Company Size: 20000-49999 (United States)

So I was able to get this job and a two-grade promotion in only 18 months by doing performance analysis, benchmarking and metrics for the first time in our IT shop.

Now, I'm rolling this out on a larger scale. We are only now implementing ITIL processes, only now centralizing IT functions (multiple acquisitions) and only now starting to see how easy it is for IT to be outsourced - so it isn't just my job, it's the entire org that has to be shown as valuable.

And therein lies the security. I make sure I can tell a story - with achievements, statistics, reliability and solid delivery - that makes my boss's job more secure. I spot the problems early, and raise them to the folks who deliver those services.

That way, all those guys see their future success as entertwined with my ability to help them manage issues and provide a better product.

In my second year I recommended myself for almost every possible test program or group that I could get involved. With only 50% of those programs making it through, the fact that I put my face and name out there made me someone to rely on.

Being perfect is a goal, but not a reality. I suggest anyone in this field strive to put their best foot forward, but understand we are human, we make mistakes. It's how you react under this pressure that will make a name for yourself.

I am fortunate to have a boss who is not only very good at what he does, but lets me learn along the way. Find someone who is one of those "No question is stupid" and attach yourself to them. This is your fountain of knowledge and will make you stand out among your peers.

At first this will take a delicate balancing act between work and absorbing knowledge, but in the end it will shave hours off your workload each week. This will allow you to move ahead as well and give you the freedom to choose when you're ready for a promotion instead of waiting to be asked.

Also, computers are 90% of the job. It's the 21st century and there's no way around it. If you do not know how to be 99% proficient on a computer, take those times to learn from a geek like myself. You can shave hours off your time here as well and you will make friends with someone who can vouch for your improvement come time for you to move up.

One last thing, do not be afraid to ask for help. You should not do it often, but showing this humble side is what managers like. You stick up for yourself, you show you know your limits and you show you are not trying to let work slip through the cracks because you realize you're not superman. This is often a misconception among colleagues in my field. They feel that if they say something, it means they could get fired. I take on a lot of accounts, but I know where my limit is. I know my accounts, organized in excel, and can answer to whether I can help in a matter of minutes.

These are the few things that I have learned from just experiencing everything. If something goes completely wrong for someone else, I jump on board, try to help and learn something new every time.