Recently I’ve been thinking through my next modules, changes at work & my career development. I’ve posted before about the challenges of getting into cyber security. It’s not an easy path for a career changer.
But what about living in shadow IT?
That’s kinda where I am at the moment. My role, like many, incorporates large swathes of technology from reviewing XML files to technology planning, from managing system upgrades to assessing user experience. And, although I work closely with an excellent IS&T team, I’m on the outside. I sit within the business.
I am a shadow IT person.
Here’s a definition of Shadow IT. There are loads out there on the web but you get the idea:
Shadow IT refers to information technology projects that are managed outside of, and without the knowledge of, the IT department.
The downside to being in Shadow IT is that you never quite feel you’re in the right place.
Development & training can be a struggle as few really understand why you’re trying to get on a particular course.
You don’t get that warm fuzzy feeling of being part of a professional job family.
You rarely have the right tools or access-level to really do what you want.
For the IT team or ‘regulars’, Shadow IT can be a nightmare. Deploying cloud-based systems no one has ever heard off. Creating vulnerabilities at the click of every button. Working round agreed processes because they’re too slow.
My experience has so far revealed a few different species of Shadow IT. Here are the two I know so far:
- The Shadow IT Natives – a bit like me really. They do have some technical skills. Should they be in IT, who knows? Most of the time they are business people who have transitioned in. We tend to be a pretty pragmatic bunch but that doesn’t stop us causing trouble. We can be a troublesome for IT folks – a little knowledge is very dangerous – isn’t that what they say.
- The Digital Peeps – ever heard anyone say they work ‘in digital’? These tend to be marketing folks who go ecstatic when anyone mentions AI or block-chain. Or, they know about a bit about a CMS & are now ready to implement major machine-learning projects. Heavy on buzzwords – this group sees block-chain as a solution for everything from managing Brexit to solving the work food crisis.
I’m sure there are more. And, I don’t mean to sound critical of them – after all, I’ve already said I’m part of the zoo as well.
So, is there an upside to it?
Well, technology is everywhere nowadays as my Mum likes to say. Maybe it’s time it came out of the closet. I’ve read a lot of the growing demands for ‘hybrid’ managers – comfortable in both technology & business. With the right mix of digital & people skills. I’ve not personally seen this demand yet but folks like Gartner say it’s there.
Having a foot in both camps can be fun and challenging. My previous line manager was a superb example. She spent years in business & finance before moving into large scale deployment projects & was very effective in her roles. She’s pragmatic, realistic & has the rare talent of being able to bring her years of experience to the table without over-ruling new folks with new ideas. She is also adept at knowing when to lean on the regular IT team.
I don’t know how she does it. If I learn the secret I’ll share it. In the meantime, I’m going to continue learning how to survive in Shadow IT & spot of few more of those different species…
Crazy Adventures in Cyber Security 