Is Production Support Good for Freshers?

For fresh graduates entering the tech industry, finding a suitable starting point is crucial. Production support can be a valuable stepping stone, offering practical exposure to real-world systems and operations, honing problem-solving skills, and providing a foundation for further learning. However, it is essential to consider the challenges and benefits associated with this role.

Hands-On Experience

One of the primary advantages of starting in production support is the opportunity for hands-on experience. Freshers can gain practical exposure to real-world systems and operations, allowing them to see how applications and services function in a live environment. This direct exposure can be invaluable in understanding the intricacies of software deployment and management.

Problem-Solving Skills

Production support roles require quick thinking and problem-solving. Freshers can develop critical troubleshooting and problem-solving skills as they address issues that arise in production. These skills are transferable and valuable across various roles in the tech industry, making production support a worthwhile investment for career development.

Understanding Business Processes

Working in production support helps freshers understand the business context of the applications they support. This understanding is invaluable for future roles and can enhance their ability to make informed decisions that impact business operations. Knowing how to align technical solutions with business goals is a crucial skill for any tech professional.

Collaboration and Communication

Production support often involves working with different teams, such as development, operations, and business. This collaboration can enhance communication and teamwork skills, which are essential in any tech job. Effective communication is key to ensuring that everyone is on the same page and working towards common goals.

Career Opportunities

Experience in production support can lead to various career paths in IT, such as development, system administration, or IT operations. This role can serve as a stepping stone for freshers to explore more specialized roles, such as DevOps, system analysis, or software development. The skills gained from production support are transferable and can open up many doors in the tech industry.

Challenges of Production Support

While production support offers many benefits, it’s important to note that the role can sometimes involve irregular hours, on-call duties, and high-pressure situations. These aspects may not be appealing to everyone. However, for those looking to build a career in technology, these challenges can be rewarding and formative.

Is Development Better for Freshers?

Some might argue that development projects are better suited for freshers. While development projects do offer valuable opportunities, there are many benefits to working in production support as well. Here are some key advantages:

Visibility: Working in production support provides freshers with a lot of visibility, as they handle production environments where any issue can directly impact business. This experience is invaluable and can help build confidence.

End-to-End Knowledge: Freshers working in production support gain an end-to-end knowledge of the application, which goes beyond the module a developer focuses on. This comprehensive understanding is a significant advantage.

Acknowledgment for Success: Resolving high-priority issues in production often leads to recognition and appreciation. Freshers can receive appreciation emails and even awards, which can boost morale and motivation.

Onsite Opportunities: Production support roles often involve onsite visits, providing freshers with opportunities to transfer business knowledge and learn from the ground up.

Affordable Benefits: Freshers in production support roles can receive allowances, such as shift allowances and on-call allowances, leading to a higher salary compared to those working on development projects.

Process Understanding: Working in production support helps freshers understand and apply ITIL processes. This knowledge can be valuable for switching to roles like business analysts or other specialized fields.

Working on development projects is indeed preferable for some. However, having some experience in production support, along with development, can greatly add value to one's resume. This combination of skills can make a fresh graduate more versatile and attractive to potential employers.

Conclusion

Ultimately, whether production support is suitable for a fresher depends on their interests, goals, and the specific roles available. Both routes—production support and development—offer unique advantages and can lead to rewarding careers in the tech industry.