December 26, 2012, 9:55 PM — Even if you are happy with your current IT job or role, there is a chance you might find yourself looking for a new position this year due to downsizing, outsourcing or reorganization.
According to recent statistics, the average worker has been in their current position for no longer than 4.4 years, a number that has been on the decline for decades. The days of working for one employer for your entire career, it seems, are over. So what can you do to shield yourself from the turmoil and layoffs that swirl through IT? Be ready for anything. You can't stop progress; the only choice is to evolve with the technology or get left behind.
With that in mind, here's our list of nine career-related resolutions to make for 2013.
1. Work Better to Understand My Industry
"Know specifically how and where you fit in it, where and how you can help. Then you'll be considered invaluable," says Ross MacPherson, president of Career Quest and a specialist in advanced career strategies.
You may be the best programmer in the world, but what companies really want are people who understand the business side of things as well. So attend an event, set up Google News Alerts for industry keywords or join LinkedIn, Yahoo groups and get involved. Knowing what's going on in your industry will give you a leg up over your competition.
"Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave "up. -Thomas Edison
2. Build a Career Map
Many companies today, both big and small, don't have well-defined career paths for their IT workforces. That's why creating your own can be helpful in determining your strengths and weaknesses as well as in identifying clear career objectives.
"No one is responsible for your career but you--not your company, not your boss-- just YOU. Design a great career and make it happen," says Macpherson.
Your personal career map should include the following:
