Building a Resilient Tech Career in a Post-2020 World: The 3L Strategy for a T-Shaped Profile

“You simply have to put one foot in front of the other and keep going. Put blinders on and plow right ahead”– George Lucas

The year 2020 will go down in history for many defining events from global economic turbulence and President Trump's electoral defeat to wild stock market swings and even rumors surrounding North Korea’s Kim Jong-un. But the most defining and universal experience was the COVID-19 pandemic. It dramatically reshaped the way we live, work, communicate, and think.

The tech industry wasn’t spared. Many professionals lost their jobs, startups folded under cash flow pressures, and fresh graduates from the class of 2020 faced an extremely challenging job market. For those graduating in 2021, anxiety and uncertainty were common themes.

Yet, amidst the disruption, some silver linings emerged.

Remote work became mainstream. Professionals used the downtime to learn new skills. And most notably, digital transformation accelerated across industries, tripling in pace for many businesses, governments, and consumers.

“Do not wait to strike till the iron is hot; but make it hot by striking.”– William Butler Yeats

This quote perfectly sums up the proactive mindset needed today. Whether you're just starting out or looking to reinvent your career, I recommend a simple but powerful mantra: Learn, Leverage, and Lead—the 3L Strategy. This approach is designed to help you build a T-shaped career profile, combining deep expertise in one area with broad knowledge across adjacent domains.

🔍 Learn – Stay Curious, Stay Relevant

2020 taught us the importance of continuous learning. Staying in your comfort zone is no longer an option. Tech professionals must keep upgrading their skills to remain relevant.

• Cloud experts should explore multiple platforms.

• App developers should experiment with frameworks like React, Flutter, or Angular.

• Embedded software engineers should expand beyond C or Python to learn about hardware design, PCB layout, or even emotional intelligence (EQ).

A T-shaped profile allows you to pivot quickly if your core domain becomes obsolete or overcrowded. Depth gives you authority. Breadth gives you flexibility.

🌐 Leverage – Build Your Network, Amplify Your Opportunities

Too often, tech professionals underestimate the value of relationships. In uncertain times, your network can be your strongest asset.

• Connect on LinkedIn

• Join communities and focus groups

• Attend webinars and industry events

• Identify and engage with a mentor

Building and giving back to your network not only enriches your knowledge but often leads to referrals, collaborations, and unexpected opportunities.

🚀 Lead – Take Initiative and Drive Change

For mid-level professionals (8+ years of experience), career plateaus are common. Many pursue MBAs or shift domains. But leadership isn’t just about titles—it’s about mindset.

Start by:

• Mentoring juniors

• Leading internal projects

• Proposing new ideas

• Volunteering for cross-functional initiatives

Leadership today requires a balance of technical, functional, and people skills. Whether you're managing a team or leading from within, this differentiation is crucial in today’s competitive landscape.

Final Thoughts

Economic cycles will continue with ups and downs are part of the journey. What matters is how we use transitional periods to invest in ourselves. In 2021 and beyond, apply the 3L strategy to shape a career that’s not just resilient but also adaptable and fulfilling.

“You are the entrepreneur of your career, even if you are employed by others.”– Elisa David

So start today. Learn continuously, leverage your connections, and lead from wherever you are.