Conclusion

We have established that a regular review of ourselves as IT professionals, particularly using the SWOT analysis tool, is an effective means of tracking our progress and planning to achieve future goals. It enabled us to step back and take a clear and objective look at our skills, behaviours, attitudes and abilities which is very difficult to achieve during day-to-day studies and work.

Using the SWOT analysis tool was useful for establishing a baseline structure and criteria for our professional review, however from here we felt it was beneficial to plot this against future goals in order to provide direction and a plan for forward progress.

When assessing ourselves against the SFIA framework, we found that some of the criteria at this point in our professional development, particularly the technical skills, were too specific or advanced to be able to judge ourselves even at level 1. However, overall the SFIA level, when judged against autonomy, complexity, business skills and influence was a useful tool to mark our progress as an IT professional.  As we broaden our technical skills and increase their depth, the SFIA framework will become increasingly useful.