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Three Strategies to Make Ongoing Learning a Priority in Your Career

on January 26, 2018 in IT Candidates

 

As an IT professional, you know how important it is to prioritize continued learning. If you don’t continually build your skills and stay tuned into industry trends, you can become obsolete. However, you also know it can be difficult to fit in ongoing learning when you’re balancing long hours and personal obligations. Use these three strategies to make ongoing learning a priority in your career.

Join Tech Groups

The tech community is probably very robust and active in your hometown. In most cities, you can find a tech-related event almost any night of the week. Joining these groups can be a great way to both meet new people and enhance your learning. Best of all, a lot of these events are either free or charge a nominal cover for entry.

There are also many online groups you can join to engage in learning and conversation with other tech professionals. Many of these communities also host webinars and online hangouts that provide unique opportunities to learn from home.

Listen and Learn

There is an endless supply of tech-related podcasts you can subscribe to online. Podcasts range in length from about 15 minutes to one hour per episode. Research popular podcasts in your specialty or see if any of your favorite blogs host podcasts. Listen and learn while you commute, cook dinner, walk the dog, work out or clean your house.

Audiobooks are also a great way to stay caught up on popular tech industry books without devoting the time to reading. If cracking a book puts you to sleep or you simply don’t have the time, audiobooks can be listened to while you do other things.

Take Classes

Thanks to the internet, nearly every college and university in the country offers online learning opportunities. Tech certification programs are also available online if you’ve had your eye on a specific certification. Online classes can fit in nicely with a busy schedule, since you don’t have to worry about commuting, you can simply pop open your laptop and get to work from the comfort of home.

If you can’t commit to the rigid schedule of formal online classes, take advantage of online learning platforms to take classes and learn new skills at your own pace. There are lots of free and low-fee classes you can choose from, and these are an ideal alternative to taking expensive classes through a university. Going at your own pace ensures you won’t be penalized or feel stressed out if you need to take a few days off.

Are You a Tech Professional Seeking New Opportunities?

If you are an experienced IT professional seeking new opportunities to grow your career, reach out to the recruiting experts at PEAK Technical Consulting today or submit your resume online. Our recruiters can match you with opportunities to use your skills and achieve your professional goals.

About PEAK

PEAK Technical Consulting has created connections with employers nationwide, and you can find projects and roles to make the most of your abilities and advance your career. Since 1968, PEAK has helped IT professionals find jobs that offer flexibility, challenges and rewards. We are committed to giving you the resources and support you need to build the career of your dreams.

Take a look at some of the IT jobs we offer:

  • Software Engineer – 74139
  • Integration Developer – 74217
  • Project Manager – 74198

If you are looking for employers and opportunities that will take your IT career to the next level and help you to achieve your goals, contact a PEAK recruitment expert today.