You might be entering the IT Industry or have been in it for a long time, but besides a few official documents and policies, not much is said about how it functions and how to navigate it.
No one will tell you that an invisible rulebook dictates how one can navigate and progress in this fast-paced, competitive landscape.
If you have ever wondered how some people climb the corporate ladder quickly, whereas others remain stagnant despite their hard work and talent, the answer lies in these unwritten rules.
Let’s learn the secrets that promote career growth in the Indian IT industry beyond just doing your job well.
1. Visibility Along With Ability
You could be the most technically sound or skilled person on your team, but if you can’t advertise yourself and your work on the right platforms and in front of the right audience, your growth will plateau. In the Indian IT industry, visibility is often more valuable than skill. Self-promotion is important for you to get your work recognized and open doors for further opportunities.
2. Relationships Matter
Networking might be a dirty word in your book, and you might think it’s for the salespeople, but it’s also essential for techies and delivery personnel. The Indian IT system works a lot on who knows whom. Building new relationships and keeping existing ones alive can help with the timely flow of important information that is not published in the company portals or newsletter.
3. ‘Yes Boss!’ Works
Saying yes is a critical step and is a good way to find quick success. If you are able and have the skills, then you should be open to taking up or learning anything. More opportunities come to them, whom the managers can rely on. Of course, don’t commit to something that is totally out of your wheelhouse. At such time, help in finding the right person for the job and assist in any way possible.
4. Certifications Are Ice Breakers
Companies love certifications – AWS, Azure, Adobe, Google, PMP, SCM, etc. It does open a lot of doors initially. Even though most companies and interviewers understand that certifications are not guaranteed to produce good performance, they insist on it. It helps their branding, showcases in front of their customers, and bag partnerships with vendors. But don’t rely only on getting certifications; at the end of the day, the experience and hands-on knowledge are what will get the real work done.
5. Managing the Manager
Doing your work is the minimum. If you really want to climb up the ladder, you need to understand your boss’s challenges and help them out with solutions. This initiative goes a long way, as managers are always on the lookout for people who can lessen their workload. If you can make your boss look good in front of their boss, chances are they’ll ensure your progress along with theirs.
6. Navigate the Office Politics
Don’t pride yourself on staying out of office politics; understand and navigate through it. Politics exists in every workplace, ignoring or steering clear could actually make you ignorant of the ongoings and could even make you a victim of it even as a bystander. Understanding the power dynamics around you and being able to take a neutral stand is also a way to navigate politics.
7. Switching Companies Isn’t Always the Answer
Switching jobs is not always prudent if you are looking for better pay or work. It could work in the short term, but long-term career progression can be hindered, especially in senior roles. It’s important to create goodwill in a company so that you can be considered for future leadership roles and reap sufficient financial gains. Eventually, the nature of work and challenges are the same in most companies.
8. Leadership Start Sans the Title
Leadership is a skill that can’t be formally taught, and waiting for someone to give you a leadership role or title is a mistake. In the IT industry, you must take initiative, create your circle of influence, and start playing that role to the best of your abilities. This means taking on responsibilities, leading projects, and influencing decisions, even if you don’t have a formal leadership title. This will ensure visibility and personal growth; when the right time comes, you will be the first in line.
9. Work-Life Balance is a Myth
Although most companies will talk about offering work-life balance, in the Indian IT industry, such a concept doesn’t exist. At the core of it, the companies expect you to work 70-90 hours and more (as is evident from several industry leaders’ views). For personal growth, you can choose to work beyond the stipulated hours if it is helping in your career growth or learning goals. However, be wary of getting into this habit of 24/7 availability and weekend work. Prioritize your health and family first. Companies can swiftly replace a sick employee.
10. Create Your Personal Brand Speaks
Your identity shouldn’t merely be a position in a company. In this era, you must create your brand to separate yourself from the crowd. This includes your online presence, LinkedIn profile, and other social media presence. Also, attend and contribute to offline meetings, conferences, and meetups to raise your awareness, share your expertise and opinions, and, as a result, create your personal reputation.
Your Career, Your Responsibility
The Indian IT industry is a dynamic, ever-changing landscape that can’t be understood easily. Just doing your best work is not always enough. Your career progression has different dimensions, and you must address it from various perspectives. Understanding and utilizing these unwritten rules can give you an edge and help you navigate this industry better. At the end of the day, your career is your responsibility and you need to be able to progress it.
So, the next time you feel stuck or wonder why you are not growing, revisit this invisible rulebook. You might just find the missing piece to your career puzzle.
What do you think? Have you encountered any of these unwritten rules in your career? Share your experiences in the comments—I’d love to hear your take!