“You simply have to put one foot in front of the other and keep going. Put blinders on and plow right ahead.” — George Lucas
The year 2020 will go down in history for many defining events. But the most defining and universal experience was the global pandemic. It dramatically reshaped the way we live, work, communicate, and think. The tech industry wasn’t spared. Many professionals experienced layoffs, startups folded under cash flow pressures, and fresh graduates faced an extremely challenging job market.
Yet, amidst the disruption, major silver linings emerged. Remote work became a standard practice. Professionals used the downtime to learn new skills. And most notably, digital transformation accelerated across industries, tripling in pace for many businesses, governments, and consumers.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to reinvent your career after years in the industry, I recommend a simple but highly powerful mantra: Learn, Leverage, and Lead—the 3L Strategy. This approach is designed to help you shape a T-shaped career profile, combining deep authority in one technical domain with broad, strategic flexibility across adjacent sectors.
"Depth gives you authority. Breadth gives you flexibility."
🔍 Learn – Stay Curious, Stay Relevant
Recent years taught us the absolute importance of continuous learning. Staying in your comfort zone is no longer a viable option. Modern technology professionals must keep upgrading their skills to remain relevant.
- Cloud experts should explore multiple platforms (AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud).
- App developers should experiment with frameworks like React, Flutter, or Angular.
- Embedded hardware engineers should expand beyond traditional C or Python to learn about modular electronic setups, high-level cloud protocols, or even emotional intelligence (EQ) for team building.
A T-shaped profile allows you to pivot quickly if your core domain becomes obsolete or overcrowded.
🌐 Leverage – Build Your Network, Amplify Opportunities
Too often, technical professionals underestimate the value of business relationships. In uncertain times, your professional network can be your strongest asset.
- Connect actively on professional platforms like LinkedIn.
- Join local focus groups and technical communities (like IoT-NCR).
- Attend webinars and panels, taking notes and engaging with speakers.
- Identify and establish relationships with mentors who have walked your path.
Building and giving back to your network not only enriches your technical knowledge but often leads to referrals, partnerships, and unexpected commercial opportunities.
🚀 Lead – Take Initiative and Drive Change
For mid-level professionals (8+ years of experience), career plateaus are extremely common. Many pursue quick degrees or shift domains blindly. But leadership isn’t just about corporate titles—it’s about adopting a proactive mindset.
Start driving change immediately by:
- Mentoring junior engineers and supporting their skill growth.
- Leading internal proof-of-concept projects that improve team velocity.
- Proposing modular workflows to reduce operational costs.
- Volunteering for cross-functional initiatives linking tech to business GTM.
Final Thoughts
Economic cycles will continue, with ups and downs being a natural part of the career journey. What matters is how we use transitional periods to invest in our capabilities. Apply the 3L strategy to shape a tech career that’s not just resilient, but highly adaptable and commercially fulfilling.