310: Start Networking Now and Step Out Of That Comfort Zone with Mike Karan

In this week's show, Phil talks to Mike Karan, the co-host of the podcast HTML All The Things and the co-founder of Digital Dynasty Design. Mike talks about why it's important to begin networking as early as possible in your IT career. He also discusses why it's crucial to step outside of our comfort zones in order to truly develop.   KEY TAKEAWAYS:   TOP CAREER TIP Never be afraid to start networking as soon as possible in your IT career. Put yourself out there and start making connections – even early in your IT journey. Look for your audience and develop it from the get go.   WORST CAREER MOMENT Mike was asked to choose the technology for a new application. Mike did so, but when it reached the client, it was found that the application didn't work with the client's devices. Mike learned that it's vital to vet everything.   CAREER HIGHLIGHT Mike's current position allows for a much greater sense of mentorship between himself and those around him, allowing him to create a far more intense sense of collaboration on projects.   THE FUTURE OF CAREERS IN I.T New technologies are where the excitement lays. New ways of creating and developing are being released almost constantly, pushing the sector forward in dazzling ways.   THE REVEAL What first attracted you to a career in I.T.? – Computers – Mike was instantly in love with them. What's the best career advice you received? – Keep it simple! Don't overcomplicate if you don't have to. What's the worst career advice you received? – That you have to switch jobs every few months in order to be successful. It isn't true at all! What would you do if you started your career now? – Mike would still be in web development. What are your current career objectives? – The focus is currently on building a network and audience, as well as looking for a larger team to lead and mentor. What's your number one non-technical skill? – Communication and public speaking have been invaluable. How do you keep your own career energized? – Mike's podcast keeps him abreast of the sector and its developments and allows him to meet new people. What do you do away from technology? – Hiking and online gaming   FINAL CAREER TIP If we find ourselves in too comfortable a place, then it's always worth stepping out of that comfort zone. Pushing ourselves to do unfamiliar things helps us to grow.   BEST MOMENTS (3:05) – Mike - "Get yourself out there and network as early as possible" (9:39) – Mike - "Mentorship and guiding has been my career highlight" (10:57) – Mike – "It's not just about coding. It's about the whole enterprise structure" (17:25) – Mike – "Don't settle into a spot where you're comfortable"   ABOUT THE HOST – PHIL BURGESS Phil Burgess is an independent IT consultant who has spent the last 20 years helping organizations to design, develop, and implement software solutions.  Phil has always had an interest in helping others to develop and advance their careers.  And in 2017 Phil started the I.T. Career Energizer podcast to try to help as many people as possible to learn from the career advice and experiences of those that have been, and still are, on that same career journey.   CONTACT THE HOST – PHIL BURGESS Phil can be contacted through the following Social Media platforms: Twitter: https://twitter.com/_PhilBurgess LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/philburgess Instagram: https://instagram.com/_philburgess Website: https://itcareerenergizer.com/contact Phil is also reachable by email at [email protected] and via the podcast's website, https://itcareerenergizer.com Join the I.T. Career Energizer Community on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/ITCareerEnergizer   ABOUT THE GUEST – MIKE KARAN Mike Karan is the co-host of the podcast HTML All The Things and the co-founder of Digital Dynasty Design.   CONTACT THE GUEST – MIKE KARAN Mike Karan can be contacted through the following Social Media platforms: Twitter: https://twitter.com/htmleverything LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikhail-karan-4361925b/ Website: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/