From intern to a valuable IT team member
The Path to Professionalism: From Intern to Specialist
Ernestas began his career at ALTIC IT as an intern. Today, he is a highly respected IT engineer. His experience demonstrates that in order to succeed in the IT industry, one must quickly adapt to changing conditions, analyze information, maintain precision, and handle stress effectively. A constant desire to improve and learn is crucial. Demands in the IT field are high, and mistakes can be costly, making it essential for specialists to continuously upgrade their skills. Ernestas emphasizes that a good sense of humor and the ability to explain complex topics in simple and clear terms are essential traits for anyone looking to pursue a career in IT.
He also highlights the importance of task planning. Rapid learning and the ability to prioritize tasks lead to more efficient work. This skill comes with time, and the role of a mentor is invaluable in this process. A good mentor not only thinks creatively and has a broad range of experience but can also assist in resolving complex issues. According to Ernestas, the support of experienced colleagues, which ALTIC IT team members are always willing to share, is extremely valuable for interns.
Essential Competencies and Personal Qualities: Mentor’s Perspective
"IT is a form of art that requires creativity and imagination. While many tasks may seem similar, unconventional ideas and insights are needed to tackle non-standard problems. This is achieved through experience, critical thinking, and creativity," says Dmitrij, the team leader at ALTIC IT.
In his view, personal qualities are just as important as technical knowledge. "A passion for learning and a constant drive to find innovative solutions are essential for IT professionals, as is the ability to creatively apply knowledge to solve everyday problems," Dmitrij emphasizes. He also highlights the importance of attention to detail, as IT work often involves precise and well-considered decisions, particularly when dealing with complex systems.
When mentoring interns, Dmitrij is prepared to provide the necessary knowledge but is firm about one principle: "It’s crucial to me that once a problem is solved, it doesn’t reoccur." This, he says, is a fundamental principle in the IT environment. Solutions must address the root cause, not just the symptoms. "Going back to fix something is a luxury neither we nor our clients can afford," he stresses. At the same time, they learn to accept constructive criticism. Dmitrij points out that the learning process heavily relies on direct and precise information, supported by facts. "In IT, there is no room for interpretation – everything is based on logic, and misunderstandings can be avoided through clear communication and asking the right questions." Dmitrij emphasizes that everyone may have questions, as no one in the IT field knows everything.
When discussing the versatility of IT professionals, the team leader believes it depends on the individual's ambitions and career goals. "Specialists focused on one area may have more defined but narrower career opportunities, while versatile professionals, such as project managers or IT managers, have broader prospects because they can operate in different areas," he explains. Independence is also highly valued in his view. ALTIC IT specialists handle hundreds of inquiries daily, so quick response times, autonomy, and task prioritization are appreciated by both colleagues and clients. "A swift response and the ability to efficiently allocate time and resources are what set our company apart in the market," Dmitrij says.
The Right Internship – A Major Win
The most talented individuals can join ALTIC IT to work on innovative projects and accelerate their careers, learning from senior IT professionals, who lead by example and demonstrate how a modern IT team operates.
