How to grow as a tech employee in a small business?
Hey everyone, I am a 22 year old working at a smaller business. I started roughly 3 years ago as a Junior Data Analyst, and I as of 5 months ago I became the “IT Manager”. I got my associates in computer engineering, and was pursuing my bachelors until I decided to focus on work. I do a bit of everything since it’s a small business, such as the database administration, cybersecurity, IT, software development, and project management for my small team of two people.
I love the job. I get to learn so much and I’m constantly working in different areas of the tech world, essentially bringing this company out of the dark ages. They are extremely happy with my work, but sometimes I get worried about my career and future, especially in the context of AI and since it’s a small business.
For more context, on my team I am the sole developer for a custom laravel website, and I am solely handling re-doing our on-premise networking with a ubiquiti system. I just don’t know what employers perception of my skills would be, when I need to find a new job.
I’m trying to figure out what is the smartest option. Do I go back to an online college to get my Bachelors degree, while I work this job? What do I go for? IT, cybersecurity, computer science? Do I continue to use this opportunity to teach myself as much as possible until possibly the company goes under? (Of course that’s assuming the company goes under eventually)
I apologize if my questions aren’t specific enough, I’m just at a loss of ideas on what to do in my situation. I just know I am extremely lucky and I am very grateful for the position I am in, but I know it won’t last forever.