Avoiding a tech career crisis

It’s the midlife crisis of the technology sector: the industry has grown up so fast and now has so many more needs, that tech professionals are finding themselves being traded in for younger models.

As technology advances in the Philippines - across all sectors - the need for skilled professionals with niche competencies has grown. People are being hired for jobs that didn’t even exist five years ago - so how can you be expected to keep up with such a demanding industry?

There’s no dirty little secret to succeeding in the tech and IT field - it simply comes down to preparation and hard work. We know technology will continue to evolve, so it’s time to set precautionary measures, plan, and get yourself in the right mindset to keep learning and growing on the job.

Think of the big picture
The tech industry is hugely broad and offers many opportunities. Why limit yourself to just one or two areas of expertise? While it certainly helps to become a specialist in some fields, you want to ensure you skills are valid across a range of potential roles. The best way to keep your job in this industry is to consistently up your skillset and ensure that your knowledge of the craft is always up to date.

Engineer an on-the-job transition
Your company knows you and your strengths. Your boss has worked hard to ensure you are performing well, and they want to keep seeing you succeed. Part of this will be being given opportunities to advance, which could potentially mean you can transition to a different role in the future. If there is any way to engineer a job transition within your organisation, grab the opportunity to extend your skills into an in-demand area. Even if such shift is lateral, it’s generally easier than jumping ship entirely and seeking work elsewhere.

Overhaul your resume
If your skills are perceived as outdated, you will need to whip your tech resume into shape. Focus on the value you brought to the company - projects completed, deadlines met, budgets managed, costs saved - rather than the particular skills you used to accomplish those. Include your IT skills, of course, but be careful not to present them in such a way that employers would think these are your only selling point. Also ensure you include any information about courses or learning programmes you’re currently doing, so that a future employer can see you’re actively upskilling.

Don’t panic!
Yes, the industry is changing, but you can change, too. There’s no need to assume your job is in total jeopardy - but it is a good kick up the you-know-what to make sure you don’t get complacent. Younger talent with more relevant skillsets will always be a threat to your career projection, so simply plan ahead and don’t panic! Your work will speak for itself.

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