Career Tips - Dont Lost your Savor

Avoid being a victim of downsizing, upgrade yourself.

It’s just like an outdated product in a department store. When you are no longer a product in demand, and obsolescence stares you in the face, you have no choice but to give in. Being downsized or laid-off is a common feature in today’s workplace.The accelerated pace of technology has changed business processes and so demand professionals who can handle these implications become necessary.

Persons who are not alert to the subtle changes face the danger of being thrown out of work. This is more so in the IT industry where only the fittest and the fastest can survive the onslaught of obsolescence in technology.

Ways to stay ahead

• Technology cycle

A new technology hits the stands it experiences a boom. It is also associated with a lot of hype- considered as the ‘in-thing’ in the marketplace. It takes about a year or two to get established before it reaches maturity. It then has to face new entrants in the field, which may soon take its place.

Professionals need to keep tabs on the progress of technology especially when it is in the stage when it reaches maturity. Being sound with the basics and an easy and regular up-gradation helps. Make sure you don’t become complacent and comfortable with the technology you are using. Be vigilant and keep your value meter ticking.

• Way to go

One effective way to stay abreast of technology is to undergo training. Private institutes offer specialised training, but the courses can be expensive. However this is a risk that must be taken, and one cannot rule out the possibility that you may learn a technology and spend a lot of money too, and not end up using it at all!

Some IT companies provide in-house training facilities for their employees. This is not only the act as an effective retention policy but also reduces the cost of hiring consultants. It is also a value addition to employees since they don’t have to pay for the training, and they get to use their newly acquired skills to work while handling projects related to the technologies.

• Sources galore

With the Internet as a new medium, professionals who have it at their disposal can make use its services. Visiting websites that cater to their functional areas and skills, signing up for e-zines, newsletters can help you keep abreast of what’s hot and happening in the industry. The conventional methods still work- try newspapers, books and magazines. Television shows are information-rich too. Track down the programs and make sure you watch them on a regular basis.

• All for networking

Connecting with peers and keeping in touch will help you stay current and give you a great deal of exposure. Times when you want to switch jobs, contacts will always come handy. If you are determined to among the top performers, and not be left behind by technology, you have cannot afford to rest on your laurels.

Dare to think ahead of time. Dare Even if obsolescence of technology gets you out of breath, remember that the ‘speed of thought’ will always be faster!