In years past, IT professionals had few career options other than working for a corporation, where they were sequestered in a tiny room full of computers, away from the rest of their coworkers. While the situation has improved since then, the industry is seeing an interesting trend: the defection of talent from traditional IT departments to America’s Managed Service Providers (MSPs). The sector is projected to grow at an annual rate of 6.7% and to have a market volume of US $628.8B by 2028. While much of that growth can be attributed to the desire of companies to outsource their IT projects, it cannot happen without the workforce to support it. Below, let’s jump into some of the reasons why today’s tech talent is so enthusiastic about working for MSPs, which can help you make your own choice.
The ability to master diverse skills
IT professionals know that they never have the same day twice, so they typically have a broad base of industry knowledge. Even so, those who work only for one company still find themselves handling the same types of issues or projects. MSPs, on the other hand, have clients from a cross section of industries, each with their own unique needs. That diversity means that IT employees have the chance to use all of their skills and be challenged to learn new ones.
Evolv I.T., one of the fastest-growing MSPs in the Southeast, adds that cross-training is often provided at MSPs. “Because our clients are so varied, we must be prepared to handle any issue,” says CEO Daniel Herrera. “That’s why we have weekly ‘lunch and learns’ and help our team members master skills they might not have been able to learn while at larger corporations, including SD-WAN, business continuity, disaster recovery, cybersecurity, and lifecycle management, among others.”
An inclusive work culture
Some large corporations, which may have hundreds or thousands of employees, can prevent employees from feeling connected and understanding their contributions to the organization’s success.
MSPs are typically smaller, and as everyone’s overall goal is to strengthen the technological infrastructure and cybersecurity of clients, there is a shared purpose. This provides even more opportunities for teams to get to know each other and feel part of the entire company.
The potential for better pay, benefits and career advancement
Most MSPs pride themselves on offering competitive compensation and benefits to their employees. “At Evolv I.T., it’s a priority to ensure our employee benefits include affordable healthcare, competitive pay, and paid time off and holidays. In the end, lining up the benefits will help you to make the right decision.”
You will need to do some research to determine whether a traditional IT department or an MSP offers more opportunities for promotions. Even so, the case for MSPs is pretty strong. Evolv I.T., for example, trains and promotes from within, and it cultivates a culture of mentorship and excellence.
Meaningful impact
This advantage of MSPs is one of the most significant. IT employees have the chance to make a direct impact on their clients – and they know it. That changes the entire nature of each workday.
“It’s about long-term relationships,” Herrera explains. “Yes, we are professional, but we get to know the people we serve. That means our clients are more than voices on the phone or words in an email. Our team really partners with our clients, which leads to two advantages: they care about who they help, and they know they are making customers’ lives easier. You don’t normally find that in a corporation.”
The takeaway for IT professionals who are considering working for an MSP
The MSP industry is growing across the United States for a reason. Before you leave your IT department, though, make sure you size up your potential employer and ask as many questions as possible. Don’t be afraid to walk away if it’s not the right fit. As with every job possibility, you’ll know the right MSP when you see it.
