Build a Strong Career and Move Forward in IT Leadership
- Ron Salazar
- Mar 26
- 7 min read
The IT industry always changes, and staying ahead takes more than technical skills. Many professionals start in entry-level roles and work their way up, but moving into leadership requires more than experience alone.
Knowing when to take risks, building strong connections, and improving decision-making skills all contribute to career growth.
To advance in IT leadership, professionals must combine technical expertise with business strategy. Howard Miller, CIO at UCLA Anderson School of Management, founding member of CXO/RISE, and advisory board member at Glilot Capital Partners, has led technology teams for over 30 years.
He started as a programmer analyst in the late 1980s and moved through roles in project management, cybersecurity, and financial systems. His career shows that leadership is about knowledge, adaptability, and strategic thinking.
In this article, we will explore key lessons from his experience, including career progression, risk-taking, and networking. You'll learn how to stand out in a competitive industry, why soft skills matter, and when to seek new opportunities.
How to Build a Career and Move Forward in IT Leadership
A strong IT career starts with a solid foundation and a clear goal. Many professionals begin with technical roles and slowly move into management. The key is to build skills, stay flexible, and take smart career steps.
Start with the Right Education and Skills
A degree in computer science or a related field helps build problem-solving skills. Many IT leaders start as programmers or analysts, learning coding languages and system management. Some also pursue an MBA to gain business knowledge. This mix of technical and business skills prepares them for leadership roles.
Move Forward in IT Career Step by Step
Most IT professionals follow a common path:
Entry-Level Roles: Jobs like programmer analyst or system administrator help develop core IT skills.
Mid-Level Positions: Project management or senior analyst roles bring more responsibility.
Expanding Expertise: Some move into consulting, financial systems, or compliance, adding valuable experience.
Leadership Roles: IT project managers and executives make high-level decisions and guide teams.
Overcoming Career Challenges
Moving up in IT leadership isn't always easy. Getting from senior management to executive roles takes time. Many struggle to prove they can handle leadership without past experience.
To move forward:
Speak Up for Yourself: Show decision-makers you're ready for more responsibility.
Find a Mentor: A senior leader can guide and support your growth.
Learn Soft Skills: Leadership requires communication, teamwork, and strategic thinking.
Know When to Switch Jobs: Sometimes, growth means finding a new company with better opportunities.
Why Networking and Timing Matter
Skills and hard work matter, but timing and connections also play a big role. Many IT leaders land top roles because they know the right people. Staying active in your network and being open to new opportunities can make a big difference.
How to Take Career Risks and Move Forward in IT
Taking risks in an IT career can feel uncertain, but growth often means stepping outside a comfort zone. Not every job offers long-term growth. Some roles have limits, and staying too long can slow progress.
If there's no clear path forward, it might be time to leave. Company changes, like mergers or leadership shifts, can also create uncertainty.
Sometimes, moving on isn't just about career growth it's about mental well-being. A stressful work environment can affect health and job satisfaction. In these cases, leaving might be the best choice.
Balancing Risk and Stability to Move Forward in IT
Each career move has some risk. Leaving a stable job for a better title but lower pay may feel risky. Staying in a comfortable role might seem safe, but it can limit future opportunities.
Ask these questions before deciding:
Will this move bring me closer to my goals?
Am I financially prepared for uncertainty?
Do I feel stuck, or is there room to grow?
Risk-taking is easier early in a career, but smart risks at any stage can open doors.
The Importance of Networking
Strong networks create opportunities. Many IT professionals focus only on technical skills and struggle with networking. However, connections often lead to career growth.
A network isn't just about knowing people it's about building real relationships. Staying in touch with former colleagues, joining industry groups, and conversing with peers can open unexpected doors.
One common mistake is waiting until a job search begins to start networking. The best time to build connections is before they're needed.
Why Communication Skills Matter in IT
Technical skills matter, but communication sets professionals apart. Employers value those who explain ideas clearly and engage in meaningful discussions.
Many hiring managers care more about a candidate's ability to communicate than their ability to memorize details. Interviews often focus on conversations rather than technical exams. The ability to express ideas confidently can be the deciding factor in getting a job or promotion.
Degrees vs. Certifications to Move Forward in IT
Education helps in IT careers, but it's not the only factor. A degree shows commitment, but experience often holds more weight.
Certifications prove someone passed a test, but they don't always mean a person can apply that knowledge in real-world scenarios. Employers look for a mix of education, experience, and problem-solving skills.
For some roles, experience alone is enough. A person with years of cybersecurity experience may be more valuable than someone with a fresh degree. However, having both education and certifications can provide an advantage.
Should You Apply for a Job If You Don't Meet All Requirements to Move Forward in IT?
Many people hesitate to apply for jobs if they don't meet every requirement, especially when a degree is listed. But experience often matters as much or even more than formal education.
Why Experience Can Outweigh a degree
A job posting might say a degree is required, but hiring managers don't always follow that strictly. Many care more about real-world experience, especially in IT. If a job description says "or equivalent experience," that means they value skills just as much as a degree.
Even when a degree is listed as mandatory, companies often hire internal candidates who understand their systems. Many professionals have landed leadership roles because they proved their abilities, even without a degree.
The Problem with Job Descriptions
Not all job descriptions are accurate. Some companies copy old ones without updating them. This can lead to unnecessary requirements.
A poorly written job description might:
List a degree as required when experience would work.
Include outdated skills that no longer matter.
Miss the fact that networking can be just as important.
If you have the skills, apply anyway. Talking to the right person can change everything.
Biggest Career Accomplishments When You Move Forward in IT
Success in IT isn't just about titles. Some professionals lead big projects like SAP implementations. Others make a difference in smaller but meaningful ways.
For example, helping someone recover lost data after a disaster can be just as rewarding as managing a major system upgrade. Sometimes, the most important work happens in unexpected moments.
The Importance of Data Backup to Move Forward in IT
Losing important data can be devastating, especially in emergencies. Many people assume they'll have time to grab their computers or external drives, but disasters often strike without warning. A solid backup system ensures that critical data is never lost.
Why Data Backup Matters
Disasters like fires, floods, and cyberattacks can erase years of work in seconds. Without backups, recovering lost files can be impossible. IT professionals often emphasize the 3-2-1 backup rule:
Keep three copies of your data.
Store them on two different media types (like an external hard drive and cloud storage).
Keep one copy offsite in case of disaster.
This approach ensures that if one backup fails, another remains accessible.
Career Choices That Help Move Forward in IT
Every career has moments where one decision changes everything. Taking or declining a job, relocating, or choosing stability over change can shape a career's direction.
Some choices work out well, while others lead to regrets. A great job might come at the cost of time with family. Turning down an opportunity might mean missing out on growth.
What is the best way to make career decisions? Look at the big picture. Consider both professional and personal goals before choosing a path.
Succeeding in IT Leadership
Strong IT leaders don't just know technology they understand people, organizations, and relationships. Some enter leadership thinking they can push change quickly. They soon learn progress happens through trust and teamwork.
Networking is key. Engaging with peers, finding mentors, and attending industry events can open new doors. Curiosity also matters. Asking the right questions and learning from others leads to better decision-making.
The Future of IT
Technology changes fast. Three years ago, AI tools like ChatGPT weren't widely known. Now, AI is a major focus.
Today's IT leaders are watching three key areas:
Data and AI – Businesses rely on AI for automation and decision-making.
Cybersecurity – As threats evolve, data protection is more critical than ever.
Quantum computing – While still developing, it could change how data is processed.
No one knows exactly what's next, but one thing is certain: those who adapt will always stay ahead.
Conclusion
Moving forward in IT takes more than technical skills. It requires smart choices, strong connections, and a willingness to grow. Those who stay open to change and take action when needed build long-lasting careers.
A career path isn't always straight. Sometimes, moving up means switching jobs, taking risks, or learning new skills. Networking plays a big role, too. The right connections can open doors that skills alone might not.
Employers look for people who take initiative, communicate well, and solve problems, not just those with degrees or certifications.
Technology keeps changing, and staying ahead means adapting. AI, cybersecurity, and data management shape the industry today, but new fields will emerge. Those who stay curious, build relationships, and keep learning will always find opportunities.
To move forward in IT, take smart risks, ask for what you want, and keep improving your skills. Success comes from making the right moves at the right time and preparing for whatever comes next.
FAQs
What are the skills most in demand to move forward in IT?
To advance in IT, focus on cloud computing, AI, cybersecurity, data management, and project leadership. Strong communication and problem-solving skills also help.
How important is industry certification to move forward in IT?
Certifications can boost credibility, especially in fields like cybersecurity and cloud computing. However, hands-on experience often holds more value for career growth.
Does remote work affect career growth in IT leadership?
Remote work offers flexibility but can limit networking and visibility. Staying engaged, communicating well, and taking leadership roles help maintain career growth.
What technical skills should IT leaders focus on?
IT leaders should understand cloud platforms, AI, cybersecurity, data analytics, and enterprise IT systems while balancing business and strategy knowledge.
How can soft skills help move forward in IT?
Strong communication, leadership, adaptability, and decision-making skills set IT professionals apart and help them transition into management roles.
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