About Technology

by E.S. Cromwell

In today's fast-paced and technically-driven world almost any type of job involves using computers. To be unfamiliar with current and evolving technological trends is to be in the doldrums and lagging behind others who are surging rapidly ahead in their careers. So, it only makes sense to become familiar, and even extremely knowledgeable about computers, whether ranging from basic to advanced knowhow. And it's not like knowing about or working with computers is uninteresting. Rather, it's quite exciting since it's always constantly progressing.

So, why not hop on the computer train and start shoveling your own coal to fuel the ever-needy furnace that is the technological workforce? You've got nothing to lose and everything to gain.

There are a few steps to consider following if you would like to start working with computers:

• Fool Around and Inform Yourself:

Get your feet wet, especially if you're not a computer person or if you have little to no prior computer knowledge. Play around with different softwares, programs and the Internet. The more familiar you are with computers when you pursue further education the better off you'll be.

And if you're in a state of complete confusion or you feel like a lost child, seek a “computer mentor,” someone very computer savvy who can transfer their knowledge your way.

On the other hand, if you're already semi-familiar with computers - as I'm sure a large majority of readers of this article already are - continue what you're doing. Refine your knowledge and skills. Research and update what you already know through articles online and printed literature. Absorb as much as you can.

• Get Certified, Get Ahead:

Certain technical companies that you might already be familiar with (Microsoft, Apple, Dell, Toshiba, Hewlett-Packard, etc.) are constantly seeking well-informed and professionally trained individuals to hire. Now, to get hired, you must have certification. Companies rely on paper proof, in the form of raw certification, to measure competency in prospective employees.

So, if you can prove you are indeed qualified and able to perform whatever technical task an employer is seeking in a possible employee, chances are you'll get hired immediately. Otherwise, without proof of ability you won't even receive a glance from any technical company's Human Resources department.

• Got An IT Job? Great, Continue To Learn!

Perform well with your own tasks and work, but don't sell yourself short. Seek other avenues to expand your knowledge, both within your place of employment and from outside, non-job sources.

While at work, if you've accomplished what was required of you, seek other projects, even if they're outside of your department. Shadow a fellow employee and learn what they're doing and how to do it. This shows initiative in wanting to know more and potential for growing within the company. By doing this you can gain promotions and better job opportunities, simply based off your expanded computer knowhow.

Outside of the office, you can opt to learn more, whether this knowledge is relevant to your current job or completely new to you. Take sit-down courses, sign up for seminars or download at-home courses you can take from the comfort of your own desk.

As you're already aware, working with computers is unavoidable. It's just up to you whether or not you choose to accept the current technological trends. If you do choose to hop on the computer train, be prepared to strap in tight and hold on. For the industry is ever-expanding and evolving at an accelerated pace. And it's quite clear that knowing computers and their intricacies allows for a definite and quite successful career. So, what are you waiting for? Get on board while you still can.