Welcome to Long Term Career Building Strategies

The Long Term Strategies are for those seeking networking and trends in the IT industry.
Networking is the most important Career you will ever have.

There are several things you have to do for a long term career:

Build up a network of colleagues, friends, associates Discover the trends in business and what will affect them Train or prepare for those trends Learn to speak and communicate freely with everyone

The last one is the hardest for most of us. It takes a lot of effort to go from the "hermit crab" to "schmoozing spokesman"... ;D

I'm starting with the last because it is both the last and first things to work on. To network effectively, you have to communicate, but we all hate to communicate.

Communication Skills Training:

You should consider ToastMasters and GeekMeet.

With ToastMasters, you will have to talk in front of a group of people about some topic, not necessarily one that you may be expert at. Getting comfortable talking in front of a group and learning not to be so self conscious, even when you flub, is important. It's important for consulting, it's important in the interview. Consider doing this for your future when you might want to go independent.