What An Operations Supervisor At ServiceNow Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Tech Industry
Allison, a Global ISV Operations Supervisor at ServiceNow, learned that "constantly looking for that next opportunity," even while seemingly content, is crucial for career growth in the tech industry, unlike more static career paths of previous generations. This includes actively advocating for oneself, seeking clear job descriptions and promotion pathways, and "be[ing] your best Advocate" to achieve career goals.
Career Development, Networking, Advocating for Yourself, Tech Industry Trends, Continuous Learning
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Allison Kulp
Global ISV Operations Supervisor
ServiceNow, Inc.
Loyola University Maryland , 2009
University of California Los Angeles -Executive MBA anticipated 2024
Business Management & Admin
Technology
Operations and Project Management
Took Out Loans
Video Highlights
1. In today's tech industry, career growth often requires actively seeking new opportunities and not necessarily staying at the same role or company for extended periods. This approach helps in skill development and career fulfillment.
2. It's crucial to maintain a record of your accomplishments and proactively advocate for your career progression. Don't hesitate to discuss your career goals with your manager and ask for clear job descriptions, including the steps needed for advancement.
3. Networking and researching various career paths, even while in a current role, are essential for identifying new possibilities and staying ahead in a dynamic field. It's helpful to consider how your skills could apply to different sectors or roles and to seek out mentors with diverse career trajectories for inspiration and guidance.
Transcript
What have you learned about this role that you wish someone would have told you before you started?
It's not just the role, but also the industry. For our parents' generation, it was typical to stay in the same role or company for many years. This isn't always the case, especially in tech, and it doesn't necessarily help you grow your career.
For me, it's a learning lesson because I tend to be very loyal. I don't want to leave a team or company. However, there's so much out there, and it's important to constantly look for the next opportunity.
Even if you're not actively trying to leave, you should still look for the next thing you want to do. This is how you'll feel more fulfilled and grow pretty fast. You have to take that risk to find something different.
It goes back to networking and asking what else is out there and what else you should do. It's okay to stay with the same company. I'm going back to school and looking for the next thing because I want to grow and do more.
So, constantly look for the next opportunity. Even if you're not looking, still research and see what startups are out there. I think of peers and mentors who have cool careers because they adapted and did different things.
They might have worked in fashion, then retail, or now in apps. You have to constantly think about finding the next thing. It doesn't mean you should jump into a different job every year. In tech, every three to five years is a good time to switch.
I wish I had done that. I'm trying to do that more now in the next phase of my career.
Another aspect is to keep a running record of all your accomplishments. Depending on the company, you have to be your own best advocate. Sometimes you might have an amazing manager who does this for you, but you still need to be your best advocate.
Ask your manager what you need to do to reach a specific role, like senior manager, within a certain timeframe. During your one-on-ones, ask how you're tracking towards those goals. If the job description isn't clear, ask your manager for clarification.
You have to be assertive about getting that structure. To become a senior manager, you might need to promote three people or help run a couple of projects. That's what you need to do to get to that role.
You need to get what you want out of your career, and your manager should be helping with that. So, you have to be your own best advocate in that sense.