Hey there! Staying relevant in the fast-paced world of technology can be a challenge, but it's definitely worth it. My most recent article will guide you through starting your tech career. Now, you have to remain relevant in this tech space, which is a lifetime task, not a one-day job.
In this article, we'll be walking through tips and strategies that are very practical when it comes to staying relevant in the tech space. Once again, I won't bore you with technical terminologies. Let's go.
Specialize in a Niche Area
I'll always say this "Be an expert in your field" but it's easier said than done. Specializing in a specific niche area of technology can make you a valuable resource to the whole tech space. Imagine a situation whereby your name was mentioned out there but before the person landed everyone could relate to what you are very good at.
Identify a technology that interests you and develop your expertise in that area. This can help you stand out from the competition and give you an edge in the job market. For instance, if you're interested in cybersecurity, consider becoming an expert in a specific area, such as network security, cloud security, or application security.
"The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it." - Steve Jobs, Co-Founder of Apple Inc.
By the way, that doesn't mean you won't learn about other things in the tech space, but specialization means focusing on a specific area.
Continuously Learn and Upskill
Chuka Ofili once said "Learning is a lifetime task" also Satya Nadella CEO of Microsoft, said "Stay hungry, stay curious, and above all, never stop learning" Which means for you to stay up to the standard, you have to keep learning. Technology is constantly evolving, so you need to be constantly learning to keep up with the changes.
Let's look at this framework as an example:
Flutter was released initially on May 12, 2017, and as of now the latest stable release is 3.7.3, which was released on 8 February 2023. As of now, 500,000+ applications have been published using flutter, which means the advancement of flutter is very rapid, which makes top companies like eBay, Toyota, and BMW adopt the technology.
Now, coming back to reality. Ask yourself, how many hours can I dedicate to learning every day? This is a very crucial question that you need to find an answer to. Continuously expanding your knowledge will help you stay ahead of the curve and make you a valuable asset to any team.
Build a Strong Network
In the previous article, we talked about networking and ways you can find people to network with. And I've once said "Being around people you are pursuing the same goal is a massive boost for your career". Attend tech events, be active in communities you belong to, and connect with other professionals on social media platforms like LinkedIn.
Networking can help you stay updated on industry trends and developments, as well as provide you with opportunities to collaborate with others in the field. It can also lead to job opportunities and help you establish yourself as a thought leader in your industry. If you don't put yourself out there you'll just be known as a local champion.
Maintain a Strong Online Presence
In today's digital age, maintaining a strong online presence is crucial. How about letting people know the skills you possess? How about letting them know you are capable of doing what you are very good at?
Create a professional online presence that showcases your skills and expertise. Use social media platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to connect with other professionals in your field and share your thoughts on industry trends and developments. This can help you establish yourself and make you more attractive to potential employers. For instance, share your experiences with new technologies and best practices on your LinkedIn profile to showcase your knowledge and expertise.
By doing this, you are cementing your name in people's hearts and at the same time you are attracting employers.
Consistency
CONSISTENCY is a very big word, believe it. You can be doing all we've discussed above and still feel something is wrong. If you lack consistency then it will seem like your efforts aren't paying off. Imagine a situation whereby you plan to finish HTML in 14 days max, and in the long run, you skipped 8 days, meaning you have to go back and study again because the more days you skip you'll definitely need to revise again, which looks tiring and stressful.
These are tips that will help you stay consistent:
Set Realistic Goals and Track Your Progress: Setting goals is a key to consistency, but not just setting goals set goals you can achieve. Determine what you want to achieve and establish measurable objectives that you can track. This will help you stay focused and motivated as you work towards your goals.
Focus on Quality Over Quantity: It's important to focus on quality over quantity. Rather than trying to tackle too many projects at once, focus on a few key projects and do them well. This will help you stay motivated and produce high-quality work that you can be proud of.
Avoid Procrastination: Procrastination is the act of delaying or postponing tasks or actions, often to the point of not completing them at all or completing them past the deadline. It is a common behavior that can affect anyone, including those in the tech industry.
Conclusion
Staying relevant in tech requires continuous learning, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace change. By following these tips and strategies, you can position yourself as a valuable resource in the industry and ensure that you are always in demand.