If you didn’t land in IT, what career path would you have taken?


3.5k views2 Upvotes18 Comments

Director of IT in Software, 1,001 - 5,000 employees
I started my career very early on working for a computer reseller called AVCOM Technologies, and it happened to be a summer internship. But my intention was never really to go into IT. I'd always set my sights on a more creative path around architecture and interior design, but I was pulled in by a friend's aunt because they needed a summer intern and the rest is history.
1
CEO in Services (non-Government), Self-employed
If I was not in IT, I would be a pediatric orthopedic surgeon, which was my career path until I was told I was basically too small. There were a number of issues around med school and the way women were treated at that time but it was also because I am under five feet tall and they pointed out that I couldn’t reach the table or lift anybody. And it made me reconsider. Then IBM came knocking; that started my IT career and it took off from there.
2
Board Member in Healthcare and Biotech, 1,001 - 5,000 employees
I've spent almost 40 years in the IT industry. If I was not in IT, I don't really know what I would have been doing because that was my chosen path from the time I was in college.
2
CIO / Managing Partner in Manufacturing, 2 - 10 employees
If I was not in IT, I would probably be doing something in the world of Motorsport. I've always been heavily into that.
2
CIO in Software, 501 - 1,000 employees
I would love to say I would have been something cool like a whitewater river guide but I suspect it would probably be something in finance because I like to know everything that's going on. I would never like working in a siloed part of the business, so I would have to be in something like financial planning and analysis (FP&A) where you can see everything.
2
CTO in Software, 11 - 50 employees
If I hadn't gotten into this field, I always wanted to do something more creative and felt architecture was the way for me. I always regret, maybe I should have gone that way but here I am.
1
CIO and Startup Advisor in Software, 10,001+ employees
I was going to be an architect as well! But physics was my real passion. Physics and basketball.
3
Director of Enterprise Technology Advisory in Software, 10,001+ employees
Military or Emergency Services
1
Director of IT in Software, 201 - 500 employees
I always wanted to be in IT, that was my preferred profession and I am happy to be where I am. If IT was not an option I’d likely be working in an NGOs (something like Greenpeace, Amnesty International etc)
2
Digital Transformation Executive in Software, 10,001+ employees
Become a photographer for the National Geographic and travel the world!
2

Content you might like

Competitive pay40%

Comprehensive benefits50%

Company-supported learning opportunities51%

Career advancement opportunities49%

One-on-one mentorship and coaching24%

Cutting-edge projects23%

Other (I’ll share in the comments)3%

We’re having trouble attracting new IT talent8%


119 PARTICIPANTS

469 views1 Comment

Yes43%

No57%


347 PARTICIPANTS

1.1k views1 Upvote

CTO in Software, 201 - 500 employees
Without a doubt - Technical Debt! It's a ball and chain that creates an ever increasing drag on any organization, stifles innovation, and prevents transformation.
Read More Comments
47k views133 Upvotes324 Comments