Get picked for IT projects that will boost your career
One of the surest ways to rise in the IT ranks is to get assigned to important projects that will showcase your knowledge, skills and experience. The challenge becomes getting picked to serve on the right ones.
Like many things, success is greatly aided by who you know. Start by connecting with team members already involved in high-impact projects, or with those who have influence and insight into those teams. These relationships can lead to mentorship, advocacy, and early awareness of upcoming opportunities, says Yinette Fernandez, head of the project management office at Ategrity Specialty Insurance, a national specialty property and casualty insurer.
To earn a spot on a project team, Fernandez recommends that you take a proactive and strategic approach. If you have relevant experience, highlight past achievements and the specific skills you bring to the table—especially any niche expertise that aligns with the project’s needs.
The IT projects that offer the biggest career benefit
Projects aligned with an organization’s top strategic priorities offer the most career value, especially multi-year transformations and revenue-generating initiatives. These projects provide exposure to leadership, complex problem-solving, and direct contribution to the company’s profitability and financial performance.
A variety of project types is also important, says John Sonner, a contract IT project leader and consultant. Sonner has been a project manager on-and-off since the 1990’s.
“Working on large project that is a high priority requires a different approach than a smaller, lower level one without the same management backing. I want team members who can adapt to the uniqueness of each project, instead of thinking ‘there’s only one way to skin a cat,” Sonner explains.
Tips for getting picked for project teams
If you’re newer to project work, use one-on-one conversations to express genuine interest and a willingness to contribute in any capacity. Flexibility and enthusiasm go a long way, Fernandez says.
Show interest in the goals of the project itself, Sonner says. “Don’t be the one running to a shiny object. Leaders want people committed to the mission.”
When you’re in a status meeting, pay attention to what others are doing, even if there’s no direct overlap with your work, he says. Practice communicating concisely and clearly. The higher up the ladder you go, the more important it is to understand the audience’s perspective. That will help you develop a reputation for delivering and being open about issues without being difficult to work with.
Bring the right attitude to initial project assignments
To make the most of any project experience, approach it with both strategic focus and personal curiosity. While keeping the end goals in sight—whether it’s delivering a product, transforming a process, or driving measurable business impact—it’s equally important to embrace the journey. Every project offers a chance to learn something new, build meaningful relationships, and grow in unexpected ways.
“Multi-year initiatives, in particular, come with lots of challenges,” Fernandez explains. “These include shifting priorities, resource constraints, and moments of high pressure. The key is to manage your composure, stay solution-oriented, and remain adaptable. How you show up during the tough moments often defines your reputation more than the final deliverable. By staying engaged, reflective, and resilient, you not only contribute to the project’s success—you elevate your own professional value.”
It can also be valuable to hold your own ‘lessons learned’ session and review your performance on the project, Sonner says. “Ask yourself, ‘What would you do differently if you had a do-over, and what would you do the same? Write these down and review them at the start of your next project. Share your knowledge. And one of the best ways to learn something better is to teach it to someone else.”
The technology, business and personal skills you may acquire
Regardless of the project nature, there are certain technology skills, business skills, and even personal skills, that an IT pro should seek to gain from the experience.
From a technology perspective, you should continuously evolve your technical toolkit by embracing emerging technologies such as AI and automation. Depending on your role within the project team, this could mean integrating AI-powered analytics into daily workflows, optimizing processes with low-code platforms, or mastering collaborative tools that drive efficiency across distributed teams.
From a business perspective, a strong grasp of financial fundamentals is essential. IT pros should understand how to read financial statements, manage budgets, and connect project deliverables to tangible business outcomes.
“Whether it’s improving operational efficiency or driving top-line growth, they must be able to articulate how their work contributes to the organization’s strategic goals,” Fernandez says. “The ability to speak the language of business builds credibility and ensures technology initiatives are aligned with long-term value creation.”
On a personal level, project success often goes beyond managing tasks—it requires influence, empathy, and trust. Develop the ability to engage stakeholders across all levels of the organization, from frontline teams to executive leadership. Building authentic relationships and becoming a trusted advisor can transform you from a technical contributor into a strategic partner. These interpersonal skills are often the differentiator in high-impact roles.
Project experience should help you learn how to acquire the skills you need, just in time, and to share newly-gained skills with others on the project, in an informal barter of sorts.
Assessing the short term and long term value of a project experience
You can assess the potential value of a project role by looking at both immediate and future-facing benefits.
In the short term, consider what new skills or experiences the project offers—whether it’s exposure to emerging technologies, cross-functional collaboration, or visibility with senior leadership.
“When your contributions make a meaningful impact, they can translate into stronger performance reviews, increased visibility, and even financial rewards like bonuses or promotions,” Fernandez says. “These outcomes not only enhance your current role but also position you for future opportunities within and beyond your organization.”
For the long term, think about how the project aligns with your broader career aspirations. Ask yourself, does it position you closer to strategic decision-making? Does it build credibility in a domain you want to specialize in?
Even if your goals shift, being part of high-impact initiatives often creates a ripple effect—expanding your network, strengthening your reputation, and giving you stories of resilience and innovation that future employers or leaders will value.
Ultimately, the key is to stay reflective and intentional. Every project is a stepping stone, but the direction it leads depends on how you leverage the experience.
