The start of a career is a very exciting time
for a young recruit. Mingled with the feelings of anxiety
and anticipation, is a new confidence and energy at
the thought of embarking on a path of independence and
achievement. The challenges of this phase are much like
the new experience of adolescence-tentative and unknowing.
Let's list down a few ingredients that may make the
journey more comfortable.
Bring along with you a clean slate and a willingness
to learn. Nothing benefits a young recruit as much
as openness, and an ability to absorb new influences
from the environment. This is a stage that is more
about leaning how to do things than what to do. The
youngster must leave behind the arrogance and swagger
carefully cultivated at campus, and approach the professional
scenario with humility and eagerness. Most senior
professionals may not have the time or the inclination
to volunteer tutoring, but would willingly spend precious
time mentoring a smart junior who takes the trouble
to ask intelligent questions. A spirit of enquiry
and a 'scientific temperament' would also enable an
understanding of the 'whys' and' wherefores' that
ultimately assure success
Most young techies think that a knowledge of JEE
or C# is what would lead to a successful future. However,
I would differ. It is essential to have a strong grounding
in basic technical concepts, and develop the ability
to apply technology to further a customer's business
needs. A comprehension of business requirements is
therefore invaluable. The need thus arises of keeping
a world-view, and being open to learning experiences
beyond technology trends. Also, to move up the value
chain, a complete and comprehensive development of
personality is essential. The industry demands cross
cultural and seamless interactions with various people
across geographies. This means that one who concentrates
on developing his verbal and communicative abilities,
as well as who presents himself with confidence and
maturity, will move along a lot more rapidly that
another. The stresses and strains of a highly competitive
environment, the long and arduous hours of work, and
the need to work in tandem with many different people,
perforce means the EQ is equally as important as the
IQ.
Most young professionals today are enthused by the
glamour of being a part of an agile and dynamic IT
industry. The hi-tech and savvy corporate environment,
numerous trips abroad and the high pay scales paint
a rosy picture. I believe one of the hardest tasks
of a young IT professional is to manage the expectations
of the people around him. Friends and family expect
him to buy a car, travel abroad, contribute to the
housing loan and help in a sibling's education, all
within a short span of time, believing that a career
in IT is tantamount to finding the pot of gold at
the end of the rainbow. A job in this industry is
similar to the jobs in any other field, and careers
need to be built assiduously, and with hard work and
perseverance, as anywhere else.
Given the complex matrix of a global environment,
challenging technologies that become redundant at
break-neck speed, complicated business logic across
multiple domains, the need to work against time and
across time zones, and a breathless desperation to
be considered a 'star' employees, I would send out
a request to pack a sense of humor, a de-stressing
hobby, and an ability to leave the past behind and
dwell in the present-these will stand you in good
stead and ensure a long innings in spite of an uneven
and unpredictable pitch.
Manu Srinivasan
Manager - Human Resources
Nous Infosystems
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