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Sujendran's Advice for Navigating Career Transitions

Sujendran M. | Advisor, IT Infrastructure | Cyberjaya, Malaysia

Originally Published: August 30, 2024

Embarking on a career journey is akin to navigating a vast ocean, with each transition representing a different wave to ride. My own career trajectory within Dell over the past 12 years has been characterized by twists, turns and transitions that have shaped not only my professional identity, but also my personal growth. From starting as a technical analyst developer on the Telecom team to eventually assuming an advisor role in the Backup Storage team, my journey reflects the importance of adaptability, resilience and a thirst for continuous learning.

  

The transition from a Technical Analyst Developer in the Telecom Team to a Technical Support Analyst in 2016 was my first major shift within Dell. While the core technical skills remained relevant, the scope and focus of my responsibilities expanded significantly to encompass global support across various business segments. This transition was fuelled by my desire to broaden my skill set and embrace new challenges.

  

However, my journey was not without hurdles. A brief departure from Dell in pursuit of a perceived better opportunity turned out to be a detour that led me back to my initial role through a lateral move. It was a humbling experience that underscored the importance of resilience and the value of relationships built within the organization.

  

In 2017, I embarked on another significant transition, this time moving to the Backup Storage team as a Sr. Infrastructure Engineering Analyst. This marked a career change as I delved into a new domain, leaving behind the familiarity of application support for the complexities of infrastructure management. Embracing this transition meant starting from scratch, learning new tools, technologies and adapting to a different work culture.

  

The journey to an advisor role within the Backup Storage team was a testament to my commitment to continuous improvement and growth. It was not merely about climbing the corporate ladder, but leveraging each role as an opportunity to acquire new skills, deepen expertise and make meaningful contributions to the organization.

  

Reflecting on my career transitions, I've distilled five key tips that have been instrumental in my success:

Sujendran's headshot

Navigating career transitions requires a combination of courage, adaptability and a commitment to continuous learning and growth. By embracing change, building strong relationships and staying true to your passions, you can thrive in the face of uncertainty, emerging stronger and more resilient with each transition.

Sujendran M.

Sujendran poses in an office with a man and woman.
  1. Embrace Lifelong Learning: Approach each transition as an opportunity to expand your knowledge and skill set. Be open to learning from scratch, and seek out resources and mentorships to accelerate your learning curve.
  2. Cultivate Adaptability: Recognize that change is inevitable, and be prepared to adapt to new environments, technologies and challenges. Develop resilience and a growth mindset to navigate uncertainty and setbacks.
  3. Build Strong Relationships: Invest in building relationships with colleagues, mentors and leaders within your organization. These connections can provide support, guidance and opportunities for growth, especially during times of transition.
  4. Demonstrate Initiative: Take ownership of your career path and actively seek out opportunities for growth and advancement. Volunteer for projects, pursue additional training and showcase your willingness to take on new challenges.
  5. Stay True to Your Passions: Let your interests and passions guide your career decisions. Seek out roles and opportunities that align with your values, strengths and long-term goals, rather than merely chasing titles or prestige.

 

Navigating career transitions requires a combination of courage, adaptability and a commitment to continuous learning and growth. By embracing change, building strong relationships and staying true to your passions, you can thrive in the face of uncertainty, emerging stronger and more resilient with each transition.

  

Next, read about John's story and how he built his career in AI.

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