Whether you’re a software engineer or an application developer, keeping your knowledge and skills up to date in the fast-paced field of computer science is essential. However, keeping yourself in the know of the latest developments and technological advancements is not always easy when you work in such a rapidly-developing industry.
Read All About It
Ironically, in the world of technology, going old school can be a great way of staying ahead of the game and learning more about emerging technological advancements. The trade press is the place to go for all sorts of articles of interest for anyone that wants to find out what’s happening at the forefront of the computing world. Simply scour your local newsagents, to discover a wide choice of titles brimming with interesting information that’s just waiting to be read. Journals are also another great source of all these types of information, but with a more scholarly slant to them.
Social Media
Love it or hate it, or do it as your day job, spending a little more time on social media is always a sure-fire way to be the first in the know when something momentous is about to happen in the world of computing. Make sure you are following all the big names in the computing and tech world, and you’re sure to find that all their latest announcements and new products pop up on your news feed.
Keep Learning
Keeping your skills up to date offers many benefits; after all, it may have been 20 years since you graduated from your computing course.
The benefits of keeping your knowledge up to date include opportunities to work with a broader range of clients on a more extensive choice of jobs. Adding more depth to your understanding of the tech industry and broadening your skillset is another benefit, not forgetting the ability to use your cutting edge skills to apply for sought after roles and beat the competition!
Continuing your professional development is useful not only from an employability perspective, but also to ensure that your knowledge continues to progress beyond when you graduated from your computer course. If you are interested in pursuing your studies at a higher level, then search Google for information on studying for an Online Masters in Computer Science.
Conferences and Exhibitions
If your time and budget allow, booking yourself a place on some tech conferences or a visit to computing exhibitions is perfect for seeing first hand what’s happening in the industry. Many brands use these events to showcase their latest products to industry professionals, and there should be an opportunity to ask more questions about them too. Visiting these kinds of events enables you to attend interesting talks and presentations, as well as see yet-to-be-released products. Conferences and exhibitions are also an opportunity to spend time talking with others in your field and getting a real insight into the industry. Networking like this will help you to make new industry contacts and maybe even meet potential future employers.
Brian Link
Editorial Staff
