When you’re starting out in your IT career, it’s important to reach out and build relationships. I realize that it may feel difficult to do because you might be just out of school and a little bit introverted or insecure. But if I look back at my own career, I wish I could have started sooner to build a network both within the company and outside of it.
I think about some of the mentors I had, one of whom said, “I want you to get away from your desk for a day every week and just go spend time with these execs.” That was a real eye-opener for me, and it really helped shape my career. If he hadn’t made that suggestion, I’m not sure I would’ve gotten the business knowledge I needed.
It’s a two-way street, of course. A couple of weeks ago, somebody said to me, “My daughter is an intern here. She’d love to meet you because she’s read some of your blog posts.” And I said, “Absolutely. I’ll spend time with her.” And we had a great chat. Remember that people won’t say no when you ask. And if they did say no, they’re probably not somebody that you want to have mentor you anyway.
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Cynthia Stoddard is the Senior Vice President & Chief Information Officer (CIO) at NetApp. In her role as CIO, she is responsible for providing a long-term technology vision that supports and is aligned with the company’s strategies and goals, business plans, operating requirements, and overall efficiencies. She provides leadership to the Global IT organization to enable delivery of worldwide business solutions and infrastructure that support the company’s growth. Additionally, she acts as the primary advocate of NetApp to external markets to promote further awareness of the NetApp on NetApp initiative.
