When I finished school, I realized something important: our education system didn’t really prepare us for the job market.
Everything I’ve learned that truly mattered — I learned the hard way, by doing, failing, and showing up again.
Years later, after mentoring interns and onboarding new employees, I’ve noticed… not much has changed. Many graduates still step into the ICT job market with energy, but little clarity about what roles actually exist — or what skills employers expect.
So today, I’m breaking it down — real talk about the ICT sector — so you can prepare better, position yourself earlier, and compete confidently.
๐ก First, Know This:
This post focuses on the infrastructure side of ICT — not the app or software development world. That is a whole set of different world and we may discuss it separately, another time.
Think of ICT like a big ecosystem — from sales and product management to service delivery and customer support. Each piece connects to make technology work.
And here’s the truth: technology changes fast — but understanding your role in the ecosystem gives you long-term stability.
๐ง The 4 Major ICT Career Paths You Should Understand
These are relationship builders. They find customers, nurture opportunities, and close deals.
๐ Tip: Learn sales methodologies and communication. If you have a technical background, that’s a bonus — you’ll better understand what you’re selling and earn customer trust faster.
2️⃣ Product or Solution Management (Presales)
These professionals translate customer needs into technical solutions. They design, configure, and price ICT systems.
If you love tech and strategy, this is your space. It’s where deep technical knowledge meets customer engagement.
3️⃣ Service Management / Project Delivery
This is where promises meet reality. Engineers here design, test, and commission systems — and keep them running smoothly.
๐ก Advice: As a new graduate, this is the best entry point. Mastering delivery and maintenance gives you the strongest foundation.
4️⃣ Channel Management
ICT thrives on partnerships. Vendors, distributors, and resellers work together to reach the market.
If you’re strategic, analytical, and people-savvy — channel management is an exciting path.
๐ Quick Recap:
These roles don’t exist in isolation — they connect like gears in a system.
To stand out, specialize in one area but understand how the others work.
Start early — even before graduation. Learn about IT, IP, and data center solutions, and get certified in at least one of them. Certifications speak louder than your GPA.
๐ฌ One Skill Everyone Overlooks: Communication
No matter how brilliant you are, if you can’t report clearly, present confidently, or collaborate well, your growth will slow down.
Most Ethiopian workplaces struggle here — but you can change that for yourself. Start now. Communicate better.
๐ฑ Final Thoughts for the Youth
Once you land a job, use your probation period wisely. Ask questions. Learn how your company really works. Understand its structure, priorities, and products before rushing to perform.
Network intentionally — your next opportunity might come from the person beside you.
Remember — Ethiopia’s future depends on you.
Our 10-Year Perspective Plan envisions the private sector driving development — and ICT is at the center of it all. The opportunities are massive, but so is the competition.
So — learn fast, adapt faster, and above all…
✊ Show Up. Because exposure matters.
If this post helps you, share it so another young Ethiopian sees it too.
Let’s guide each other — and grow together.
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If you want to move your career one step further here you have a free gift. ๐ Download the Amharic Career Roadmap Book — your first step to career clarity and confidence.
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๐ Connect with me if you’re passionate about energy, and digital innovations
