You're not alone if you've worked in IT or operations for years but feel stuck. Many mid-career professionals underestimate their true value because they’ve been too focused on job titles instead of skills.
The real problem is that you already have high-value skills but might not position them correctly.
In this guide, you'll learn:
How to separate skills from job titles
How to reposition your IT experience for better opportunities
How to create a professional brand that makes you stand out
Your IT Career Is More Than Just a Job Title
Many IT and operations professionals assume their job title defines them—but that’s a mistake. Your IT skills are valuable and encompass much more than what’s reflected in your job title.
A Systems Analyst isn’t just “handling systems.”
A Service Delivery Manager does more than “manage tickets.”
A Tech Support Lead isn’t just “solving IT issues.”
Behind these titles are important skills like:
Process optimisation – Making things work faster and smoother
Problem-solving – Figuring out challenging issues when it counts
Data analysis – Looking at information to spot trends and make better choices
Cross-functional collaboration – Teaming up with different groups to achieve results
So don't let your job title define you—start focusing on the skills and value you bring.
Separating Skills from Job Titles (A Simple Exercise)
Let’s map out your skills so you can start positioning yourself for high-value roles.
Grab a sheet of paper or open a Google Doc
List every role you've held
Under each, write down:
The problems you solved
The technical & soft skills you used
The impact of your work
💡
Example: Instead of saying “Managed IT systems,” say “Optimised IT processes that reduced downtime by 30%.”
Want a shortcut? The Skills Audit Workbook helps you rate your skills and identify your competitive edge. Get it here.
Building Your Professional Brand on LinkedIn
Your LinkedIn profile is your digital CV—it needs to showcase your strengths, not just your past jobs.
✅ Headline: Make it clear & future-focused.
❌ IT Operations Manager → ✅ IT Operations | Process Automation | Data-Driven Problem Solver
✅ About Section: Sell your skills, not just your history.
Tell your career story & highlight key achievements.
✅ Experience: Show impact, not just responsibilities.
❌ Managed IT systems → ✅ Designed automated workflows, reducing response time by 40%
Do you need help crafting your profile? Download the LinkedIn Optimisation Checklist.
Real Story: How Sola Transformed Her Career
Sola worked in IT operations but felt stuck. She had years of experience but didn’t know how to position herself. She had worked in various ops roles, including managing projects and analysing business data.
Through coaching, she:
Identified transferable skills that mattered in high-paying roles
Repositioned her LinkedIn profile to showcase her expertise
Got a new job within 8 weeks—without starting over
Your skills are valuable—you need to present them the right way.
Skills Over Passion – The Smart Career Move
If you're still thinking, “But I’m not passionate about this,” here’s a reality check:
Skills matter more than passion when it comes to career success.
Being great at something creates more opportunities than just "liking" it.
You can always find passion in mastery.
Want to go deeper? Read “So Good They Can’t Ignore You” by Cal Newport.
Final Step: Define Your Professional Value
Your career growth depends on how well you position your skills.
Stop underselling yourself
Start highlighting your high-value skills
Use LinkedIn to tell your career story strategically
Ready to make the shift? Start with the Skills Audit Workbook to map your skills with confidence. Get it here.