Why building sustainable career paths (in IT, in Romania) is essential
For 18 years, between 2004 and 2022 (2023 and still ongoing, we’re experiencing a consolidation and maturing phase), the Romanian IT industry boomed, growing exponentially, having now more than 200,000 employees who contribute to more than 8% of the country’s GDP. Romania is now an established IT hub, continuing to attract significant international investment, and is recognized for its value proposition on talent, quality, price and IT infrastructure.
However, behind any success story lies a pressing issue: the rapid and sometimes premature career progression of middle and senior managers that leaves both individuals and organizations vulnerable to long-term challenges.
In the rush to meet market demands and capitalize on the explosive growth of technology, many IT professionals in Romania are “burning stages,” advancing too quickly through their career paths. While rapid growth might seem like an exciting opportunity, it often leads to significant drawbacks, especially in terms of maturity, skill depth, and managerial competency.
The Fast-Track Career Dilemma
The Romanian IT market, like many global tech hubs, is currently facing an imbalance between the pace of individual career progression and the actual experience required to perform well at higher levels. Driven by a talent shortage and the pressure to deliver, companies are pushing junior developers into senior roles far too quickly. Similarly, professionals are racing up the career ladder without fully mastering each stage of their development.
A typical example involves a software developer who, after only two or three years of experience, might find themselves in a senior position or even managing a team. This swift progression might be financially rewarding in the short term, but it often overlooks the depth of experience, problem-solving capabilities, and leadership skills that are critical to long-term success.
Lack of Maturity and Managerial Competency
One of the biggest challenges in this accelerated environment is the lack of maturity in both technical skills and soft skills. With too little time to fully understand the nuances of their work, many young IT professionals miss out on developing the problem-solving techniques and strategic thinking that come with experience.
This lack of maturity is even more visible when these individuals are pushed into management roles. Leadership in IT is not just about knowing the technology but also about managing people, projects, and long-term business strategies. However, in Romania’s fast-moving IT industry, many managers haven’t had the chance to cultivate these skills. The result is a workforce that often lacks the emotional intelligence and managerial expertise needed to guide teams effectively through complex projects.
Challenges Faced by IT Managers Without Proper Experience
The volatile market dynamics in Romania’s IT sector highlight these issues, as many managers are now into positions of leadership without proper training or experience. And sometimes without organizational os senior leadership support. They are expected to lead teams and make critical decisions without having developed the necessary managerial tools or having had enough time to fully understand the intricate dynamics of the business.
Some of the key challenges these managers may face:
- Poor Leadership Skills: Leadership is about more than giving instructions. It involves motivating teams, resolving conflicts, and fostering collaboration. Without the benefit of experience, many new managers struggle to provide effective leadership, leading to reduced team morale and inefficiencies.
- Lack of Strategic Thinking: Effective managers must think long-term and align their team’s efforts with the broader business goals. However, individuals who advance too quickly often lack the necessary foresight and are more focused on immediate, tactical challenges.
- Inadequate Technical Depth: In an industry where technology is constantly evolving, depth of knowledge is crucial. Managers who have risen too fast may lack the technical know-how needed to guide their teams through complex technical problems, leading to delays and technical debt.
- High Turnover and Burnout: Teams led by inexperienced managers are more prone to high turnover rates. Employees who don’t feel adequately supported or guided are likely to seek better opportunities, creating a cycle of instability. The rapid pace also leads to burnout as individuals are tasked with responsibilities they are not yet equipped to handle.
Long-Term Implications for the Romanian IT Market
The consequences of this rapid progression aren’t just personal—they have industry-wide implications. As more professionals aritificially become managers and leaders without the necessary experience, there is a growing gap between the skillsets required for senior roles and the abilities of those who fill in the the roles.
This trend threatens the long-term sustainability of the Romanian IT sector. Projects may suffer from poor execution, leading to reputational damage. Additionally, without experienced mentors, the next generation of IT professionals is at risk of continuing the cycle of rushed development, perpetuating the same problems.
Building Sustainable Career Paths
To address these challenges, companies and individuals need to refocus on building sustainable career paths in the IT industry. Companies should be focusing on:
- Slowing Down the Pace: It’s essential for both organizations and employees to recognize that career development is not a race. Companies should resist the urge to promote too quickly and instead create structured career paths that encourage deep skill development and experience at each stage.
- Investing in Leadership Training: For those in managerial roles, formal leadership and management training should be prioritized. Developing soft skills like emotional intelligence, team management, and strategic thinking is just as important as technical skills.
- Mentorship Programs: Pairing younger professionals with experienced mentors can help bridge the maturity gap. Mentorship programs offer guidance, support, and the opportunity for individuals to learn from others’ experiences before taking on significant leadership roles.
- Encouraging Lifelong Learning: In a rapidly evolving industry, continuous learning is crucial. Employers should promote professional development through workshops, certifications, and on-the-job training to ensure their employees are equipped for long-term success.
The Romanian IT market offers incredible opportunities, but the pace at which individuals are advancing in their careers can have serious long-term consequences. Burning stages in one’s career might offer short-term financial rewards, but it risks creating a workforce that lacks the maturity, technical depth, and leadership capabilities needed to sustain the industry’s growth. Both companies and professionals need to prioritize sustainable career paths—where development at each stage is embraced—to ensure the future stability and success of the Romanian IT sector.
Leave a Reply