The question: How do I move from reseller to
user?
I have been made redundant from my job as a product manager at
an IT reseller, where I developed excellent communication skills
giving presentations, training and product demonstrations. I am
studying for a Microsoft certified application developer (MCad)
qualification, but how can I develop my .net skills further?
The solution: Get into technical
consultancy
With your product management skills, there are several
possibilities to consider, including pre-sales, technical
consulting and project management.
It is increasingly desirable for candidates to have a mix of
business and technical skills. The top candidates are those with a
client-facing, consultative edge combined with technical
understanding and gravitas.
But it would be difficult to move from a product or
business-focused role into pure development, with or without a
Microsoft certificate. Many developers in the industry live and
breathe programming and have a broad understanding of the
development lifecycle, but do not necessarily have your soft
skills.
A role as a technical consultant would be a good move for you as
you could use your client-facing skills, communication and business
acumen and also your technicaland development knowledge.
An MCad would certainly increase your marketability in this
area. The advantage of consultancy is the varied project style of
work. You will broaden your skills and develop your technical
prowess while retaining your existing skills.
● Solution by Adam Gates, consultant at Hudson
The panel: Hudson, No Limits Coaching, The Training
Camp, Wreay Group
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