With the rise of automation, fluid job markets and a continued state of digital disruption, today’s fast-changing technological landscape means that the modern tech career is a continuous learning journey rather than the outcome of a single qualification.
While many of us still view professional development as a necessary evil — a means of staying qualified or passing an upcoming performance appraisal — it also offers a host of often ignored benefits. Whether you’re entering the job market, freelancing or employed full-time at a company, professional development can help you achieve your goals while discovering new skills, consolidating past knowledge and building networks along the way.
Even if you’re satisfied in your current position, why become complacent when you can achieve greatness? Here are some of the most significant reasons why tech professionals should continue learning new skills.
As technology continues to evolve, so will the skill sets companies look for in potential employees
With companies constantly formulating innovative ideas and products, they are in turn seeking professionals with the same drive to keep learning and innovating. Because top tech skills are always in demand, those who set out a coherent professional development roadmap are likely to enjoy substantial rewards in return. These can include peer recognition, promotions, increased career flexibility and salary rises. According to the Association for Talent Development (ATD), companies that integrate learning and development programs into the workplace offer 218% higher incomes than those that do not.
Tech employers will always hold a favourable view towards those individuals who can recognise and act upon their limitations. Whether you’re looking to switch roles, ascend the ranks at your current company or unplug from the 9–5 and live as a digital nomad, by committing to professional development you’ll be taking ownership of your own destiny and will reap the benefits of doing so.
Not all degrees age as well as others!
It’s great to fill any gaps on your CV with a new qualification, or simply enrol on a training programme to get accredited and refresh your grasp of something you’ve learnt previously.
Only 20% of business leaders think that school leavers and graduates are adequately equipped with the digital know-how required in the workplace. Becoming certified is a great way to gain this knowledge and verify your ability on paper. Learning a new skill is a great achievement, but being able to back up your efforts with certification will carry more weight with potential employers. After completing a training course, remember to list the certificate and accrediting body on your CV!
It’s also worth remembering that professional development doesn’t always mean learning an entirely new skill from scratch. You might finally decide to get your IT security certificate after working in the field for years or even look to improve soft skills such as time management or leadership.
The tech market isn’t static, and neither should you be
As tech professionals progress in their careers, professional development becomes vital to sustained growth and engagement, for both the individual and their organisation. Globalised work environments mean that employees are based in different locations, and their cultures and demographics are different, often leading to a need for regular adjustment — what worked 12 months ago may not necessarily work today.
With new standards continually redefining the ways we conduct business in tech, the constant state of flux can be frustrating, but it’s important to ensure that you don’t let your skills stagnate. Newly-learned digital skills typically come with a half-life as short as two years. This means tech professionals must stay on their toes and pursue continuous learning to gain a crucial edge over competitors and keep up with the pace of market developments.
Courses can lead to connections
Individually, many tech professionals possess excellent research and problem-solving skills, but some expertise is best learned from others. Joining an association or attending training conferences will offer novices and veterans alike the opportunity to broaden their knowledge base and network with industry counterparts.
There is a direct connection between learning — and the willingness to do so — and sustainable employment — or the search for it. Attending an open training day is a great way to gain inspiration from experts and benefit from a first-hand insight into how other businesses operate. New partnerships, collaboration opportunities or even job offers await those who are ready to evolve in their field.
Stay competitive!
If you’re between jobs, enrolling in an online course during the search process demonstrates to future employers that you’re committed to keeping your skills up to date and doing whatever is required of you to reach the next stage in your career. Studies from Deloitte reveal that 83% of companies believe they will have ‘open careers’ within 3 years, with learning and career management software having now emerged as the fastest growing segment in HR technology.
A CV filled with your professional development achievements shows that you are not only equipped with the skills necessary to succeed in the role you are applying for, but are also likely to remain versatile and continue on an upwards trajectory after being hired.
Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all route to success as a technology professional. We all learn and adapt in different ways, but by seeking out opportunities to develop, you’ll be better equipped to future-proof your career and find the right path forward.
Oli Garner is a writer and digital content editor at findcourses.co.uk and findcourses.com. Both sites are dedicated education search engines designed to connect learners with exactly what they need from a community of trusted training providers. He aims to create and share engaging content for individuals and organisations working across a variety of industries, with an end goal of seeing learning and development cemented as a core value of the professional world.
Now that you know how professional development can enhance your Tech Career, find your dream job at Landing.Jobs. There are over 600 jobs waiting for you and a team ready to help. If you need career advice, or simply want to say hi, write to us at letstalk@landing.jobs.
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