“To infinity and beyond” … Buzz Lightyear’s famous words ring true even in the workplace. Indeed, from software to hardware, cloud-based resources, social media programming and beyond, the tech field really is vast and deeply intertwined with everyday tasks. The way we communicate and conduct business is continually changing.
To increase your marketability and justify your worth in today’s competitive workforce, the more tech muscle you can flex, the better. It’s worth your time: These are skills that can improve your chances of landing a new job you just applied for (or moving up the ranks at your current one) and negotiating a better deal.
As stated by Skillcrush, “By 2020 there will be nearly one and a half million open jobs in the tech sector … tech skills are 20 of the top 25 most sought-after skills by employers on LinkedIn, and all 10 of the fastest-growing keywords in job listings on Indeed are tech related.”
So journey on, with confidence and enthusiasm! These days, tech skills are useful in every department. Regardless of your job title, as Market Watch’s Catey Hill points out, “Computing has become a tool in every industry.” Seek out interesting tech training opportunities and always leave room on your plate for new skills that’ll make your résumé a best-seller.
Shoring up your knowledge will show employers that you’re well equipped to adapt to the quickly changing tech industry and exude professional longevity. You may want to consider learning to code, as just one example. Aaron Skonnard at Inc. explains, “It’s clear that the ability to code has become as important as other basic forms of literacy like reading and math.”
Whether you participate in computer-based training, join tech forums, study online tutorials or engage in more technology-driven conversations with colleagues, the paths to learning are limitless. It’s a “recipe” you can’t possibly mess up, as long as you keep stirring in new challenges for yourself. It’s intimidating at times to step outside of your comfort zone and pursue new responsibilities, but staying relevant in business, and attracting the most lucrative opportunities, greatly hinge on your willingness to do just that.
Michelle Peña is the senior editor of Office Technology Today and Small Business Tax Strategies. You can also follow her on Instagram @michymashup and LinkedIn @michymash.
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