Want to climb up the career of the it ladder, and possibly take the place of the CIO? Experts give advice on how to become one of the leaders of the company.it is surprising that many it professionals rely on the case in such an important matter as career planning, especially if they seek to take the position of CIO.
Brian McDonald, a partner at Heidrick & Struggles for the selection of managers and CIO, says, «Often career is based on chance rather than careful planning. Of course, you should not reject the offered opportunities, but should still have a place and some elementary project. 20, and 30 years is quite acceptable to rely on chance. But then you need to make the right decisions, to broaden their knowledge.»
so, where to start making career?
1. Plan, plan, plan
Headhunter CIO Simon La Fosse, the Director of La Fosse Associates, says: «Plan to achieve certain goals. You must approach this issue seriously, working for the future».
also considers and David Weymouth, CIO insurance company Royal & Sun Alliance, 30 years of experience in Barclays.
According to Vaata, now not so easy to find the perfect job. «I think planning is necessary. The most important thing to think not «I want to get a promotion», and «I need to gain experience and knowledge and to demonstrate that I can do.»
For line managers aged 30 years, who have gone in the it Department of a business analyst and project Manager in career receiving of the CIO can be scheduled at a time when they will be 45 years, I’m sure McDonald.
2. Expand your horizons
One of the fundamental aspects of any plan for career advancement are those tasks that will help expand your knowledge and experience.
La Fosse emphasizes: «it is Necessary to follow a chosen direction. If you are going to learn more about problems in the Department of information systems, then go in a completely different area. What you will do in a couple of years? How will this affect your career? As this experience will improve your market position as a specialist, and what position you will be able to claim?».
for Example, in order to obtain in the future a CIO, you should learn how to work with clients to perform a large production job and engage in strategic planning — this will demonstrate the ability to influence others without having them over direct control, says McDonald.
those who aim to get on the Board of Directors, you must also be ready to come to the foreground.
MacDonald says: «the Most important part is to see what is happening around. The majority of the it — introverts».
In practical terms, this means the development of the organization network of like-minded colleagues who have similar positions and who can share their experiences and problems. It is also important to establish contacts with consulting companies like McKinsey & Co, and experts from Gartner.
it is very important to expand their external image, says McDonald. «You should start out light and build their own brand outside the organization to speak at conferences, to plan and develop ideas.»
But to be in the foreground — it means thinking about how you take not only outside the company, but also within it. And stop trying to create an impression of yourself as a person, far from business.
«What is your image among members of the Board of Directors and managers, your colleagues, your subordinates?», asks McDonald.
La Fosse adds: «If someone from the business leaders will be asked to give you a recommendation, then there are three possible choices: a good candidate, a bad candidate and «who’s that?». Think about what impression you leave».
3. To get an MBA or not?
Education is another vital bricks to build their own career. But the experts are divided, especially when it comes to MBA.
Weymouth, for example, an ardent advocate for business qualification. «I was in the MBA course and think that studying it is necessary,» he says.
MacDonald adds: «it is Important to continue professional development. This can be not only an MBA, but more highly skilled it and business administration».
But La Fosse disagree with this point of view: «Obviously, this is someone good, but I think it’s better to use your own practical experience.»
According to Vaata, the most common mistake that people make in their career is the focus on her career and not on the development of relevant experience and capabilities: «You need to demonstrate as early as possible that you can manage a significant number of people. You should be able to simplify complex problems. You should spend some program changes.
Demonstrate a good understanding of technology and at a later stage, you may need to deal with the debit and credit.
And, finally, La FOSS advises future CIO to pull themselves out of their comfortable shell and come into the light.
for Example, if you become known thanks to the introduction of SAP, then you should avoid performing such tasks. Otherwise you run the risk of becoming narrow specialist in one area.
materials Silicon.com.