How to build a successful career in IT: 10 tips in 10 minutes

October 2023 marked the 25th anniversary of my career in IT. In this post, I’m going to summarize my journey in 10 key points, reflecting on both my successes and failures, the lessons I’ve learned, and those I still aspire to grasp.

#1: Be resilient. Take Risks. And get out of your comfort zone!

25 years ago, I had been living in L’Aquila, known as “the coldest city in Italy“, a place that I never liked. I was attending a university that I never liked and studying subjects that didn’t interest me, all because, unfortunately, my parents couldn’t afford to send me to study where I truly dreamed of.

I was spiraling into depression.

Then, one day, I came across an advertisement in a newspaper. They were looking for internship developers in Rome. With just a little pocket money, I made the decision to hop on a bus, move to Rome, and leave everything behind.

This marked the beginning of my career in IT.

Years later, I became an entrepreneur and founded a startup. The business was thriving, but I felt unsatisfied with the Italian IT scene.

One fine day, I made the choice to pack my car and leave everything behind once again, this time moving to Ireland. At that point, I was already 40 years old, had never worked abroad, and my English was far from perfect (well, to be honest, it still isn’t). However, despite all these challenges, my career took great leaps, thanks to those daring decisions.

And here’s my first piece of advice: Be resilient. Take risks in life. Step out of your comfort zone.

#2: Good things take time.

I started my career by writing a small piece of code in JavaScript. Now, I lead a practice in a company that has just won the Microsoft Country Partner of the Year award in Ireland.

It definitely took some time to get to where I am now, and I’m not finished yet. Could I have done better or faster? Probably, yes.

Can other people do better than me and get there faster than me? Of course!

However, we can’t deny a fact: talent is not enough. To reach certain roles, seniority and experience are also needed, and unfortunately, these are things we can’t learn in books or be trained for.

Building a successful IT career is a journey that requires patience and persistence.

#3: Build your foundation first, specialise later.

Throughout all these years, I’ve always been focused exclusively on Microsoft technologies. I’ve witnessed the evolution of nearly all their products over time, starting with .NET in the early 2000s, and now including Microsoft 365, Azure, AI, and related technologies.

Of course, 25 years ago, I couldn’t have predicted that I’d be working with what I am today. I can’t deny that this can create a somewhat unsettling feeling, you know, that sense of, “Am I at risk of becoming obsolete? What if I’m ever made redundant? Should I consider changing my job?“…

So, the way I’ve dealt with this is by telling myself, “Okay, Donald, regardless of the skills that are currently in demand or might be in the future, there are certain things that never change“…

For instance, principles like object-oriented programming, effective project management, application development methodologies (whether it’s a three-tier architecture, a service-oriented application, a distributed system, a web application, or a mobile app), and so on.

In the beginning, I strived to excel in various roles and focused on mastering these foundational concepts. Then, at a certain point, I began to specialize in one or two areas that I believed would provide job security for the coming years. Needless to say, one must also have the ability to discern the significant technological trends. For example, AI appears to be a highly promising trend, but, in my opinion, the same level of optimism may not be warranted for concepts like the Metaverse or Blockchain…

#4: Soft Skills, Soft Skills, Soft Skills.

Technical skills are undoubtedly important, but soft skills like communication, teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving are equally crucial. In fact, I’d argue that they are vital if you want to thrive in this world for the long haul.

You don’t need to be an extrovert (I’m actually an introvert myself), and you don’t have to possess the oratory skills of a politician (I certainly don’t, even in my native language). However, being able to effectively communicate your ideas, thoughts, or even disagreements can significantly impact the success of a project and, ultimately, how you’re perceived by others.

#5: Networking.

Networking is crucial. Building a robust professional network can open doors to valuable connections, job opportunities, and new collaborations.

When I relocated from Italy to Ireland, I owe my success to the people already established there. All my job opportunities either stemmed from people I knew or individuals who reached out to me on LinkedIn. Most of the people I’ve hired were either endorsed or referred through my network.

So, dedicate time and effort to attend events, engage in online forums, participate in local meetups, and cultivate your LinkedIn network.

#6: Know your emotions. And learn to manage them.

Stress and emotions are constants in this job. Even at my age, I’m still learning how to manage my emotions. Emotional intelligence is vital in the field of IT. It helps you handle stress, navigate workplace relationships, and effectively manage high-pressure situations. Developing emotional intelligence can lead to improved teamwork and career advancement.

How have I fared in this regard? Well, in the past, not very well. I made many mistakes – really quite a few. I did things I shouldn’t have done and said things I shouldn’t have said. Many times, I neglected to pay attention to my emotions in the workplace, and as a result, I damaged many relationships, missed numerous opportunities, and, ultimately, I could have been in a much better position than I am now.

Reflecting on my experiences and the path I’ve taken, I can confidently say that developing emotional intelligence is perhaps the most significant investment one can make to enhance their career. “Know your emotions and learn to manage them” is arguably the most important piece of advice I can offer in this post.

#7: “Perception is Reality”.

You can be a geek or a nerd, and that’s perfectly fine. However, if you want to thrive in this world, please strive to be a well-mannered geek ). Our jobs involve numerous meetings and various situations where you might encounter people for the first time. And unfortunately, it only takes about 10 seconds for someone to form their initial impression of you.

“Perception is Reality”

One of my former clients

So, if you’re aiming for success in your career, don’t forget the importance of the dress code, offer a firm handshake when meeting someone new, and communicate clearly.

“How you dress teaches people how to treat you”

Mum

#8: Performance is not enough.

Are you dreaming about that promotion? Or what about that pay rise?

Do you understand what it takes to achieve these goals? Perhaps exceptional performance comes to mind. Indeed, exceptional performance is what every employer expects from you by default.

However, did you know that a great performance only accounts for 10% of the employer’s decisional process?

Image and Exposure make up the remaining 90%.

So, work on developing your image. As just said, “Perception is Reality“. Furthermore, manage your exposure by ensuring you are visible to the right people, in the right manner, and at the right time.

Advocating for your worth is crucial. Learn to articulate your achievements, contributions, and the value you bring to your organization.

If you have the opportunity to lead an important meeting or event, take full advantage of it. Prepare yourself accordingly. Write valuable content for a blog, conduct lunch & learn sessions for your colleagues, assist your company in delivering online webinars, showcase your expertise on LinkedIn.

Remember the PIE: Performance, Image, Exposure.

Additionally, research industry salary standards to better prepare yourself for negotiating a fair compensation package.

#9: Use AI to your advantage.

We often hear frightening stories about AI, such as its potential to take over our jobs and even control our lives ).

Personally, I had been disregarding ChatGPT for quite some time. However, a few months ago, I watched a presentation by a colleague on how Generative AI can enhance our day-to-day work. From that moment on, I fell in love with AI!.

AI tools can help automate routine tasks, analyze data more efficiently, and provide insights that can drive better decision-making. Understanding AI and its applications can give you a competitive edge in the IT industry.

So, instead of being afraid of AI, embrace it and use it to your advantage!

#10: Don’t settle. Keep learning. Keep going.

We are lucky to be IT experts. I believe that working in IT is one of the best professions one can have. The IT landscape is constantly evolving, and IT jobs are among the highest-paying positions in the world. You never get bored, as there is always something new to learn, new people to meet, and new experiences to gain.

It’s certainly not the easiest job; you need to continuously learn, look ahead, and adapt to avoid becoming obsolete.

So, don’t settle – keep learning, keep improving your skills and your mindset, and keep looking for better opportunities.

Keep going, and enjoy the journey.

The Modern Intranet – Part 2: The role of SharePoint

< Part 1 – Unleashing Collaboration and Productivity

Introduction

The role of SharePoint in Microsoft 365 has evolved compared to its previous role in the “on-premises era.” In the past, SharePoint on-premises served as a comprehensive platform for content management, intranet portals, application development, search centres, collaboration, and community management.

Teams and Viva taking the lead

Nowadays, Microsoft Teams has taken over as the primary collaboration platform, while SharePoint has transitioned into a Content Storage provider role. A SharePoint team created within a Microsoft Teams team can be used as-is without modifying its structure or making customisations. Documents stored in SharePoint can be accessed from Microsoft Teams, eliminating the need to access SharePoint directly in most cases.

Microsoft Viva Engage has assumed the role of the community management platform. It seamlessly integrates with Microsoft Teams, requiring minimal interaction with SharePoint.

The Power Platform has become the go-to solution for rapidly developing line-of-business applications in the Modern Workplace. It integrates various data sources, not limited to SharePoint. For more complex scenarios, developers can leverage the Teams Toolkit, where SharePoint Framework (SPFx) is just one of the available options.

The Search System is now integrated across all Microsoft 365 systems, extending beyond SharePoint.

So, what is the actual role of SharePoint in Microsoft 365?

​ Well, SharePoint in Microsoft 365 still fulfils two fundamental roles:​

  • Collaboration: SharePoint Online offers capabilities for document management, authoring and co-authoring, and sharing documents among organisational and external users.​
  • Publishing: SharePoint Online serves as the primary building block for creating a publishing portal that delivers content, news, policies and procedures, search functionality, user profiles, links, and other relevant information to a broader audience, ideally encompassing the entire organisation or specific departments. ​

Furthermore, SharePoint Online serves as a foundational layer for enhancing the capabilities of Microsoft Teams:​

  • Providing content storage and document management capabilities within Microsoft Teams.​
  • Allowing for the integration of the Modern Intranet within Microsoft Teams through Microsoft Viva.

​Coming up next

The next blog post in the series will focus on SharePoint Online as the foundation for creating a publishing portal.

Get your Modern Workplace ready for Copilot

Exciting news from Microsoft! They have just unveiled Copilot, a groundbreaking generative AI tool that is about to transform the way we work and boost personal productivity. But how exactly does Copilot fit into the comprehensive Microsoft 365 product suite? What does this mean for your company’s data and security? And most importantly, how can you ensure a smooth rollout that aligns with your organization’s unique business and technical needs?

Exciting news from Microsoft! They have just unveiled Copilot, a groundbreaking generative AI tool that is about to transform the way we work and boost personal productivity. But how exactly does Copilot fit into the comprehensive Microsoft 365 product suite? What does this mean for your company’s data and security? And most importantly, how can you ensure a smooth rollout that aligns with your organization’s unique business and technical needs?…

Read my full article on Codec Ireland’s blog

Read my guest post on Codec website

The Modern Intranet – Part 1: Unleashing Collaboration and Productivity

Let’s dive into the world of modern workplace intranets and explore how they empower organisations to harness the full potential of their workforce, data and business processes, regardless of their location.

Introduction

In today’s evolving work landscape, where hybrid and remote working have become the new normal, effective collaboration, information sharing and communication are key to fostering productivity and innovation. Organisations today are seeking robust and secure solutions to thrive in this evolving work landscape, to connect their teams, streamline business processes and cultivate a collaborative work culture, at the same time making sure their company data are secure and properly governed. In this blog post, we will dive into the world of modern workplace intranets and explore how they empower organisations to harness the full potential of their workforce, data and business processes, regardless of their location.

Key features and benefits of a Modern Intranet powered by Microsoft 365 suite of products

Seamless Communication and Collaboration

A Modern Intranet serves as a centralised hub for employees, ensuring seamless communication and collaboration. Integrating together Microsoft Teams, SharePoint Online, and Microsoft Viva, employees can easily connect with colleagues, share content, access company’s news and information, and collaborate together on projects in real-time. Whether in the office or working remotely, the Modern Intranet brings everyone together in a digital workplace, fostering a sense of unity. With shared calendars, task management, and instant messaging capabilities, teams can collaborate efficiently, breaking down silos and improving cross-functional communication.

Efficient Document Management

Document management lies at the heart of a Modern Intranet. Microsoft 365 provides robust document storage and sharing capabilities through SharePoint Online, allowing users to collaborate on documents simultaneously and share them internally in the organisation as well as externally. Version control and granular access controls ensure that information is managed securely and is always up to date. Additionally, powerful search functionalities and metadata tagging make it easy to locate documents quickly, enhancing productivity and reducing time wasted searching for critical information.

Personalised and Targeted Content

A Modern Intranet should not only serve as a repository of information but also provide personalized and targeted content to its users. Microsoft 365 leverages AI and machine learning to deliver relevant content to employees based on their roles, departments, or interests, enhancing productivity and reducing time spent searching for resources:

  • SharePoint Online can deliver personalised news feeds and powerful search capabilities.
  • SharePoint Syntex automatically processes and extracts information from documents, allowing users to classify, organise, and find relevant content more efficiently. It streamlines content management and improves the search experience.
  • Viva Topics creates a knowledge graph that connects and surfaces relevant information across various sources, using AI to identify topics, establish relationships, and generate topic pages that consolidate related content, providing users with a comprehensive understanding of a subject.

Business Process Optimisation

Microsoft 365 leverages the powerful combination of Power Platform, Microsoft Teams, and Dataverse to streamline and enhance organisational workflows:

  • The Power Platform empowers users to create custom applications, automate repetitive tasks, and gain valuable insights through data visualisation.
  • Microsoft Teams serves as a centralized communication hub, fostering seamless collaboration and real-time interaction among team members.
  • Additionally, Dataverse serves as a secure and scalable data storage platform, ensuring data integrity and facilitating integration across various Microsoft 365 applications.

By leveraging these tools, businesses can optimise their processes, improve productivity, and achieve enhanced operational efficiency.

Data Governance & Control

Maintaining the security of sensitive company information is crucial, especially when working in a hybrid or remote setting. SharePoint Online offers secure file sharing and content storage capabilities. With its granular permissions and access controls, organisations can ensure that only authorized personnel can view, edit, or share sensitive documents, mitigating the risk of data breaches. With Microsoft Purview, organisations can gain comprehensive insights into their data landscape, enabling them to discover, classify, and monitor data across various sources. Microsoft 365 labels further enhance data governance by allowing administrators to define policies and rules for data classification, retention, and protection. This integrated approach empowers businesses to establish a structured and compliant environment, ensuring data is appropriately governed, secured, and leveraged to drive informed decision-making.

Employee Engagement and Company Culture

Maintaining a strong company culture and employee engagement is vital, even more in a hybrid or remote work environment. A Modern Intranet fosters employee engagement through various features. Viva Engage, the enterprise social networking platform, enables employees to connect, share ideas, and celebrate achievements. It also serves as a platform to recognize employee contributions, share company updates, and promote internal events, creating a sense of belonging and unity among team members.

Conclusions

The Modern Intranet is a game-changer for organisations looking to enhance internal collaboration, streamline business processes, and drive employee engagement. As the world continues to embrace remote and mobile work, a modern workplace intranet equips organizations with the necessary infrastructure to adapt and thrive in the modern business landscape.

Coming up next

In the upcoming posts of this series, I will walk you through the entire process of building a Modern Intranet using the Microsoft suite of products. We’ll start from the conceptual and architectural phases and progress to the implementation and roll-out stages. Throughout this series, we will utilise the suite of tools mentioned in this post, while also drawing upon real-world examples and case studies based on my extensive experience as a Microsoft technologies consultant.

Part 2 – The role of SharePoint >