We have focused a lot on the technical aspects of an IT career. However, the business (or businesses) you work in is a significant factor in your journey to a better developer. Let me correct that statement. It is not the business you are in as much as it is your understanding of the related opportunities and challenges.
The Goal Is Solving Problems
I know we keep returning to this. However, it is once again relevant. You are in a line of business or potentially multiples of those. That will color your experience and the challenges you face. Thus, a developer that been working on finance applications will have a different set of skills than one in healthcare. The language and environment can be the same, but how they are used will differ.
Based on that fact alone, it makes sense that you spend time understanding your line of business. A healthcare developer needs to know about HIPAA compliance. An e-commerce developer needs to know about PCI compliance. Of course, those businesses have much deeper areas to explore. That is why mid- and senior-level job postings will often include references to a given industry. Your technical skills are valuable, but as your career progresses, the business problems you have faced become equally as critical to your success.
A Curious Mind
I have come across several people that have done well with learning technology as well as the business during their careers. There are variations in how they did so, but it comes down to curiosity and determination. The common trait of these successful technicians is that they enjoy learning. They are curious about every job they have taken on and use that to spur them into learning as much about the business as possible. The best part about taking this curiosity approach is that it helps with relationships and soft skills as well.
In my experience, attending meetings and working with other departments is an excellent view into non-technical areas of the business. When this is not feasible, then go out to lunch with other groups. Find peers in other departments. Spend time listening to their daily work and challenges. Sometimes politics and other factors get in the way. However, when you show a willingness to listen and offer ways that technology can help, those obstacles tend to fall away. It is essential to be aware of chains of responsibility and proper channels while doing this research. Nevertheless, there are always ways to work in the system while taking this on. In fact, many IT departments would love to have a member that desires to build bridges to other groups. You do not have to be a decision maker or anything at that level, just a sounding board.
