In tech, a “move fast and break things” mentality has dominated the industry for years. And while innovation will always be at the core of the evolution of tech companies when it comes to tech careers, is it time to pause, reassess, and stop climbing the career ladder at pace?
The answer is a resounding yes, according to a recent study conducted by Korn Ferry. It found that as U.S. employers are likely to offer fewer promotions and salary increases in 2024, developing a “career lattice” AKA moving to a job that pays the same amount (or less in some cases) but offers more opportunity to grow your skill set could be the way forward.
“Very few roles these days offer pure next-step progression,” explains Korn Ferry advance coach Frances Weir.
This sentiment was also championed by Dan Kaplan, senior client partner in the company’s CHRO practice, who offered that “the old way of thinking about getting a promotion every year or two is antiquated.”
Taking back control
If the traditional career ladder is out and adopting a more holistic approach to career development is in, how can workers establish a clear pathway for career progression and professional development?
One way tech workers can take control and continue to further their careers is by honing their soft skills to make their skill set even more valuable, something even generative AI is yet to master.
According to The World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Future of Jobs Report 2023, analytical thinking is the most important workplace skill for the future, followed by creative thinking and resilience, flexibility, and agility.
While technical skills are still crucial, identify opportunities that will allow you to develop your soft skills. This could be as simple as reaching out to your manager and asking to avail of learning and development opportunities that will develop soft skills such as leadership, communication or creative thinking.
Or why not look outside of tech altogether? According to data compiled by Glassdoor, salaries for tech workers at non-tech companies are often more competitive to attract the best talent.
So, if your current role isn’t providing you with the opportunities you’re looking for—professionally or financially—it could be time to look for a new job in a company that will provide more than just a paycheck.
If that is the case, head to the Hackernoon Job Board where you will find thousands of tech opportunities in companies that are currently hiring, including the three below.
Software Developer, Oracle, United States
The Oracle Retail Demo Services team, within the Retail Global Business Unit – Solution Development Org, is seeking a Software Developer to establish a complete RGBU Demo strategy to scale up and support the growing Retail Global Cloud business. As such, you will lead the demo development and support, within the Dev organization, including design, execution, operation, and post-delivery, in a cloud-native environment, aligned to Oracle Retail’s next-gen cloud platform strategy. All candidates with the appropriate skills and experience will be considered, though the ideal candidate will have experience across the Oracle Retail/Cloud Solution Omni-Channel suite, backed by Retail domain knowledge and project management expertise. View additional details here.
Software Developer, Leidos Chantilly
Leidos is looking for a Software Developer to support a mission-focused project in the McLean, VA or Chantilly, VA area. The successful candidate will join a high-profile, fast-moving team of full-stack developers utilizing Java and JavaScript in a fluid agile environment catering to demanding stakeholders and highly visible applications. The team works with mobile applications and utilizes a strict security environment. Duties will relate to new and existing applications, features, web services, and major enhancements to include support in the areas of creation, coordination, dissemination, security, and conveyance.
See the full job description here.
GIS Developer, Booz Allen Hamilton, Fort Belvoir
Are you passionate about crafting an amazing user experience? Booz Allen Hamilton is seeking a Geographic Information System (GIS) Developer who will use equal parts skill and vision to build an experience that delivers functionality and efficiency for Department of Defence planners. You’ll work with clients to create a seamless user experience using JavaScript GIS APIs, including ArcGIS JS API and the ESRI tool suite, including arcMap and ArcGIS Pro, and will have privileged access and work with the development team to ensure accessibility for all users by developing widgets that function across browsers, platforms, and devices while meeting accessibility and security requirements.
Get more information here.
- By Aoibhinn Mc Bride
