http://www.insidetech.com/benefits/articles/3517-top-3-misconceptions-about-tech-careers?referral=IT_nlet
The Information Technology (IT) and tech industries may lend themselves to a few key misconceptions. You may have some false hopes or reservations about the type of work and environment you'll find in the IT world. This week, I'm going to do a little myth-busting and reveal the reality behind the three top tech misconceptions.
1. Tech is exciting.
I've been to trade shows and seen all the hype surrounding new technologies and product releases. Tech careers expose you to lots of things to be excited about every day, but the truth is that a tech career is very much like any other.
In my experience, the well-run, successful technology companies are disciplined, conservative and (quite honestly) a touch boring on a daily basis. Sure, there are companies like Google and Apple that buzz with excitement. The fascination surrounding a hot start-up or a revered web giant is more centered on the vision and direction of the company, rather than the daily work you'll do there.
Working successfully in technology requires that you keep your eye on the goal that you and your employer are striving to accomplish. Keeping goals in mind can give whatever mundane or tedious task you're working on some merit in your own mind. If you can keep that vision, the allure of it can lead you to eventual fulfillment.
2. Junior is always online; therefore he's a computer whiz and should go into technology.
I see this all the time from hopeful parents. There is a big difference between loving the application of technology and loving the building of technology. While Junior may be a budding computer whiz and be destined to make his fortune in the technology field, he could also be simply enjoying emailing his many friends.
As with other career choices, it's wise to ask yourself if programming, administering or building technologies is what you could see yourself doing 40 hours a week. It's a good idea to take a course or two in programming and then make sure it's the right direction before jumping in with both feet.
3. I wasn't good in math or science, therefore tech isn't for me.
I've heard this statement on a semi-regular basis. It's also completely false. There are a number of supporting and instrumental areas in the tech field that aren't directly involved with the development or application of the technology itself.
For instance, a good project manager is vital to the success of large-scale endeavors of any company. Some of the worst project managers I've known are those who moved into management directly from a technical role. Management takes a very different skill set and usually requires a peripheral understanding of the tasks at hand. Coders, network managers and system administrators can make great project managers, but a deep technical background is not always a requirement for the job.
Tech companies also need personnel managers. In my experience, technology buffs are notoriously untalented in dealing with the human aspects of their jobs. Time management, administrative tasks and career management can be tedious and dreadful for someone who has focused on technology. Good managers can harness the single-minded focus of a seasoned technologist for the good of the project and company. Without these managers, tech workers can easily get lost in the weeds of administration.
Asking the question.
If you take the time to honestly assess your own skills, you could find a place in a technology field or discover that it's not the appropriate place to focus on.
The Information Technology (IT) and tech industries may lend themselves to a few key misconceptions. You may have some false hopes or reservations about the type of work and environment you'll find in the IT world. This week, I'm going to do a little myth-busting and reveal the reality behind the three top tech misconceptions.
1. Tech is exciting.
I've been to trade shows and seen all the hype surrounding new technologies and product releases. Tech careers expose you to lots of things to be excited about every day, but the truth is that a tech career is very much like any other.
In my experience, the well-run, successful technology companies are disciplined, conservative and (quite honestly) a touch boring on a daily basis. Sure, there are companies like Google and Apple that buzz with excitement. The fascination surrounding a hot start-up or a revered web giant is more centered on the vision and direction of the company, rather than the daily work you'll do there.
Working successfully in technology requires that you keep your eye on the goal that you and your employer are striving to accomplish. Keeping goals in mind can give whatever mundane or tedious task you're working on some merit in your own mind. If you can keep that vision, the allure of it can lead you to eventual fulfillment.
2. Junior is always online; therefore he's a computer whiz and should go into technology.
I see this all the time from hopeful parents. There is a big difference between loving the application of technology and loving the building of technology. While Junior may be a budding computer whiz and be destined to make his fortune in the technology field, he could also be simply enjoying emailing his many friends.
As with other career choices, it's wise to ask yourself if programming, administering or building technologies is what you could see yourself doing 40 hours a week. It's a good idea to take a course or two in programming and then make sure it's the right direction before jumping in with both feet.
3. I wasn't good in math or science, therefore tech isn't for me.
I've heard this statement on a semi-regular basis. It's also completely false. There are a number of supporting and instrumental areas in the tech field that aren't directly involved with the development or application of the technology itself.
For instance, a good project manager is vital to the success of large-scale endeavors of any company. Some of the worst project managers I've known are those who moved into management directly from a technical role. Management takes a very different skill set and usually requires a peripheral understanding of the tasks at hand. Coders, network managers and system administrators can make great project managers, but a deep technical background is not always a requirement for the job.
Tech companies also need personnel managers. In my experience, technology buffs are notoriously untalented in dealing with the human aspects of their jobs. Time management, administrative tasks and career management can be tedious and dreadful for someone who has focused on technology. Good managers can harness the single-minded focus of a seasoned technologist for the good of the project and company. Without these managers, tech workers can easily get lost in the weeds of administration.
Asking the question.
If you take the time to honestly assess your own skills, you could find a place in a technology field or discover that it's not the appropriate place to focus on.
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I am still trying to make any sense on my career choice... coz right now, all I can say is:
overworked, unrewarded, unappreciated, unchallenged...
It just feels like so dead-end...
I am still trying to make any sense on my career choice... coz right now, all I can say is:
overworked, unrewarded, unappreciated, unchallenged...
It just feels like so dead-end...
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