In today’s economy, lifelong learning is of greater value than ever before. This is especially true in industries and roles involving computer and information technology.
Below, we will examine specific reasons why continuous education is important in IT careers. We’ll also take a look at some of the best certifications to put on your resume or LinkedIn profile, which can help you continue to build up your knowledge.
Reasons Why Lifelong Learning Is Important in IT
Forbes has referred to curiosity as “the currency of progress.” Curiosity leads a person to seek answers, to learn. That curious approach to learning is invaluable in fast-paced industries like information technology. Let’s examine a few reasons why this is so.
Job Security
- Imagine a person applying for an IT position. Their computer science degree was awarded in 1992, and they specialized in MS-DOS. They list no more recent training or experience. Would you hire them?
- Of course not! It matters little that this person was an expert in the past. If they haven’t kept up with changing technology, they won’t be able to do a good job today.
- Of course, this is an extreme example, but it makes a point – you need to stay up-to-date to remain relevant in your career.
Lifelong learning helps you go beyond getting a job or just keeping your job – it will also help you make advancement. When new technological challenges arrive, you will be equipped to handle them. This will help you stand out in the crowd. When your managers see how motivated you are, they may even offer additional training or promote you to a leadership role. We’ll talk more about motivation and other positive emotions in the next section.
Positive Emotions
Doing the same thing over and over, day after day, can lead to a litany of negative feelings – boredom, lack of motivation, depression, or feeling in a rut.
But challenging yourself to learn and do new things produces the opposite effect. You may feel excited about your job and motivated to do more. You might feel hopeful and less depressed – a boon to your overall mental health. Intellectual stimulation is also known to fend off age-related memory loss, even dementia.
Learning can also boost your confidence in yourself. It can allay fears that you won’t succeed at your job. Staying on a routine, whether self-imposed or as part of a class, can also help you to cultivate self-discipline. This quality will help you endure long workdays and benefit you in all aspects of your life.
Networking
Your learning pursuits may connect you with others in your field, especially those thirsting for knowledge. They may be instructors, classmates, or expert bloggers. These connections expand your professional network – and networking is known to expand your business and job opportunities and your innovation capacity.
The Value of Newness
Continuing to learn new IT skills can promote other soft skills as well. For example, you may become more flexible and able to adapt to ambiguity. This is important in an industry that values an agile workforce.
You may also discover new passions, which, fueled by curiosity, could lead you to develop new skills and even enter new positions or industries.
IT Lifelong Learning Options
The following are some of the top certifications employers are looking for right now.
Google Cloud Digital Leader
This relatively new certification was launched in 2021. It assures employers that you understand Google’s diverse cloud-based tools and can use them to benefit their business. It is tailored to those in a decision-making role.
Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect Expert
This exam demonstrates your ability to use the Microsoft Azure platform to design hybrid and cloud solutions. Prerequisites for this certification include Microsoft Azure Fundamentals, and you will need to pass the Design and Technologies exams as well. Those who seek this certification should be competent with networking, security, governance, virtualization, and DevOps.
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
There are numerous certifications you can pursue through AWS. Worth mentioning here are the AWS Certified Solutions Architect—Associate certification and AWS Certified Security—Specialty.
The Architect-Associate (SAA-CO2) exam is an 80-minute test administered at in-person testing centers. It is roughly equivalent to the Microsoft certification above, but using a different platform.
Before going for the security certification, five years of experience is recommended. This cert builds confidence if you’re working with backups, encryption, and access control.
Cisco 350-901 Certification
Cisco platforms and APIs are used in application development. Cisco regularly offers “dumps” of free exam materials to help you study and prepare for the certification test.
Key Takeaways
Information technology continues to change at a mind-bending rate. Developing a lifelong learning habit will help you stay relevant in your current job—perhaps even be promoted—as the technological landscape changes.
It also helps you personally – intellectual challenges will help you stay motivated and engaged. You will build positive qualities like self-confidence, self-discipline, flexibility, and adaptability.
Get started on one of the above IT certifications today – your future self will thank you.
