I have 10 years' experience in IT, starting out on a helpdesk
and ending up as an IT manager - a position I have held at three
SME/start-up companies in the past seven years, at times running a
team of eight, and building a broad skill set. I am frustrated with
working in small companies that have limited prospects and resource
and want to move onto a larger, more established company. However
the only roles in these firms that use all my skills are senior
management and require prior experience with this size of company,
leaving me no way to break in. What is the best way for me to
change the direction of my career?The solution: emphasise benefits of your
versatility
You were given your first break in management by one of these small
companies, and often that is the way. Smaller companies have more
flexibility and are more likely to take a chance on someone fairly
new to a role. You are now ideally skilled up for larger companies
to take an interest in you, and if you plan carefully I can see you
achieving your goals.
You should apply for management positions with larger companies and
show them the variety of skills you have and the challenges you
have had to overcome in an entrepreneurial environment. This will
offset the big company experience many clients look for. In hiring
you they may not be so reliant on outside suppliers.
Be clear from the outset about the size of company and role you
wish to secure and tailor your CV accordingly. Highlight your
skills and depth of experience and be clear in your covering letter
what it is you want. Do not be persuaded into going back into a
small company if that is not what you want.
Solution by Tracey Abbott , divisional director, Zarak
Group
The panel: Plan-Net Services, Spring Group, E-Skills UK, British
Computer Society, Computer Futures, Hudson, Elan, Reed Technology,
Zarak Technology.
E-mail your career questions to
computerweeklyw@rbi.co.uk