Linda Rosencrance

I'm working on a story for Computerworld about how companies can create career paths for IT professionals who want to advance without becoming managers. Working title: How to create career paths for IT workers who don't want to become managers Many IT professionals enjoy the technical side of their jobs and don't want to manage people. But at many companies, moving into management is often the only way to earn a higher salary or get promoted. I'm looking for written comments (or phone interviews) from CIOs, IT leaders, HR executives, IT professionals, workforce experts, and industry analysts. Some questions I'd like to explore: Why do IT professionals often feel they have to move into management to advance in their careers? What can companies do to help IT employees grow professionally without requiring them to manage people? What types of career paths or senior technical roles can companies offer these employees? How can companies provide better pay, promotions, and recognition to employees who want to continue doing technical work? What challenges do companies face in creating these career paths, and how can they overcome them? How is AI changing career opportunities for IT professionals who don't want to manage people? Could overseeing AI agents give these employees more responsibility without moving into traditional management roles, or could it take them further away from the hands-on technical work they enjoy? Can you share a specific example of an IT employee you've helped advance without moving into management? I'm interested in practical advice, industry insights, and examples of approaches that work.