Stay current in your field by exploring industry trends, taking relevant online courses, and joining tech communities. Don't neglect soft skills and consider attending webinars or virtual conferences. Utilize free resources, work on personal projects, and seek advice from colleagues or mentors. Update certifications and remain patient and flexible in your learning journey.
How to Update Your Tech Skills After Maternity Leave: Where Should You Start?
Stay current in your field by exploring industry trends, taking relevant online courses, and joining tech communities. Don't neglect soft skills and consider attending webinars or virtual conferences. Utilize free resources, work on personal projects, and seek advice from colleagues or mentors. Update certifications and remain patient and flexible in your learning journey.
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Brush Up on Industry Trends
Start by catching up on the latest trends in your field. Technology evolves rapidly, and there might have been significant developments during your maternity leave. Subscribe to industry-specific newsletters, join relevant groups on social media, and read up on the latest research and reports. This will help you identify the areas you need to focus on updating your skills.
Take Online Courses
Online courses are a fantastic way to update your tech skills at your own pace. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer courses on a wide range of topics, from coding to digital marketing. Many of these platforms allow you to learn for free or offer the option to pay for a certificate. Choose courses that are most relevant to your career goals and start learning.
Join Tech Communities
Being part of tech communities can be incredibly beneficial. You can join forums, LinkedIn groups, or local meetup groups related to your field. Networking with professionals in your industry can provide you with insights into the latest technological advancements and best practices. It's also a great way to hear about job opportunities that require your newly updated skills.
Focus on Soft Skills
While updating your technical skills is crucial, don't overlook soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, and adaptability. These are highly valued by employers across all sectors, including tech. You can find resources online to help improve these areas, and practicing through networking or in your current role can also be beneficial.
Attend Webinars and Virtual Conferences
Many organizations and tech companies host webinars and virtual conferences that you can attend from the comfort of your home. These events are typically centered around specific technologies or industry trends and can be a great way to learn from experts in the field. Plus, they often offer Q&A sessions where you can ask specific questions related to your career interests.
Utilize Free Resources
The internet is filled with free resources that can help update your tech skills. Websites like GitHub offer a plethora of projects and tutorials. Similarly, tech blogs and YouTube channels can be invaluable resources for learning new technologies or programming languages. Leverage these free resources to enhance your knowledge without breaking the bank.
Work on Personal Projects
Nothing beats hands-on experience. Choose a project that interests you and relates to your field, and start working on it. This could be developing a mobile app, creating a website, or even automating some of your daily tasks. Personal projects allow you to apply your learning in real-world scenarios, which can significantly enhance your understanding and skills.
Consult with Colleagues and Mentors
If you're returning to the same workplace, don't hesitate to reach out to colleagues or mentors who can help you catch up. They can provide you with insights into any new tools, software, or practices that have been adopted in your absence. This personalized advice can be incredibly beneficial in helping you prioritize your learning goals.
Refresh Your Certification
For some tech professions, certifications are crucial for demonstrating your competency in specific technologies. If you have previous certifications that have expired or are close to expiring, consider renewing them. Additionally, obtaining new certifications in emerging technologies can significantly boost your resume and open up more career opportunities.
Stay Patient and Flexible
Finally, remember that updating your skills is a process that requires time and effort. Be patient with yourself and stay flexible. The tech industry is always changing, and there’s always something new to learn. Embrace the journey of lifelong learning, and don’t forget to celebrate your progress along the way.
What else to take into account
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