When you want to take your tech career to the next level, enhancing your skillset is a smart move. By acquiring new skills based on what’s needed for your target job, you can position yourself as a valuable employee that has all of the required capabilities for the promotional position or as a top candidate that is well qualified for an opportunity.
Luckily, expanding your IT skill set doesn’t have to be difficult. If you want to bring more to the table, here are a few ways that you can acquire new skills and refine your current capabilities.
Take Classes Online
Today, online courses are readily available, providing tech professionals with flexible options for increasing their knowledge and capabilities. Sites like Udemy and Khan Academy offer a wide selection of classes for free, so all you have to do is dedicate your time and attention.
If your goal is to advance your career, look at the must-have skills for the role you want to land. Use that information as a guide and search for classes that allow you to fill any gaps in your capabilities that might hold you back.
Alternatively, explore emerging trends in your tech field and see if any courses cover those topics. This can be incredibly beneficial if a new technology is making waves, and not many people have the skills necessary to work with it.
Try Webinars, Tutorials, and Product Demos
Webinars, tutorials, and product demos are great resources when you want to enhance your skills, especially those associated with using a particular software solution. Many of these learning options allow you to see how various tasks are handled, giving you a step-by-step look, or even allowing you to try it yourself.
You’ll also find webinars that discuss a range of topics, which can be great for monitoring emerging trends or getting insights about a particular subject. However, they aren’t usually particularly in-depth unless they are focused on something highly specific, so keep that in mind before you decide to sign up for a webinar.
Cross-Train with a Coworker
If you have a coworker who has a skill you need, and you can offer them guidance in return, then cross-training can be an excellent way to share knowledge and enhance what you both have to offer. Often, you’ll need approval from management to formally cross-train while at work, but it can be worth requesting if your workplace is battling with limited coverage or skill gaps.
Take on Personal Projects
Sometimes, the easiest way to learn a new skill is to get your hands dirty. Identify the skill you want to learn and create a side project that allows you to use it. If you need guidance, consider doing some research online. For example, websites like GitHub and Stack Overflow can be excellent options for developers.
Learn More About How You Can Enhance Your IT Skills
Ultimately, all of the options above can help you enhance your IT skills. If you’d like to find out more, the experienced team at The Armada Group can help. Contact us to discuss your questions with one of our staff members today and see how our professional development expertise can benefit you.
