Three Ways to Stay Relevant in the IT Industry

One of the few constants in the IT industry is change. Technology evolves at a shockingly rapid rate, often far faster than other sectors, making it crucial to keep your skills and knowledge up to date. This involves more than simply mastering a particular skill, as what you know now may become obsolete faster than you can imagine.

Staying relevant is necessary if you want to pursue a career in IT. With that in mind, here are some tips to help you do that more effectively.

Keep Up With News and Trends

If you are hoping to stay ahead of others in your industry, staying informed about the latest news and trends is an excellent way to start. This can help you spot upcoming areas of interest in the tech sector, giving you an opportunity to identify skills that may soon be in demand.

Keeping up with the latest news can be a fairly simple process. You can sign up for newsletters from leading information sources, follow certain organizations or individuals on social media, or participate in industry-oriented forums. Then, peruse the information on a regular basis and dig deeper into topics that appear to have the most relevance in your field.

Attend Classes and Conferences

The IT industry offers one of the most comprehensive communities in the business world. On almost any given weekend, some sort of conference or class opportunity can be found. By attending these events, you can gain new skills while networking with other professionals. And, in some cases, your attendance can be added to your resume as a highlight.

Some events require you belong to a particular industry organization, another great resource for information. However, many can be attended by anyone who is interested, so don’t be afraid to take a look and see what is available in your area, if travel is cost prohibitive, or even across the country.

Obtain New Certifications

Certifications can help you be more marketable as well as relevant in the field. These resume boosters prove you have a particular skill set, paving the way to higher salaries and more desirable positions. If you take the time to discover which certifications are most in demand, and even hard to find in current candidate pools, you can set yourself apart from other job seekers. Plus, it’s a great way to keep your skills sharp.

Typically, obtaining a certification requires a financial and time investment, though the amounts in each area can vary widely. Some also make attending a class before the exam mandatory, so keep that in mind when reviewing your options.

Time spent improving your skills and learning about new trends is generally time well spent when it comes to the IT industry, especially if you want to stay relevant over the long term. The tips above can serve as strong starting points, helping you stay ahead of the competition and up to date in your field.

If you are looking for a new tech position, the professionals at The Squires Group can connect you with leading employers. Contact us today to see how our services can help.


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