Succeeding in IT means partnership
When I hear “contemporary IT environment,” I think “temporary.” Too many businesses get sidetracked by shiny new tools and trendy buzzwords instead of focusing on what IT should truly do: create strong, efficient systems that run so well, users hardly notice them. With over 17 years managing IT in small to medium-sized companies and nearly a decade in the SOC2 audit space, I’ve learned the key to succeeding in IT isn’t chasing every new gadget. It’s forming solid partnerships—internally and externally—to make sure our technology supports clear, practical business goals.
Today’s IT roles require deep business understanding, moving us from tech support to strategic partners. Cybersecurity pressures mean we need to spot inefficiencies and risks quickly and offer solutions that truly improve the company. As you step into leadership, this becomes even more crucial. You’re no longer just keeping the lights on—you’re transforming IT from a cost center to a strategic advantage. Getting your users to participate in this for the sake of business efficiently is a HUGE win! We can put hardware and software restrictions in place, but the human element will always be the weak point.
To succeed in IT, you and your org must adapt
One big misunderstanding is thinking IT knowledge is static, something you learn once and never update. Effective IT pros constantly adapt because technology never stands still, nor should we. Keeping that curiosity and adaptability alive means solving problems faster and staying aligned with the business’s changing needs. Researching issues beyond the top level ensures efficiency and knowledge of the business systems.
We have to be continuously sharpening the blade and forging it at the same time. Continuous learning isn’t optional in IT, it’s a necessity. If your organization doesn’t take this into account for you or IT in general, start polishing your resume.
Not all growth comes from books and labs. Real growth often happens outside regular work hours, fueled by curiosity and personal commitment. You don’t need a full lab at home, but you do need a mindset of constant exploration. Staying sharp means you’ll manage technical and strategic challenges better, faster, and smarter.
Professional networking is another underrated aspect of IT growth. Leveraging communities like Spiceworks, vendor forums, reddit threads, and attending webinars or industry events keeps you informed and connected. Having a strong network means quicker access to solutions and better resources when inevitable problems arise. Being plugged into a larger community also provides a valuable reality check and perspective.
At some point sending you off to local or remote conferences should be an investment for your organization. Interfacing with your peers and with vendors new and old delivers ROI that can’t be measured.
It’s up to you to bring your knowledge back
One method I’ve found that helps communicate the importance of knowledge development is hosting a meeting with your org’s leadership to show them what you’ve learned after a conference. Come back with knowledge of a new problem or business efficiency. Heck even the right swag can bring you favor! Some of these may require lunch-and-learns. I show real-world examples of what I’ve seen outside the office environment that help staff understand the importance of new discoveries or even security measures. You can even tie examples to everyday life that they can use on their personal devices. This makes the issues you’re raising relatable and builds good security habits.
After all, security is everyone’s job. My role is making sure security doesn’t slow anyone down or scare them away. Clearly explaining why security measures matter, both professionally and personally, helps people buy in and adopt these practices as part of their daily routine, not just because they’re forced to.
At the end of the day, successful IT departments build stable, supportive environments where technology smoothly enhances business outcomes. If you’re just starting out in IT, remember, stay curious, adaptable, and committed to learning. That’s the secret sauce for long-term professional success and meaningful contributions to your organization.
If I had one wish, it would be to show the techs who are resistant to change just how great things can be when IT systems are smooth and reliable. When users feel supported and empowered rather than frustrated, everyone wins. IT isn’t just about the latest tech trends, it’s about genuinely improving how the business operates, making everyone’s life easier and allowing technology to fade into the background as the business thrives.
