Career Path - Big decision to be made

[Marco Pasqua]

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?

[Michael Klim]

I would say I'm in a similar situation as you are: a few certifications with a few years of experience in ServiceNow. My goal is to get certified as an architect, whether it's a CMA or CTA depends on when and where I get the opportunity. In this roles, the technical background is of course important but translating that knowledge to the business units and dealing with people becomes a lot more essential. That's also why I think that the architectual role has so much potential and is also transferrable. It's because you learn to sell your ideas with everyone being happy at the end. It'll be an invaluable skill, especially if you look 10 or 20 years ahead. So yeah, if I were you, I would stay with ServiceNow and go for the architect certification.

[Tony K]

I think you are really limiting yourself into thinking you need to do a certain role like an architect. Certs in areas like ITSM/PPM, will never go away either. There are so many various needs out there that you can do whatever interests you. You can be very technical, you could be a product owner, you could be an architect, the opportunities are endless. You need to do what makes you happy and what you enjoy. You have plenty of knowledge already not to mention getting an MBA for the heck of it. 

Are you looking for more skills to get ahead at your current job or are you trying to look for a new job? If it's the later, take a look at what openings are out there and what experience they are looking for. I'm sure you are qualified already for many jobs. 

[fawadalam4514 · Accepted solution]

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