I want the human touch at work - not be be glued to a screen all
day
I work for Oracle as a technical consultant. After 18 months in
the job and a promotion I'm feeling a bit bored with the
development side of things. I'd like to be in charge of people
doing the development but really don't enjoy programming myself. I
am very out-going and don't feel I was born to sit in front of a
computer all day. My problem is I'm not aware of the jobs that are
out there that would suit me. I would like to be in a more
managerial role with lots of people contact and team working but
think 18 months is too little to be a project manager! I am
considering a move out of IT altogether but it seems a shame to
waste all my training. Can you suggest roles that might be more
suited to me bearing in mind I didn't do a management or business
degree?Don't send out the wrong message
Let me start by suggesting a note of caution. I am assuming that
this is your first job, and changing after only 18 months can send
out the wrong messages to future employers. This may not be
immediately apparent, but in later life could come back to haunt
you.
You have already been promoted and have the distinct advantage
of working for a major IT company, so one can assume that you are
being well trained, progressing well and that your employer is
reasonably satisfied with your work.
The type of work you appear to be looking for will involve
working with other people much more, either as part of your team or
customers. I suggest that you investigate qualifications that
relate to "people skills" particularly in a business context.
Qualifications such as an NVQ in management, MBA or modules from
the Open University might be a good starting point. Although these
qualifications are by no means mandatory, they will help you
migrate to other occupational areas.
However, before talking with your manager, see what
opportunities there may be within your company. Don't be put off by
having to spend a few more months in your existing role. The skills
you are learning will ensure solid foundation for your future
aspirations. Frequently when employers look for "people skills"
they also mean "business skills" so time spent acquiring these is
never wasted.
Solution provided by Gordon Greaves, director of standards
and qualifications at the IT National Training Organisation
The panel consists of Elan, Best International Group,
Computer Futures, Computer People, Apex, Monarch Recruitment, ITNTO
and Capita Tomkins