FEATURE : STATE OF THE CIO
Despite the skills gap prevailing , the tech space remains largely competitive when it comes to employment . Lars Lehne , Global CEO of Incubeta , offers his top tips for becoming a success in the tech sphere and explains what he looks for in potential candidates .
What advice would you give to someone starting their career in IT / tech ?
Stay hungry , stay curious , push yourself and the environment you work in and stay passionate . But avoid the arrogance that comes with the ‘ status ’. You are not untouchable , you won ’ t be able to change the world on your own and you will probably not be granted a Nobel Prize – that said , there is a likelihood that by being in tech , you might achieve some of the above .
Did you always want to work in IT ?
wWhat was the most valuable piece of career advice that you received ?
The best advice I ’ ve received over the years and what I now keep telling my mentees is : never take no for an answer , always trust your gut and follow your instincts . Also , never hurry career decisions , stick to your values and make sure you always learn along the way . Work will be the majority of your awake time going forward , make sure it ’ s worth it .
What was the worst piece of business advice you received ?
You should study something with substance – advertising and marketing are useless bubbles and you will never make a career or be able to provide for your family .
Not at all and when I received my first job offer in this field , I even turned it down a few times . It took a lot of persistence from the head-hunter for me to agree to the first interview . But once that took place , I was all in . Never judge a book by its cover .
What was your first job in IT ?
I joined Google as Country Manager of Agency Sales in 2009 . I was involved in all sorts of digital beforehand , but this was the first role which was 100 % tech focused .
What are some common misconceptions about working in tech ?
Especially now , at the beginning of 2023 , shortly after a phase of dramatic layoffs , the tech industry has finally arrived in the real world . Tech jobs are far from recession-proof or untouchable . Neither free food , massages , fancy offices , or any of the other freebies
C-suite career advice from one of the industry ’ s leading experts
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