet critical fact that one needs to reckon with — all this automation is taking place at a steady pace. This isn’t an overnight development and one doesn’t face a loss of relevance immediately — it is taking its time to synthesise and synchronise things. Therefore, a proactive presence of mind, with a critical eye towards insight, is necessary to develop value. The message is clear — enmesh yourself into higher value areas, to prove grit and merit. Believe in providing proactive measures, based on the kernel of insight, to empower your decisions. Understanding the value of automation and assimilating it with insight, creates a powerful concoction that remains unbeatable.