How to grow in your IT role

In the fast-changing world of IT, it’s easy to obsess over the latest frameworks, certifications, or job titles. Yet, sustainable career growth isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about cultivating the right habits and mindsets that enable you to adapt, lead, and thrive across decades. Whether you’re a developer, analyst, sysadmin, or product manager, your ability to grow stems from how you learn, connect, and contribute, not just what you know today.

Embracing Lifelong Learning

Technology never stands still. The programming language you master today might be obsolete tomorrow. The tools you rely on can fall out of favor. To grow in IT, treat learning as an ongoing journey, not a checkbox to tick at the beginning of your career.

Curiosity is your superpower. Ask questions even when you think you should know the answer. Seek out new perspectives, and don’t be afraid to experiment with unfamiliar technologies. Try reading outside your usual scope—if you’re a backend engineer, learn about UX; if you’re a project manager, dabble in scripting or automation.

“Learning is not attained by chance, it must be sought for with ardor and attended to with diligence.” – Abigail Adams

Build habits around learning. Set aside time weekly to read documentation, follow industry blogs, or participate in online courses. Share your learning with peers—teaching others not only reinforces your own understanding, it positions you as a valued collaborator.

Developing Adaptability

Rigid thinking is the enemy of progress. The most successful IT professionals embrace change and uncertainty. They are comfortable letting go of old habits and tools, even those they once championed, to make space for innovation.

Start by adopting a growth mindset. When faced with a new challenge, ask yourself, “What can I learn from this?” instead of, “Why is this happening to me?” View setbacks as learning opportunities, not failures. This mindset is especially powerful for neurodivergent individuals, who often bring unique problem-solving abilities but may also face environments that don’t always value unconventional thinking.

Staying Flexible with Roles

Your job description is only a starting point. In tech, roles evolve quickly. Be open to taking on responsibilities outside your typical remit. Volunteer for cross-functional projects. Shadow colleagues in other departments. Stretch assignments—those that push you out of your comfort zone—are often where the most growth happens.

The Power of Community and Networking

It’s a myth that IT is a solitary pursuit. In reality, collaboration and networking are essential for career development. Surrounding yourself with a diverse community—across genders, backgrounds, and neurotypes—fuels creativity and resilience.

Actively seek out mentors and sponsors. A mentor offers guidance; a sponsor champions your growth and advocates for you in key meetings. Don’t limit yourself to a single mentor; build a personal board of advisors with varied perspectives.

Contribute to open source, attend local meetups, or participate in online forums. These spaces are invaluable for learning, sharing, and building your professional reputation. They also help flatten hierarchies, offering direct access to thought leaders and innovators who can inspire and challenge you.

Women and Neurodivergent Professionals in IT

For women and neurodivergent professionals, networking can sometimes feel daunting. Look for affinity groups and online communities that foster inclusion. These spaces can offer practical advice on navigating bias, advocating for accommodations, and building confidence in environments that haven’t always been welcoming.

“Diversity drives innovation—when we limit who can contribute, we in turn limit what problems we can solve.”

Share your story. By being visible, you help others see what’s possible.

Mastering Communication

Technical brilliance is only half the equation. The ability to communicate complex ideas—clearly, succinctly, and with empathy—is what sets apart those who lead from those who follow.

Practice active listening. When colleagues speak, focus fully on their words and intent. Ask clarifying questions. Reflect back what you’ve heard. This builds trust and prevents misunderstandings.

Learn to translate technical jargon for non-technical stakeholders. Whether you’re writing documentation, giving a demo, or presenting a roadmap, tailor your message to your audience. Use analogies, visuals, and storytelling to make your points resonate.

Feedback is a gift. Seek it out regularly, and give it generously. Frame criticism constructively, focusing on behavior and outcomes, not people. In remote or asynchronous teams, over-communicate; clarity matters more than brevity.

Advocating for Yourself

Don’t wait for recognition. Track your achievements and communicate them clearly during performance reviews or team meetings. If you need accommodations or flexibility—whether for neurodiversity, caregiving, or personal growth—state your needs confidently. Your perspective and well-being matter.

Building Resilience and Well-being

IT can be demanding, with tight deadlines and high expectations. Burnout is real, and it can sabotage even the most promising careers. Growth requires not just skill, but sustainability.

Establish boundaries. Learn to say no to unreasonable demands, and yes to opportunities that align with your goals and values. Take breaks. Regularly disconnect from screens and reconnect with your body through movement, mindfulness, or hobbies outside of tech.

Seek support. Many organizations now offer mental health resources, employee assistance programs, and peer support groups. Use them. If you’re neurodivergent, investigate whether tools like noise-canceling headphones, flexible hours, or assistive technology can help you thrive.

“Taking care of yourself doesn’t mean me first. It means me too.” – L.R. Knost

Setting Goals and Tracking Progress

Growth in IT is rarely linear. You might plateau, pivot, or even step sideways before leaping forward. The key is intentionality: setting clear goals, tracking your progress, and recalibrating as needed.

Define what growth means to you. Is it mastery of a technology, leadership opportunities, work-life balance, or making an impact? Write down your goals and revisit them quarterly. Celebrate small wins along the way.

Don’t be afraid to pivot. The skills you develop in one area—problem-solving, collaboration, project management—are transferable. The most fulfilling IT careers are often those unplanned, shaped by curiosity and openness to new possibilities.

Continuous Feedback Loops

Regularly solicit feedback from peers, managers, and even clients. What are you doing well? Where can you improve? Use this input to adjust your learning plan, try new approaches, and avoid stagnation.

Championing Inclusion and Paying It Forward

As you grow, lift others with you. Advocate for inclusive hiring, accessible technology, and diverse teams. Mentor junior colleagues, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. Share resources, amplify voices, and challenge bias wherever you see it.

Remember, your journey is unique—but your willingness to support others creates a ripple effect. In IT, as in life, we rise higher when we rise together.

Final Thoughts

Growing in your IT role is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires curiosity, flexibility, empathy, and resilience. Focus on developing habits and mindsets that nurture both your technical and human skills. Invest in your community, support your well-being, and never stop learning.

Technology will keep changing, but the foundation you build—of continuous learning, collaboration, and inclusive leadership—will serve you no matter where your career takes you.