This will come as no surprise to you – in a recent Randstad Technologies survey of IT professionals – encompassing everyone from CIOs to system administrators to developers – keeping technology skills fresh is one of their most significant challenges.
Coupled with pressing job and personal demands that leave little time to devote to honing existing or acquiring new skills – the pace of technological change has never been more incredible. It took nearly forty years for the telephone to reach a 40% penetration rate – it took smartphones just ten years to get that 40% rate! With the growth of social, mobile, analytical, and cloud (SMAC) related technologies and the low barriers to entering the market, the pace of change shows no signs of slowing.
The dynamic rate of technological change breeds new opportunities for the people who keep refreshing their skills.
From our experience, we know that employers are looking for IT professionals who take the initiative to keep their knowledge base fresh and build new skills. It would help if you made the case that you’re leading the charge to bring innovation to your organization.
so with everything else on your plate, how do you approach learning?
first, take the time to think through which skills and knowledge you need to acquire.
What critical trends do you find attractive around which you would like to build skills?
What insights do you need to further your career?
Make a list and prioritize your areas of focus.
A recent Randstad survey confirmed what you probably already know – IT professionals are do-it-yourselfers when acquiring new skills with the Internet as their primary source of learning. However, it’s best not to lock yourself into just one skill-building tactic.
the more obvious tips include:
- Some online courses are better than others - do your research before you invest your time – and money. Don’t write off attending in-person training. For some, it’s a preferred way to learn and might help you expand your network.
- Acquire certifications if available.
- Attend those trade shows and conferences that closely relate to your areas of interest.
- Identify and read the relevant trade pubs and books. An excellent first step is creating a Google alert and selecting sources that consistently provide high-quality information and insight into the technologies of interest.
some steps you can take are less obvious – but could prove invaluable.
- If you work with vendors who provide services in your areas of interest, leverage their knowledge. Get their insight on how they keep their skills fresh. Have them recommend resources.
- Consider putting together workshops with your co-workers and colleagues. The best way to learn a new skill is to teach it to others, and sharing sessions with your peers increases the chances that the curriculum will be practical.
Don’t lose sight of the big picture – your evolving career. Lifelong learning is more than a sentimental goal or character-building exercise. In today’s rapidly changing technology landscape, it might be the difference between a fulfilling career – or getting stuck.
