Navigate your IT career change effectively by choosing between technical expertise or managerial leadership in IT services.

Navigating the choice between a technical or managerial career path in IT services involves a careful skills analysis. Start by assessing your current competencies and identifying which skills you excel at and enjoy using, such as technical expertise in programming or strategic planning and team leadership. Consider the future skill requirements of both paths and how they align with your career aspirations. By understanding your strengths and areas for growth, you can make an informed decision that leverages your capabilities and aligns with your long-term professional goals.

Here's how you can navigate the choice between a technical or managerial career path in IT services.

Choosing between a technical or managerial career path in IT services is a pivotal decision that can shape your professional journey. As the world of IT evolves, the distinction between these two paths is becoming more nuanced, making it crucial to understand the nature of each role. If you're at a crossroads, trying to decide which lane to venture down, you're not alone. The technical path typically involves deep diving into specific technologies, while the managerial track focuses on overseeing projects and teams. Both are vital to the success of any IT service provider, and your choice should align with your personal strengths, interests, and career aspirations.

1 Skills Analysis

Before making a decision, it's important to evaluate your own skills and preferences. Technical roles often require a strong foundation in coding, system architecture, and problem-solving. If you're someone who enjoys the nitty-gritty of technology and continuous learning, this could be your calling. On the other hand, managerial positions demand leadership, communication, and strategic planning skills. If you find satisfaction in guiding teams and making decisions that affect business outcomes, the managerial path might suit you better. Reflect on what you excel at and what you enjoy to guide your choice.

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Jesús San Segundo, PhD

Chief Information Officer | CDO CIO CTO | Expert in Technology, Strategy & Innovation | Artificial Intelligence | Cybersecurity | Digital Transformation | Industry 5.0 | Board member | x SAP x IBM x Banco Santander
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Navigating the choice between a technical or managerial career path in IT services involves a careful skills analysis. Start by assessing your current competencies and identifying which skills you excel at and enjoy using, such as technical expertise in programming or strategic planning and team leadership. Consider the future skill requirements of both paths and how they align with your career aspirations. By understanding your strengths and areas for growth, you can make an informed decision that leverages your capabilities and aligns with your long-term professional goals.

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2 Career Goals

Understanding your long-term career goals is essential when choosing your path. If you aim to become an expert in a specific technology or field, pursuing a technical career can lead to roles like a senior developer or a chief technology officer (CTO). For those who dream of climbing the corporate ladder and making strategic decisions, a managerial career could eventually lead to positions such as an IT director or chief information officer (CIO). Consider where you see yourself in five to ten years and which path aligns with that vision.

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3 Industry Trends

Stay informed about industry trends as they can influence the demand for technical and managerial roles. For instance, the rise of cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) has increased the need for specialists in these areas. Conversely, as companies grow, they also need more IT managers to oversee expansive tech infrastructures. By keeping an eye on the market, you can anticipate which skills will be valuable and may sway your decision towards a path with greater opportunities.

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4 Work-Life Balance

Consider how each career path aligns with your desired work-life balance. Technical roles can sometimes offer more flexibility, as they may allow remote work and tend to have project-based deadlines. Managerial positions often come with greater responsibility, potentially leading to longer hours and the need to be available for crisis management. Think about what kind of work schedule you prefer and how much responsibility outside of regular hours you're willing to take on.

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Laurent T.
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Technical roles can be time intensive too if you cannot adopt right habits in your daily routine. There is a life behind coding or engineering, plan time for yourself and your family, cool down, breath fresh air, it helps to grow.

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5 Professional Development

Investing in professional development is crucial regardless of the path you choose. For technical roles, this might mean acquiring certifications or staying up-to-date with the latest programming languages. For managerial roles, it could involve leadership training or learning about new project management methodologies. Plan how you will continue to grow professionally and ensure that your chosen path offers ample opportunities for development.

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6 Risk Assessment

Finally, assess the risks associated with each path. Technical skills can become obsolete quickly, so there's a risk of falling behind if you don't continuously learn and adapt. Managerial roles can be more stable but come with the pressure of being responsible for the success or failure of projects and teams. Consider your tolerance for risk and how comfortable you are with the potential volatility of each career path.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Here's how you can navigate the choice between a technical or managerial career path in IT services.

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1 Skills Analysis

2 Career Goals

3 Industry Trends

4 Work-Life Balance

5 Professional Development

6 Risk Assessment

7 Here’s what else to consider

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