When you think of your company’s tech team, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Typically tech people are known for being a wiz at solving complex problems. They are comfortable with logic, facts and data, but are usually shy and reserved. While some of these stereotypes may be true, not all IT professionals fit into one specific category. In fact, you will probably be hard pressed to find a techie in your workplace these days still wearing taped glasses, suspenders and a pocket protector.
TechCareers.com recently polled over 500 visitors to find out, “What is the most common stereotype associated with techies?”
The largest majority of respondents (34.3 percent) said the most common stereotype among techies is being introverted. More than 28 percent said that techies always have the newest gadgets, 21.9 percent said they are good problem solvers, while the remaining 15.4 percent said techies play a lot of video games.
By the results of this poll, it is evident that there are many different perceptions related to IT professionals, some even a bit silly. So how can IT workers avoid being stereotyped and improve their career at the same time? Below are just a few tips to consider:
- Become a better communicator. As an IT professional, it is important to avoid using too much specialized jargon and to explain unfamiliar terms to non-technical people. It’s great to share your expertise, but keep your audience in mind. Techies are also known for keeping their writing as brief as possible, so be careful when composing emails to ensure materials make sense and you aren’t abbreviating at the expense of sounding “human”.
- Mingle with colleagues. Simply put, one of easiest ways to break down a negative stereotype associated with being a techie is to mingle with other colleagues. Make an effort to get to know your co-workers and network with professionals inside and outside of the tech department. Begin by avoiding eating at your desk and invite other colleagues to join you for lunch. It’s that simple!
- Seek opportunities to work with other teams – Gone are the days where the tech team occupies some far corner of the office to focus only on IT-related tasks. As many businesses evolve, it is becoming necessary to incorporate cross-functional teams to accomplish the company’s goals. Prepare yourself for this transition and make sure you are comfortable working with marketing professionals, product managers, sales professionals and other important groups in the company to ensure together you are able to succeed in your job and contribute towards positive company growth. Volunteer to participate on project teams whenever possible. It will also help you stand out amongst other tech team members.
- Proactively learn about your company’s strategic goals – As a techie, it is extremely helpful to understand where the company is heading and how it relates to your position. Rather than just focusing on an individual project, proactively seek to understand company goals and envision the “big picture” which helps you to realize how your contribution helps the company move one step closer to their overall goals. By going above and beyond and showing initiative, it could lead to bigger and better opportunities and make you a more valuable member of the company.
Remember, perception is in the eye of the beholder. Although techies may never completely break free from all of the stereotypes associated with their profession, there are many simple steps they can take to distinguish themselves from others and at the same time create valuable opportunities in their career. For more career-related tips and resources, please visit our Career Resource Center.
