How to get Ahead in Information and Communications Technology
Staying ahead in the ever-evolving field of information and communications technology can seem like a daunting task. The field moves fast and new technology is introduced rapidly into the marketplace. However, there are certain strategies you can employ to stay ahead of the curve.
Enrol in as many classes in the field as you can. To stay on top you need to be well informed and if you do not know the current tehcnology it will be hard to figure out all the nuances of the new tehcnology that will soon replace it. By having a good base and keeping your skill set and knowledge current you will increase your ability to maintain and even to look ahead.
Research using the Internet and personal contacts. There is a wealth of information available through the Internet. You may not be able to discern all the nuances of a new technology that is going to be introduced, but by staying on top of the major players in the market you can get hints and ideas of what direction they are moving in and what areas they are focusing on. Spend time familiarizing yourself with the major companies' websites, blogs and chat forums. Many times you will find nuggets of information in the most unlikely places so spread your net wide when looking to see what is up and coming. Make sure you saturate the blogs and find out which ones are helpful and which ones are just a waste of time.
Make connections with people in the field so that you can pick their brains. They can be a good source of infomration for what direction companies and technology is moving in. In addition, they can give great advice about what areas of the field would be good for you to focus on when it comes to what classes you should take, what you should study up on and what companies you need to be watching. Sometimes there are minor players who make big breakthroughs in techonology and come out of nowhere. If you don't have them on your radar you will fall behind the curve.
To stay ahead in information and communications technology you must be ready to put in the hours. It is not a field that stays static. It is constantly moving and changing shape and in order to stay ahead you have to be willing to be constantly learning.
