| Topic Name: |
IT Management/Consulting |
| Message Name: |
Priorities |
| Date Posted: |
09/09/2003 |
| In Reply To: |
Thanks.
My main problem is around the risk associated with getting more into IT Management (the CIO route) and/or IT consulting. This involves spending significantly less time with hands-on work. The only problem I have with this is JOB SECURITY.
I know that keeping my technical skills sharpened is the best thing I can do for my job security, if I ever was in the job market again. The problem is that I can make significantly more money in IT Management/Consulting, but I might not be as marketable (in terms of how long it would take for me to secure a job position) as a 'hands-on' person.
My dilemma:
1. IT Management/Consulting: More money, prestige, and power. Learn/apply more business skills. Loss of very marketable technical skills.
2. Hands-on Technical Work: Great pay (just not as great as IT Management/Consulting). High demand skills. Limited career growth.
Please help!!! |
| Message: |
I understand your dilemma, and have a couple of suggestions to help you make your decision:
1. It may sound elementary, but make a list of the pros and cons of doing hands-on tech work, then do the same with management and consulting. Then you could go further and prioritize them, like the top 5 criteria in each area. Sometimes getting it in writing helps you see things a bit more clearly, and can help you decide what's most important to you.
2. I'm not sure what type of company you work for, but as was mentioned earlier, you may want to look into working for a software firm, where you may be able to keep your tech skills more updated than at a firm whose main business is not IT. I know that a certain German ERP provider offers two tracks for consultants (if you consider consulting): One for those who want to be managers, and one for those who want to stay technical, and be the "experts" in their field (called Platinum consultants). At least it offers an alternative to the management track.
It's definitely a decision that only you can make, based on what's most important to you. Good luck, and remember:
1. It's always better (and easier) to look for a job when you already have one;
2. There will always be tradeoffs.
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