TECHNOLOGY
CAREERS
Acquiring
New Skills
For most IT
professionals, working with constantly changing technology is
one of the most exciting aspects of the job. But keeping up with
new developments can also be one of your biggest challenges. Nonetheless,
it’s essential to regularly refresh your knowledge in the
field to ensure your skills remain in demand.
Start by determining
which specialties are hot. Attending trade shows and reading industry
publications can provide valuable insight into what’s new in the
field and what expertise may be sought in the coming months. Another
good way to keep up on emerging trends is to browse classified
ads and Internet job listings. Doing so will allow you to assess
how closely your skills align with market demand. Following are
some additional suggestions:
- Go back
to school. Enroll in a continuing education program offered
at night or on weekends by your local university, community
college or technical school and focus on an in-demand area of
specialization. Many companies offer reimbursement for courses
that improve your ability to do your job, so ask your manager
about your firm’s policy.
- Learn
on your own. You may have always wanted to master JAVA programming
but didn’t pursue this goal because it isn’t relevant to your
current position. Consider doing it anyway. Teach yourself by
purchasing or downloading a developer’s kit or by locating a
local user group. You never know what career opportunities might
emerge.
- Volunteer.
An excellent way to gain hands-on project experience is
by giving your time to local schools or nonprofit organizations.
Offer to update software, install new systems or train users,
depending on the group’s needs.
- Become
certified. In a Robert Half Technology survey of 470 IT
consultants, an overwhelming 83 percent said technical certification
is a valuable tool for career advancement. Though it requires
a time commitment - and you'll have to work around your schedule
- this can be a good investment in your future. Be sure to check
with your manager to see what type of support your company can
offer.
As businesses
look for ways to increase productivity, new technologies will
continue to be introduced. Keep pace with the speed of change
by seizing every chance you can to enhance your skills and continue
learning. Using the suggestions above, you can familiarize yourself
with the latest and greatest innovations - and improve your marketability
and job success in the process.
Robert Half Technology is a leading provider of IT professionals for initiatives ranging from web development and multiplatform systems integration to network security and technical support. The company has more than 100 locations worldwide. Search for jobs now or learn more at www.rht.com.
