What do you do if you want to advance into an IT Strategy leadership role through continuing education?

Advancing into an IT Strategy leadership role through continuing education involves assessing current skills and career goals, researching educational programs and certifications, and considering advanced degrees such as an MBA or MS in Information Systems. Building a professional network, staying updated on industry trends, and developing soft skills like communication and leadership are equally important. Seeking mentorship from experienced leaders and demonstrating leadership abilities within your organization further solidify your readiness for IT strategy leadership roles. Through a combination of education, practical experience, networking, and skill development, individuals can effectively position themselves for success.

1. Set the goal of what you want to achieve. 2. Find senior leaders you can shadow, ask questions, and learn from. 3. Find a good mentor outside of your place of business who has the experience. This should never be your boss. 4. Training courses -- there is an abundance of options here. 5. Certifications in the desired area to make you stand out. A cert is great but nothing beats on the job experience so you need to apply it.

In my experience, I've observed a tendency for individuals to prioritize hard skills over soft skills, especially in IT strategy leadership. While technical expertise is vital, it's equally crucial to develop interpersonal skills. These soft skills, including negotiation, project management, team engagement, coaching, and communication, play a pivotal role in navigating the complexities of IT strategy leadership. By honing hard and soft skills, IT leaders can build stronger relationships, foster collaboration, and effectively manage organizational dynamics. Embracing lifelong learning empowers individuals to adapt to evolving circumstances and stay relevant in their fields.

I believe it's also about looking at individuals that personify that role that you are targeting, soliciting their input to understand what path they took and building your own. Personally, I understood very early in my career that I needed to develop the language, thinking and decision making skills of top IT executives I admired. This led me into doing an MBA but also taking on more challenging roles as I progressed, allowing me to be exposed to these senior leaders and the extremely high expectations that they have towards their collaborators. It took coaching, mentoring and most of all, a 360 outlook of my own capabilities and the gaps that needed closing. This now forms the basis of my professional coaching approach.

When considering continuing education options, it is important to seek content that is not limiting one's opportunities to his or her current career trajectory, but rather allows the potential to explore new paths. One should have a clear idea of what he or she wants to achieve in the short term, but also what areas one could branch out to down the road. For those wanting to learn more about IT Strategy, this could mean deciding where to expand one's knowledge from a variety of focus areas, including emerging technologies, software implementations, process improvement, change management, stakeholder management, creating a detailed technology roadmap, or digital business transformation.

When exploring different formats and providers for continuing education in IT strategy, you can consider options like online courses, certifications, workshops, and conferences. For example, you might enroll in a specialized online program offered by universities or professional organizations. Alternatively, attending industry conferences or workshops led by experts can provide valuable insights and networking opportunities. Remember to choose formats that align with your learning style and career goals.

One thing I have always found helpful is attending training and other sessions offered by vendors and other organizations in your field. The speakers and sponsors of the sessions will often be leaders in your industry that you want to connect with. You will get a sense of your peer group by capturing the names of the other attendees. When I attend a session I always capture the names of the other attendees to see if I am connected to them on LinkedIN, and if not, send them an invitation to connect. Just remember if you send them an invitation make sure you add a note to say where you have crossed paths.

Trabalhe hard skills e soft skills. Habilidades comportamentais também são treináveis e você precisa exercitá-las na mesma medida das suas habilidades técnicas.

Exploring various formats and providers is crucial for IT strategy continuing education. Choices include online or offline, self-paced or instructor-led, short-term or long-term, and certificate or degree programs. Providers range from universities and colleges to professional associations, online platforms, and consulting firms. When evaluating options, consider the quality and reputation of content and instructors, accreditation and recognition of credentials, flexibility and convenience of delivery, and the cost and value of the investment. These factors help in making an informed decision that aligns with personal preferences, availability, and learning style.

While online courses and certifications are dime a dozen, look for business coaches and mentors that do not cost an alarm and a leg. Individual coaching preceded by a very detailed assessment of strengths and weaknesses will help hone skills tremendously. After all it’s more important you hit the right notes in your IT strategy career, than just letters on your resume through certifications.

Continuing education in IT strategy offers numerous benefits, including expanding professional networks, facilitating the exchange of insights, and showcasing skills and achievements to employers, clients, and colleagues. It allows for the expansion of professional networks with peers, instructors, mentors, and guest speakers, revealing new opportunities and showcasing IT strategy capabilities through portfolios, projects, case studies, and testimonials. This investment in IT strategy aims to advance one's career and potential, enhance skills and knowledge in the competitive IT landscape, and explore educational formats and providers.

To advance into an IT Strategy leadership role through continuing education, network with professionals in your desired field. Attend industry events, join online communities, and engage with thought leaders. Apply your learning by collaborating on projects, sharing insights with colleagues, and seeking mentorship opportunities. For instance, join IT strategy forums on LinkedIn, participate in webinars, and discuss case studies with peers to gain practical experience and build connections that can open doors to leadership roles.

This couldn’t be more emphasized. Someone told me early in my career - your network is your Net Worth! So start building it - both internally and externally!!!

Compartilhe! Mais que isso... doe! Se você aprendeu a fazer algo, ensine isso a alguém. Há muitas razões para fazer isso. Primeiro, porque você pode... Muitas pessoas ficam constrangidas em ensinar por não se sentirem capazes. Mas se você pode fazer, você pode ensinar. Segundo, porque você deve... observe o privilégio que você teve em aprender algo e seja grato por isso. Sendo grato, vem em seguida o impulso da retribuição. Nós queremos compartilhar nossas conquistas e devemos fazer isso apoiando o outro. E, terceiro, porque ensinar é a melhor forma de dominar um assunto. Estudos revelam que, quando apenas lemos ou escutamos algo, retemos de 10% a 20% do conteúdo, mas quando escrevemos ou falamos, retemos mais de 70%.

It is important to make an assessment of your own organisation's future business roadmap so as to align IT roadmap in line with business goals. It is equally important to get assessment done thru outside experts to get a frank viewpoint.

Extend your IT strategy to align with business outcomes, focusing on how technology investments support overarching goals.Read the company's annual report to understand its strategy and priorities, gaining insight into areas where technology can provide strategic advantages.Learn about key business metrics from various departments, identifying how technology can enhance performance and drive desired outcomes.

1) Assess current skills and knowledge in IT strategy. 2) Choose relevant educational programs or certifications. 3) Develop essential leadership skills through workshops and seminars. 4) Gain practical experience through projects or leadership roles. 5) Stay informed about industry trends and seek mentorship for guidance.

One can advance towards IT leadership roles considering the below paths: Obtain Industry-Recognized Certifications Develop Leadership and Soft Skills Gain Cross-Functional Experience Pursue Continuing Education and Professional Development Build a Strong Professional Network Develop a Specialized Expertise or Niche The path to IT leadership is a continuous process that requires a combination of formal education, hands-on experience, professional development, and a dedication to lifelong learning. Adapting to evolving technology and business requirements is critical for success in IT leadership roles.