Career advice: Training on the cheap
Ask a Premier 100 IT Leader Jim Fortner
Title: Vice president
Company: Procter & Gamble
Fortner is this month’s Premier 100 IT Leader, answering questions about training on the cheap, giving input to a nontechnical boss, and the merits of switching employers. If you have a question you’d like to pose to one of our Premier 100 IT Leaders, send it to askaleader@computerworld.com.
The company I work for used to be very generous about training, but it has cut back severely. But I can’t do it on my own, what with taking a pay reduction and working longer hours after layoffs. I don’t want to be left behind in skills. What can I do? It is absolutely critical that you continue to invest in yourself to remain relevant in your business. Do not let your company’s lack of funds be a barrier to advancing your career.
There are four types of training that do not cost much. The first of these can be found on the Web. Many of the offerings there present opportunities for real skills building. The second option is distance learning, which is also generally accomplished through the computer. Third, local communities of shared interest can provide relevant training in technology, project management and even leadership. Finally, I would encourage you to learn on the job via joining up with others outside your team so you can develop broader points of view. I have learned a lot over the years taking on different assignments and meeting with all kinds of people outside of my space.
Certifications are also important, since they are visible signs that you are a “learning” employee, which every employer wants. For example, a certification in project management is a great skill to have in IT.
The IT industry is alive and well in the U.S. The Digital Age is in the early stages, and having employees who have strong enterprise skills and who like to learn is invaluable. Do not let your company provide the excuse for you to not invest in yourself. If you let that happen, you will not stay relevant in your business.
I’m pretty much a tech guy — been working in networking for seven years and love it. I wouldn’t expect to be anyone’s choice for a management role — too head-down, results oriented. Still, I sometimes have what I consider to be good ideas for the larger organization. My manager (who is far less of a tech guy) hasn’t shown much interest in my input. I find that pretty irritating. What can I do about this? This is a challenging situation you are in. First, I want to commend your deep technical skills. Companies need IT leaders who are both technical as well as organizational savvy.
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