CHASING INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY - HOW TO STAY CURRENT

If you went on vacation for two weeks, left the laptop and blackberry at home, you’d return to some major change, launch, advancement, fresh theory, or new something in the IT speed-of-gigabyte world.

Staying current with technology could be a full-time job in and of itself. However TMSA wants to remind all IT jobseekers, freelancers and employees of just how essential it is to stay up-to-date in new and emerging technologies, IT processes, and current trends.

GENERALS & SPECIFICS
Want to increase your value for job and promotion opportunities? Maintain a general knowledge of the entire industry, and work toward becoming a master in your specific field. Master, as in, work toward becoming an expert in your field or position to the point that you are the perfect candidate for any job opening in that arena.

Specializing cuts down the competition, provides job stability, and increases your value.

Generalizing helps in less specific careers and gives you flexibility (or easy adaptability) during industry shifts.

Do both! Specialize while keeping a general knowledge of the industry.

HOW TO CHASE THE TREND-DRAGON
Organizations, affiliations, online and offline magazines, newsletters, reports, blogs, social networks, RSS and twitter feeds are just a few of the many ways to chase after the hottest news and changes in IT. Overwhelmed yet? It doesn’t take long to cower beneath the fire-breathing dragon. Take control. Be strategic in the data you allow to fill your inbox, your schedule and your brain.

• Minimize your mental data entry to maximize your growth ability. Choose a limited number of information sources.
• Research – who offers reliable and up-to-date information in your field of expertise? Subscribe to those -- but limit the amount (up to 5 resources).
• Schedule reading and research time into your day and week.
• Get out quickly when you start hitting information overload.

CREDENTIALS, CERTIFICATIONS & COURSES
What makes your resume shine? Those hard-earned credentials can quickly become outdated in the IT world.

• Certifications can be updated or renewed - keep up with the news.
• Continue to take new courses and workshops.
• Develop your credentials like an entrepreneur develops a business - steady and continuous.
• But with all things IT, protect from data burnout.

Careers in information technology are fast and furious, and that’s equal parts exciting as well as frustrating -- you can be quickly left behind. TMSA wants to encourage you that with a dedication to current trends and the up-and-coming, you will rise above the ranks to be a candidate and employee who is sure to get the breaks your hoping for. It’s not about luck, but strategy. It takes hard work, focus and discipline. But this career offers increasing opportunities and exciting innovations. And isn’t that part of the reason you’re in the IT world in the first place?

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