As on-demand cloud services and MSP engagements are transforming businesses, the future of the IT professional is also changing. Amongst this change, some traditional IT roles are becoming less relevant; however, many new and exciting IT roles are emerging. Innovative and disruptive, these new IT roles are elevating the strategic importance of the IT professional and its services in a business.
IT has always been an exciting career option (we love it, that is why we do what we do). In the decades since digital information processing started, we have seen many roles come and go, from the mainframe technician to the enterprise mobility manager, with change being the only constant.
The ability to quickly learn new IT concepts, solutions, and skills has become one of the most important attributes of an IT professional. More specifically, the introduction of new machine-based technologies, alongside the continued adoption of a DevOps culture, will require IT pros to focus on developing new skill sets and certifications to operate and manage next-generation data centres. Being an expert in one technology is no longer enough. Employees who are a jack-of-all-trades, IT solution-focused, and can communicate the impact of technology to their organisation will see their demand grow.
We have captured a mantra for the IT professional who recognises that embracing change is far better than allowing it to dictate when you must change.
GROW. EVOLVE. STEP UP.
1. GROW. Do not fear change; this is your opportunity to grow
Let’s start with the disruption. If companies are moving applications to the cloud then there is potential for the supporting “technology stack” like servers and storage to be phased out with the migration. Consider if this is a likelihood for you and take steps to reskill now. Adopting newer technologies and constantly investing in new skills will likely lead to digital transformation that will be beneficial to the organization in the long run.
2. EVOLVE. Change isn’t the end, it’s part of evolution
When the cloud became the next big thing in IT a few years ago, there was all this talk about the IT professional being a career of the past. So far that hasn’t happened, and even taking into account the disruption to in-house infrastructure services, the cloud has given rise to many new roles IT pros are well placed to fill. Instead of connecting boxes, IT professionals are now connecting services to include cloud.
3. STEP UP. You know your business, so elevate and be strategic.
Even with all of the outsourcing, out tasking and third party supplier agreements, a business still needs a team to create and oversee its IT strategy. One advantage in-house IT professionals will always have over any service provider is an intimate knowledge of their organisation’s processes and requirements. Consider what you can get out of your team so you can focus on the IT operations worth your energy and focus. Allow them to innovate with the premise that there is room to fail, grow, and learn.
Assess suppliers for capability, negotiate contracts and review business outcomes. The “buy side” of the IT industry is changing, but that doesn’t mean it is becoming less strategic.