Career Path - Big decision to be made

Marco Pasqua · ‎08-16-2023

Brief introduction:

34 years old
Italian
i have been working for a big 4 consulting company for 4 years
application analyst / service manager / PM /
CSA
5x CIS (ITSM, PPM, GRC, APM, HAM)
bachelor's degree in management engineering
master's in project management
MBA student (graduation dec '24)

Now, however, it is time to make important decisions....

The options I have are:

1) CAD by December and then CMA
2) 2 more CIS (maybe SAM+VRM) by september 2024 while i still work as an application analyst / PM / Service Manager expanding a lot the pipeline of collaboration with IT Risk Management BU
3) "abandon" servicenow and devote myself to Enterprise Architecture (studying a lot and starting again in other company maybe)

My current situation

Right now I have no shortage of satisfaction and some money in the bank. Within my group I am involved in the most "beautiful" and "difficult" activities and I almost always have the freedom to design solutions, proposals, custom applications etc. But I am afraid that as I specialize more and more on ServiceNow, the world is looking for Enterprise Architects who can design IT from scratch according to the new technology drivers.

What do I want out of life?

I think I have no more than another 2-3 years of autonomy in consulting (increasingly tired of some of its dynamics). In 24 months then I must have EITHER acquired a new skillset OR overwhelmingly increased my current skillset, evolving into a platform architect, consultant of consultants, with less delivery work but much more design and modelling work

So....what would you do?

fawadalam4514 · ‎08-16-2023

Ciao! First, hats off to the remarkable accomplishments you've achieved so far! 🎩 Reading through your current situation and aspirations, I find your story resonating with many folks I've encountered in the tech and consulting realm. The concern of becoming "too niche" and missing out on broader opportunities like Enterprise Architecture is valid. Here's how I see it:

Enterprise Architects are indeed in demand, and the role allows for designing robust IT infrastructures. Transitioning could give you that "from scratch" design thrill, but remember, it comes with its own set of challenges and the hurdle of starting anew.

If you're looking for design and modeling work without the fatigue of consulting, I'd lean towards acquiring new skills or certifications (like CAD and then CMA) that align with your goals. Strengthening your current knowledge on ServiceNow, given your extensive experience, would make you a formidable asset in the field.

Taking 2 more CIS while collaborating with IT Risk Management BU would enhance your current profile but ensure it aligns with your long-term vision.

In essence, it boils down to whether you wish to be a master of one or a jack of all trades. Both paths have merits. Your passion, energy, and current satisfaction will guide your choice. Buona fortuna, my friend! Whatever you choose, with your determination and skillset, success is inevitable.

Warm regards,
Fawad

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Tony K · ‎08-16-2023

You seem to have a lot of credentials already. Why do you state you must overwhelmingly increase your ServiceNow skillset in the next 24 months?

Second, you are working on your MBA. When you started that program what was your goal? To stick with ServiceNow or move into other non ServiceNow roles?

Lastly the comment about specializing in ServiceNow vs. being an architect I don't know I agree with or understand the comment completely. There is no shortage of jobs for people who know ServiceNow. It's a hot growing job market that continues to evolve, expand and higher salaries. I'm not sure if you think you need leave the field to make more money or be more challenged. There are probably 7000+ customer companies who use ServiceNow that always need help. Maybe the question is just whether to work for a customer vs. a consultancy. The later tends to be higher pressure, billable hours and what not.

Marco Pasqua · ‎08-16-2023

Hi Tony,

1) i think my servicenow credentials are old for 2023/2024 customer needs. Being an ITSM or PPM expert today is nothing special. Being a real HAM/SAM or VRM expert is whooole another thing.

2) My MBA goal was understand way better the C-level/Head of job. It wasn't related very specifically on what i want to do next.

3) Def more challenged. The way i'm exploring the platform and its capabilities can deliver maximum value if i have the power to sit with internal stakeholder and tell them "i can solve your problem by building this this and that". My point is: in 2024 companies will seek more normal consultancy support or are they gonna look for architect that can drive implementations (not only servicenow) to really achieve company's vision?

Michael Klim · ‎08-17-2023

Hey Marco,

I'm sure you're surrounded with a ton of skilled and talented people all day long. This makes it appear that being certified is nothing special but I can assure you that you're still at the very top of a wiedely thought after skillset, even if it's just plain old ITSM. There is still an extreme shortage of skilled ServiceNow workers, which is why ServiceNow is pushing this so hard these days. I actually think you're perfectly positioned for a lot of good years ahead. So why not ride the ServiceNow wave?

Marco Pasqua · ‎08-17-2023

Hi Michael,

thank you for your question. Let's think about it. Suppose i want to ride the ServiceNow wave, what should i do? Increase horizontally my knowledge by exploring other ServiceNow modules or go 1 step above and start building my Architect knowledge?

What would you do?