Question: How do I get essential business
skills?
I am a first-class computer science graduate with one year's
experience as a junior IT consultant working with Java and Oracle.
I have passed the
Sun certified
Java programmer exam but need to know how to gain essential
business skills and what to study to avoid being outsourced.
Solution: Find a company to match your
ambition
Candidates of your calibre are in demand. You may be concerned
that you have been with your employer for only a year, but you have
given yourself a great commercial grounding.
You could improve your skills by working in a consultancy
environment, where you would be exposed to a wide range of
projects. You would also gain from working alongside experienced
people.
You should research leading consultancies to find one in a
market sector that suits you. For example, some companies are well
known for working in the public sector, which may pigeonhole you,
others specialise in financial services, and so on.
There has been an
uplift in financial services IT, with investment banks and fund
companies beginning to implement new projects. It is a great time
to join a company in this market.
Business skills are gained through working closely with the
end-users in your company. This may mean working with sales teams,
finance, or marketing teams. Don't become isolated.
Your skills are in demand: find an employer who appreciates
you.
Solution by Tracey Abbott, divisional director at
Zarak Group and
Atsco board member
The panel:
Computer People,
Hudson,
No Limits
Coaching,
The Training Camp,
Wreay Group
More career advice from the Next Move panel