Job Promotion Vision

What most people don't understand is the fact that most high paying positions usually are assigned to external candidates. Contrary to popular belief which was planted in our minds by corporate America years ago , internal promotional advancement is dead ! Which means, the secret to obtaining a high level iT position today is to progressively change jobs every 2-3 years. However be careful,  excessive job hopping can be viewed negatively by many companies. I recommend changing companies no more than every 2 years. Be sure that every new progressive position has an enhanced title, salary, and responsibility which is greater than your last position.

 As a Corporate iT Recruiter, I can inform you that companies like to  hire Senior level candidates which have shown progressive movement and responsibility through their career. Many recruiters and hiring managers may eliminate you from consideration for a high level position if they don't see progressive movement. For example, if you were a Sr. Programmer Analyst for 7  years, I would question your leadership qualities. In the mind of a hiring professional, you should have progressed  your career into a Project Management or leadership position after 4 years if not sooner. 

 The secret is don't stay in any position too long ! That is of course until you achieve the professional level and money you are satisfied with for awhile. But , I still don't recommend staying at any company longer than 5 years. Even if you are at  the CIO level or higher, be assured eventually an acquisition or internal departmental change affecting your current position is just around the corner. 

 Another point to be made about staying at a company too long.  Are you keeping your  iT skills up to date by working at  that company? Would your  iT skills be comparable to other candidates on the market if they terminated your employment ?

  If you need more stability in your life,  I highly recommend getting into a different career outside of iT or better yet start your own business.  Otherwise, ride the wave as long as you can; but, always be ready for change ! The ideal  career path for an iT professional today will entail constant movement into progressive career related roles until retirement. Understanding the secret behind advancement will allow one to retire earlier in life. In fact, with the high paying salaries of iT professionals today, most iT professionals with proper investments can retire after 12 years ! Something that wasn't even realistic just 10 years  ago !  Reach for the Stars !! ....