Skills such as IT management and software development have become intricately interconnected as new digital architectures enable new technologies. As a result, tech companies are innovating increasingly advanced and sophisticated solutions to meet the demands of a services-rich environment.

Collaboration environments, rich media and cloud services delivery models are examples of the many new drivers that are changing the way we operate. The massive influx of data from the growing Internet of Things is what really dictates the new requirements for the IT infrastructure: transaction times, transaction security, customer data protection, just-in-time offerings and more.

A shift in career strategy

The combination of rich architectural offerings and quickly changing business needs is creating unprecedented opportunities across the business spectrum. However, it is also placing a knowledge burden onto an evolving IT workforce, whose mandate is to become more and more focused on adding business value to their organization. What really matters is what we get from the new technology in practical terms, rather than how interesting or amazing the technology is. A good technology architect now has to be able to clearly explain the value proposition of his or her solution.

In response to this transformation, IT professionals will need to shift the way that they plan and operate their careers. New technologies are shaping the workforce of the future, and the skills needed to meet the demand of our new digital age can be built on your current foundational skill set, no matter if you come from the IT world, the services world or the software development world.

Tomorrow's IT professionals will be comprised of an organized blend of all skill sets and will be capable of providing top-notch support, no matter which vertical they are attached to.

Breaking out of IT comfort zones

Consistent and close interaction among software developers, business analysts, IT professionals and data scientists will be required in order to operate as a team and to provide a cohesive set of services that will benefit the end user and the enterprise alike.

Currently, gaps exist among all these seemingly disparate job roles that prevent these professions from operating cohesively. Individuals from different backgrounds, such as software developers and IT managers, have now become an interconnected team, but in order to be successful, they need to stretch themselves beyond their comfort zone. Here lies an opportunity for individuals in the IT field. Those who start to grow their skills now will have an edge over the rest, who do not see this transformation coming.

As part of Cisco's ongoing commitment to equipping IT professionals with the knowledge and skills they need to provide value to employers and advance their careers in today's dynamic technology ecosystem, we continue to offer a variety of educational tracks. To learn more about the trainings and certifications that can help you keep current and achieve your goals, click here.

Are you rethinking your career trajectory in light of rapid technological changes? Let us know in the comments section below!