Staying ahead of the curve

If you're not ahead of the curve then you are behind the curve

How to keep up with training with little or no cost?

Technology moves faster every day and many businesses have reduced or eliminated their training budgets yet as IT professionals, if we dont stay ahead we begin to loose our value.

Another way to look at it:
     If you stay ahead, you increase your value.

It's difficult reading technical books even for the most geeknerds (yes, I am one) but there are other options out there even if your employer wont flip the bill to send you for training. The effort you invest in your skills and knowledge will continue to pay dividends. You're value is in what you know and in how much the business can rely upon you.

So what can you with little or no cost?

• (Free) Attend User group meetings in your area.
• User groups are great ways to learn from peers in trends, what are some things that have worked out well or not so well.
• Meetings usually have sponsors that give away some pretty cool stuff as door prizes.

• (low cost) Purchase a Microsoft Technet subscription ($149 for standard)
• Eval and beta versions of MS software for 12 months (use, play, learn)
• Around 20 hours of e-learning
• 24/7 online chat assistance
• Refer to the full details on Microsoft's site

• (low cost) Industry publications
• Magazines (online or print) can help keep you in the loop of upcoming trends or solutions that can help the business units you support.
• Example: I love WindowIT Pro Magazine each month I find at least something useful

• (Free) Quick video training
•  Streaming videos help engineers get a quick start on new topics
• Some examples are included below

Microsoft System Center 2012



 

Installing VMware vCenter Server

 

 

Upgrading to Active Directory 2012

 

• Finally, sorry to say it but we wont get away from reading. The last item is purchasing a detailed book. Pick these when it becomes apparent that you will need to become the resident expert on a software package or technology. Install the software in a home lab using your technet subscription.

Once again, please never stop learning. At times it's a struggle but it is an investment into your own career. If you fall behind don't be surprised when you are left behind.


Good luck and God bless