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Phil\\u2019s guest on this episode of the IT Career Energizer podcast is Mahdi Kafi. He started his career at Pricewaterhouse Coopers in Canada where he learned the basics of IT consulting.\\xa0 He now works for DXC Technology where he is an IT consultant helping HR departments to better understand how to make employees\' lives easier through the use of technology.

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In this episode, Phil and Mahdi Kafi discuss the need to keep an open mind when it comes to your career. They talk about how the industry is opening up and finding new ways to get the most out of their employees. Mahdi also shares some methods IT professionals can use to take their career in the right direction and progress faster.

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KEY TAKEAWAYS:

(2.14) TOP CAREER TIP

Don\\u2019t be afraid to change your career plans. By all means, have a plan but bear in mind that as you and the industry evolve you will have to change and update it.

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During the podcast Mahdi shares a personal experience that demonstrates why this is so important.

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(3.26) WORST CAREER MOMENT

In his last job, things were slow. At points, they had very few clients. But it was not all bad. It gave Mahdi a chance to invest in himself and learn new skills.

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(4.19) CAREER HIGHLIGHT

His new job is proving to be the best thing he has ever done, so far. The business is growing fast, so the work he is doing is having a real impact. He is ensuring that the firm\\u2019s staff have the skills they need to move things along at the necessary pace.

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(4.47) THE FUTURE OF CAREERS IN I.T

The fact that you no longer need a college degree to get involved in the I.T. industry means that it is changing fast. It is exciting that people from all walks of life can now have great I.T. careers. Once they have learned to code people can solve all kinds of problems. So, this new environment is really empowering people.

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(6.11) THE REVEAL

What first attracted you to a career in I.T.? \\u2013 The fact that no two days are the same and the flexibility this type of work offers to those who do it.

What\\u2019s the best career advice you received? \\u2013 In all likelihood, your first job will be really boring. But don\\u2019t let it stop you from focusing on your craft so that you can keep on levelling up.

What\\u2019s the worst career advice you received? \\u2013 Quit your job and follow your passion.

What would you do if you started your career now? \\u2013 Learn to code earlier, not doing that has led to Mahdi missing out on a lot of opportunities.

What are your current career objectives? \\u2013 In the future, Mahdi wants to work with clients who are involved in the non-profit or green industry. So, he is working towards that.

What\\u2019s your number one non-technical skill? \\u2013 His communication and listening skills. Becoming an active listener has made his personal and work relationships a lot easier.

How do you keep your own career energized? \\u2013 Mahdi likes to set himself new challenges. This year, it is learning to code in Python.

What do you do away from technology? \\u2013 Mahdi spends a lot of his spare time helping people who are new to tech to learn and progress faster. He does that in person as well as through his Primal Career YouTube channel and website.

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(12.39) FINAL CAREER TIP

When deciding which direction to take your career in, ask yourself what if. For example, asking yourself What if I get this job, what is next? will help you to open your mind to more of the possibilities and opportunities. Making it easy for you to plan the next step. Thinking like this will also enable you to double-check that taking on that role is right for you

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BEST MOMENTS

(2.34) \\u2013 Mahdi - \\u201cKeep an open mind about your career path. When you do, you will not miss an opportunity.\\u201d

(3.48) \\u2013 Mahdi - \\u201cInstead of waiting for the experience to come to you, just go get the experience yourself.\\u201d

(7.15) \\u2013 Mahdi - \\u201cIT events are great places to network and find out more about what different companies are looking for.\\u201d

(11.14) \\u2013 Mahdi - \\u201cRegularly set yourself challenges as a way to keep your career energized.\\u201d

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ABOUT THE HOST \\u2013 PHIL BURGESS

Phil Burgess is an independent IT consultant who has spent the last 20 years helping organisations to design, develop and implement software solutions.\\xa0 Phil has always had an interest in helping others to develop and advance their careers.\\xa0 And in 2017 Phil started the I.T. Career Energizer podcast to try to help as many people as possible to learn from the career advice and experiences of those that have been, and still are, on that same career journey.

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CONTACT THE HOST \\u2013 PHIL BURGESS

Phil can be contacted through the following Social Media platforms:

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/philtechcareer

LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/philburgess

Facebook: https://facebook.com/philtechcareer

Instagram: https://instagram.com/philtechcareer

Website: https://itcareerenergizer.com/contact

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Phil is also reachable by email at phil@itcareerenergizer.com and via the podcast\\u2019s website, https://itcareerenergizer.com

Join the I.T. Career Energizer Community on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/ITCareerEnergizer

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ABOUT THE GUEST \\u2013 MAHDI KAFI

Mahdi Kafi started his career at Pricewaterhouse Coopers in Canada where he learned the basics of IT consulting.\\xa0 He now works for DXC Technology where he is an IT consultant helping HR departments to better understand how to make employees\' lives easier through the use of technology.

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CONTACT THE GUEST \\u2013 MAHDI KAFI

Mahdi Kafi can be contacted through the following Social Media platforms:

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YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/c/primalcareer1\\xa0

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/mahdikafi

Primal Career: http://bit.ly/35AIS9G