The Evolution of a T-Shaped IT Professional

In the world of IT, specialization is often seen as the key to success. Yet, my career path has proven that breadth and depth—the essence of a T-Shaped Profile—are equally crucial. Over the past 30 years, I’ve transitioned from helpdesk support to server administration, then into team leadership, data center management, and ultimately into Enterprise Architecture consulting. This journey has shaped my ability to bridge technical expertise with strategic vision, making me a versatile and effective IT leader.

What is a T-Shaped Profile?

A T-Shaped Professional with a T-Shaped Profile combines deep expertise in a specific field with broad knowledge across multiple disciplines. The vertical bar of the “T” represents specialization, while the horizontal bar signifies interdisciplinary skills—allowing professionals to collaborate across teams, adapt to new challenges, and drive innovation.

This is related and an evolution to content from 1978 and i recommend to read the reference “Scientists Become Managers-The ‘T’-Shaped Man” available here.

Building a T-Shaped Career

The T-Shaped Professional concept is more than just a trendy term—it’s a mindset that has guided my career development. Here’s how I cultivated this profile:

• Deep Technical Expertise – My early years in IT were spent mastering infrastructure, troubleshooting complex systems, and optimizing server environments.
• Expanding Leadership Skills – As I moved into management roles, I learned the importance of mentorship, strategic planning, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Interdisciplinary Thinking – Transitioning into Enterprise Architecture required me to connect business needs with IT solutions, ensuring that technology aligns with organizational goals.

Lessons from My Career Growth

Reflecting on my journey, I’ve identified key principles that helped me evolve:

Continuous Learning – Staying ahead in IT requires lifelong learning, whether through certifications, industry research, or hands-on experience.

Adaptability – The IT landscape is constantly changing. Embracing new technologies and methodologies has been essential.

Strategic Vision – Understanding how IT infrastructure supports business objectives enabled me to transition into consulting.

Positive Mindset – Positive people build positive teams and a positive team will handle pressure and challenges in the best possible way.

Go the extra mile – IT always was and still is fun to me. Going the extra mile and take every opportunity to listen, learn, read helped me create the knowledge needed.

Are you a T-Profile yet or on your way?

There are certains skills, a personality and mindsets required for this journey. I would summarize them as:

• You can learn quickly
• You have a broad knowledge about IT and IT architecture
• You are an expert in one area or industry
• You analyse patterns and problems from all perspectives
• You can visualize things for others
• You are curious and want to know more
• You enjoy learning IT, business values and everything about your current industry / market
• You work well with different kinds of people and enjoy it

A strong T-Profile isn’t just a career advantage—it’s a way of thinking. That’s why you see different skills and mindsets listed above. Professionals who combine these, can solve problems more effectively, adapt to new challenges, and drive meaningful change within organizations.

Do you want to become a Generalist or T-Shaped?

If you combine the skills mentioned above and you enjoy helping organizations and people to develop, solve solutions and work together, than you should consider becoming a Generalist and IT Architect with an Enterprise focus. A T-Shaped Profile is the key and foundation for this journey.

In case you are only looking for the “title” of an Enterprise Architect, I would recommend reading my orgininal story here.