Starting out in IT consulting
Five learnings from Phạm Huỳnh Tấn Lộc’s first role
1.
Don’t be afraid to
change direction
My path into IT consulting wasn’t straightforward. I graduated in business from Banking University of Ho Chi Minh City and worked for nearly two years as a data analyst. It was a stable job, but I often asked myself: “Do I really love what I’m doing?” The answer was no. So, I quit and pursued a second degree in IT, learning programming from scratch. It felt like giving myself the chance my younger self – the one who revived a dead Nokia phone at age 10 – would have taken. That decision eventually led me to my first role as an IT consultant.
Don’t be afraid to
change direction
My path into IT consulting wasn’t straightforward. I graduated in business from Banking University of Ho Chi Minh City and worked for nearly two years as a data analyst. It was a stable job, but I often asked myself: “Do I really love what I’m doing?” The answer was no. So, I quit and pursued a second degree in IT, learning programming from scratch. It felt like giving myself the chance my younger self – the one who revived a dead Nokia phone at age 10 – would have taken. That decision eventually led me to my first role as an IT consultant.
2.
Adapt to the consulting mindset
There is a steep learning curve every time you approach a new problem. Working with many clients means diving into unfamiliar domains and starting from scratch to understand their specific context. However, it keeps me on my toes and makes me feel like I’m learning something new every day.
Adapt to the consulting mindset
There is a steep learning curve every time you approach a new problem. Working with many clients means diving into unfamiliar domains and starting from scratch to understand their specific context. However, it keeps me on my toes and makes me feel like I’m learning something new every day.
3.
Learn from the people around you
The more you observe and listen to how teammates solve problems, the more you grow. I was fortunate to be surrounded by great colleagues when I started out. I learned a lot by watching how architects and specialists reviewed code, then applied that knowledge to my own work. Even today, as a team leader, I keep learning by listening to my team’s open discussions.
4.
Take time to understand
the problem
When I started as a consultant, I often rushed to find a solution. But solutions that aren’t fully validated for all edge cases can take twice as long in the end. In consulting, building trust with clients starts with carefully analysing their requirements and fully grasping their challenges before proposing any solution.
Take time to understand
the problem
When I started as a consultant, I often rushed to find a solution. But solutions that aren’t fully validated for all edge cases can take twice as long in the end. In consulting, building trust with clients starts with carefully analysing their requirements and fully grasping their challenges before proposing any solution.
5.
Focus on knowledge, urgency,
and commitment
Three things have guided me in consulting:
- Master the fundamentals: Technology changes fast, but the basics you learned in school last a lifetime.
- Act with urgency: Every day brings surprises, so approach problems promptly and proactively.
- Stay committed: No matter your role, your responsibility is to solve the client’s problems and deliver real value.
Focus on knowledge, urgency,
and commitment
Three things have guided me in consulting:
- Master the fundamentals: Technology changes fast, but the basics you learned in school last a lifetime.
- Act with urgency: Every day brings surprises, so approach problems promptly and proactively.
- Stay committed: No matter your role, your responsibility is to solve the client’s problems and deliver real value.
