Boosting your tech know-how

Technology is the rage, and employees need
to keep up-to-date on the latest as it affects
their industry. Being able to tap into
technology – especially if you're an older job
seeker – might be a real differentiating
factor and help make it clear to employers
that you can keep up with trends.
Here are ways in which you can incorporate
technology both inside and outside of your
workplace.
oAt work
Join a work task force such as ERP
(Enterprise Resource Planning)
implementation or corporate website
development
Keep a close eye on what is going on
outside of your immediate area, as there
may be opportunities to jump in as a
functional expert for a technological project.
It is a win-win for you and the organization
because, he tech team learns about the user
group and you learn about technology."
Spearhead a department technology
project
Have you heard about opportunities for
better communication using apps or other
technology? Perhaps you attended a
presentation that detailed better ways to
handle a problem facing your organization
using tech? Don't wait for someone else to
suggest a change. Bring your knowledge
and information to your organization and
you can gain new respect as a leader in your
workplace.
Seek internal rotations
If you have been in one job for a long time,
it may be time to raise your hand to move to
another role in the firm. Keep your finger on
the pulse of your industry and try to shift
into a "next generation" role – one that is
likely to help propel you into a promotion, or
another job. Often, positions that involve
technology will help you expand your skills
and make you more marketable.
Take classes
You can probably identify various areas
where you could improve your skills. Take
advantage of it if your organization is
willing to pay for continuing education
courses. Consider a class outside of your
comfort zone.
Consider a degree or certification
If you're extremely motivated, go beyond
the occasional class and earn a formal
certificate for your efforts. For example,
Wilen-Daugenti says, "A social media
certificate might complement your
marketing potion or an M.S. in engineering
might complement your MBA."
oOutside the work place
Seek technology vendor classes and
tutoring
Some technology retailers provide free
public seminars and hands-on classes to
help you learn to use their products or
software.
Join a Meetup
Most big cities have in-person technology
focused Meetups open to anyone interested.
Take advantage of these free or low-cost
opportunities to learn about new
technology.
Take massive online open courses, or MOOCs
online opportunities that offer technology
courses and a variety of other classes You
can learn how to program code, develop a
website or make a robotic car. Many of
these courses are offered for free online.
Learn something new on YouTube
If you haven't spent time on YouTube lately,
you are probably underestimating how
much you can learn from the videos people
post online. Simply search "How to _____" and
fill in the problem or technology question
you're trying to answer. YouTube offers a
wide range of technology lectures, how to
discussion and shows. It is a place where
you can learn about any software, hardware
or social media.
Tap into social media tools
One of the best things about tools, such as
Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+ is that they
provide an unending source of opportunity
to learn new things. Every major technology
firm, media group or guru has a profile on
LinkedIn or Twitter. Follow their threads so
that you are in the know on what is going
on in your industry.
-news.yahoo.com