I moved to London in 1999 with the intention of forging a career in the internet industry. Clueless as I was, I somehow managed to work my way in. A very good decision, in hindsight.
If you’re thinking about a career in the internet industry, or know somebody who is, then maybe you’d like to find out what to expect?
Earlier today I asked our Twitter followers to provide one piece of advice for wannabe internet professionals. If that sounds like you, dear reader, then there are some nuggets of wisdom here from people who know what they’re talking about…
BE AGILE
Learn how to handle constant, fast change - and a lot of new vocabulary. (@micklalala)
Remember things are changing so quickly there are no absolute answers: Read, understand and keep an open mind. (@fshakhshir)
Be prepared for constant change; it's a really fast moving industry! (@bigbobtait)
THE PUNK ROCK APPROACH
Get involved on your own time! Don't wait for a job to build experience - the internet is open to all. (@webmarketplace)
Get your own website and start blogging. I have NEVER hired anyone who did not already have their own site live! (@brumguvnor)
BE CURIOUS, STAY HUMBLE
Never be content with what you already know about digital - there is always more to learn. (@DigiRunner)
Expect to be learning new things constantly and be able to keep pace with it all without getting burnt out! (@sixeleven)
READ AND READ SOME MORE
Set up some SM accounts to discover the industry's latest trends and talk to its members. Then find a need and fill it! (@AdaptiveTweets)
Read voraciously, doubt everything, experiment, obsess over data, be modest - what works today might be a disaster tomorrow. (@adriana_iordan)
Never stop learning...and READ! (@juanxi)
PLAY WITH THINGS
If you want to get into the internet industry, just do it. Use the tools, engage, participate, experiment. (@markevans)
Play, Read, Experiment, Fail, Listen, Recalibrate and repeat the process over and over again. Perpetual Beta. (@leahbesajimenez)
Try, test & evolve. (@cpbishop)
INNOVATE
Don't be scared to think outside the box. (@dr3wid)
GIVE A SHIT
As @garyvee famously says 'Care'. It's so true, it tacitly implies many important things, authenticity, honesty, sincerity etc. (@rohanvim)
NETWORK
Network, network, network, read. (@rishil)
Get yourself to conferences and say hello to people - never know when you will cross paths again. (@DanTaylorSEO)
Take an interest in everyone you meet & keep in touch - your network helps your brand, gets you advice free & new career opportunities. (@ravinar)
PLAN AHEAD
Consider how you are planning to manage your bookmarks! (@RockTimeSocial)
WISE UP
The one piece of advice I'd give: Whatever internet role or ambition you may pursue, a good technical education is essential. (@stevejohnston)
Learn Arabic. (@judycopywriter)
QUALIFICATIONS?
Get some qualifications, stand out from the crowd, research lots and keep up to date! (@SimonDGardner)
Spend time using it, a degree does not = practical knowledge. (@jonnyp)
WRITE AND DECIPHER
Blog. And learn what all the acronyms mean. (@ElectricSpectre)
GO NICHE
Pick a specific skill and specialise in it. (@seodave)
SHOW NO FEAR
Don't be scared of numbers! (@redbarrington)
FOR VARIOUS REASONS
Blacklist 4chan.org. (@chandler3224)
THE ULTIMATE TIP
Subscribe to Econsultancy, read all the reports / research and enjoy the fact that you are well on the way to ninja status. (@browser_media)
ALTERNATIVELY
Become a plumber. (@Dunkndisorderly)
Agree? Disagree? What are we missing here? Please leave a comment below...
Chris Lake is Director of Product Development at Econsultancy, an entrepreneur and a long-term internet fiend. Follow him on Twitter, Google+ or connect via Linkedin.
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3:52PM on 24th November 2010
Great advice given above. My own suggestion would be to get yourself a mentor, even informally.
There's often no substitute for learning directly from someone who has already been there and done it.
9:28PM on 24th November 2010
Exactly , a bunch of good advice. Thanks a lot.
6:50AM on 25th November 2010
I think I'm the epitome of a wannabe internet professional.
The three that hit home for me are:
Spend time using it, a degree does not = practical knowledge. (@jonnyp)
You need to be able to walk the walk. You don't get points for theoretical in the business world.
Never be content with what you already know about digital - there is always more to learn. (@DigiRunner)
There is always someone who knows more than you; learn from them. The guru's were once in the same spot - so they are willing to answer my questions.
Take an interest in everyone you meet & keep in touch - your network helps your brand, gets you advice free & new career opportunities. (@ravinar)
In my short career this very statement has landed me 2 job opportunities.
Head of Business Development at Harvest Digital
1:07PM on 7th December 2010
Decide where your skills fit within a team or build one around you. As the web has matured the skills required to deliver rarely reside in one person. You have to make a decision whether you are a specialist or good at bringing teams together.
6:19PM on 1st January 2011
Great checklist for any IM'r.
Liked the "Ultimate Tip" -:)
Thanks