Many young professionals are eager to climb up fast in their careers. They want to achieve their goals and dreams as soon as possible. However, this may not be the best approach to career development, according to Sajid Ahmed, EVP and Head of Technology at Wells Fargo India & Philippines. In a recent discussion, he shared his insights and experiences on how to treat your career as a marathon, not a sprint, and how to make the most of every opportunity and challenge along the way. Here are the excerpts from our candid conversation.
From Street Selling to EVP: Sajid Ahmed’s Career Journey
Sajid Ahmed started his career as a fresh graduate, without much life experience but with a lot of passion and curiosity. His first job was at a company that sold and serviced computers and peripherals. He learned the basics of the IT industry, as well as the skills of pre-sales and marketing, by visiting different clients and understanding their needs. He also learned how to communicate effectively and respectfully with seniors and peers, thanks to his mentor who guided him and helped him grow.
Sajid Ahmed then moved on to work for various IT companies, such as IBM, Accenture, and Cognizant, where he gained exposure to different domains, technologies, and projects. He also pursued higher education and certifications, to enhance his knowledge and credentials. He joined Wells Fargo in 2012, as a senior vice president and head of technology for the consumer lending group. He was promoted to EVP and head of technology for Wells Fargo India & Philippines in 2020, where he leads a team of over 20,000 technology professionals.
Sajid Ahmed attributes his career success to his continuous learning, hard work, and perseverance. He says that he never stopped learning new things, whether it was from books, the internet, or people. He also says that he always tried to do his best in every role and project, and to overcome any obstacles or difficulties. He also says that he always treated his career as a marathon, not a sprint, and that he enjoyed every moment of his journey.
The Importance of Learning, Networking, and Mentoring
Sajid Ahmed believes that learning is the key to career growth and development. He says that one should try to learn something new every day, regardless of the stage of their career. He also says that one should update their resume every quarter, by adding new skills and achievements. He says that learning helps to keep oneself relevant and competitive in the dynamic and fast-changing IT industry.
Sajid Ahmed also emphasizes the importance of networking and mentoring for career advancement. He says that one should build and maintain a strong network of contacts, both within and outside the organization, and leverage them for opportunities and guidance. He also says that one should seek and provide mentorship, as it helps to gain and share knowledge, experience, and feedback. He says that mentoring also helps to develop leadership and interpersonal skills, which are essential for career success.
The Advice for Gen-Z: Treat Your Career as a Marathon, Not a Sprint
Sajid Ahmed has some valuable advice for the Gen-Z, who are entering or aspiring to enter the IT industry. He says that they should treat their career as a marathon, not a sprint, and that they should pace themselves accordingly. He says that they should not try to achieve everything overnight, but rather space them out and maximize the learnings from each experience. He also says that they should not compare themselves with others, but rather focus on their own goals and strengths.
Sajid Ahmed also advises the Gen-Z to be flexible and adaptable, as the IT industry is constantly evolving and changing. He says that they should be open to new challenges and opportunities, and that they should be willing to learn new skills and technologies. He also says that they should be resilient and optimistic, and that they should not give up or get discouraged by failures or setbacks. He says that they should always look for the silver lining and the lessons learned from every situation.
Sajid Ahmed is an inspiring and successful IT leader, who has run his career like a marathon, not a sprint. He has shared his wisdom and insights with us, and we hope that they will help you to run your career like a marathon, too.
