Whether you’re contemplating getting into the field of information technology or you’re already an IT specialist wanting to further your career, there are a number of hard and soft skills you need to develop in order to ensure success. These capabilities look great on a resume, they make you a more well-rounded job candidate, and they can enable you to become a more valued and efficient employee as well. With that in mind, here are the top skills you should develop to reach success as an IT professional:
Coding skills
Coding skills are among the most basic competencies every employer will look for in IT professionals. If the role involves programming and software or web development, that could also mean seeking proficiency in several programming languages, considering how most systems are built. That is why you should aim to expand your coding knowledge even if you’re already familiar with a couple of languages. Some of the most common competencies you should consider developing include C++, HTML, Python, Java, JavaScript, PHP, Ruby, etc. Training for advanced certifications and practical experience is also recommended.
Troubleshooting
To reach success in the IT world, you will also need to have exceptional troubleshooting and problem-solving skills. Whenever team members encounter tech issues that prevent them from completing their work, they will likely turn to the IT department to solve them if they can’t do it on their own. In certain roles, IT professionals may also be required to work with challenging and time-consuming algorithms. Unfortunately, extensive technical knowledge, hard skills, and years of practical experience are the only factors that could truly be of help when it comes to finding the right solutions in this area.
Analytical skills
Regardless of the specific role, each IT specialist will be involved in a number of projects that entail the analysis of database activity and recommending suitable solutions. Having the ability to think analytically and critically can help in discovering the right solutions that are needed for performing the job efficiently. Analytical thinking can also aid in processes such as troubleshooting, as well as making you more employable. To develop your critical-thinking skills, you can build reason through logic, do question assumptions, seek out diversity of thought, or take a specialized course.
Business administration
Developing your business acumen is important for any career, but it becomes even more vital in such a tough and competitive field as IT. For that reason, it might be a good idea to get an online MBA degree to enhance your resume. Allowing you to become a Master of Business Administration, this degree will help you develop core competencies such as business strategy, ethics, economics, finance, leadership, marketing, etc. Covering a wide array of crucial business skills, an MBA degree can aid in expanding your horizons, landing a better, higher-paying role, or simply boosting your career to the next level.
Project management
Dealing with several projects at the same time is quite common in the IT industry, which is why it might be wise to consider building your project management skills. Whether you decide to take a course or even develop these competencies yourself, the most important skills you should focus on include time management, planning and forecasting, budgeting, risk control, tracking and monitoring, and the use of specialized software. Having the ability to manage your workload effectively will demonstrate your multitasking and goal-reaching skills, which will appeal to any employer.
Organizational skills
Being organized when performing your work responsibilities is how you become a productive employee, and is another highly sought-after skill. Companies tend to prioritize candidates who can show good organizational skills, as it demonstrates their ability to perform well and follow a set schedule. New challenges that affect how you manage your workload can present themselves each day at work, and staying organized is a great way to show productivity, efficiency, and real value to employers. So, aim to build these beneficial skills through goal-setting, prioritization, categorization, rewards, etc.
Communication skills
Great communication skills are vital in all aspects of life, including the workplace. This is a very important universal skill that can help you interact with coworkers positively, collaborate with others efficiently, and assist with tech-related concepts effectively. Chances are high that you will work in a team as an IT professional, and you may need to talk to other departments, managers, and clients in many cases as well. Ensure you can communicate clearly and productively in any case, by contemplating sentences, being specific and brief, listening carefully, watching your body language, and checking all messages before sending.
From hard skills such as coding and troubleshooting to soft skills like organization and communication, the job of an IT professional can encompass a number of different competencies. Focus on the main ones mentioned above to enhance your resume and increase your chances of success.
