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As a professional in the tech industry, what are the key factors that have contributed to your career growth and how do you stay updated with the rapidly changing technology trends? #Spring24

"I completed my first degree in political science, and currently, I am studying for a master's degree in development policy. After completing my studies, I want to understand the current changes in technology, so I need to learn more about it."

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Kenna’s Answer

Hello Asrar - your question is indeed timely, given the rapid pace at which technology is evolving! My experience in the tech industry spans about half a decade, which might seem relatively short, but it has taught me the importance of proactive learning to stay abreast of the latest trends.

I'm always eager to broaden my knowledge base, be it through structured learning programs offered by my employer or through independent research. I make it a point to engage with content that sheds light on emerging concepts and trends across various contexts. To be succinct, here are some resources that have proven to be invaluable to me:
1. Industry trend analyses and reports published by corporations
2. LinkedIn Voices (a platform where industry leaders and organizations share their insights on various topics)
3. Structured learning platforms such as Pluralsight, Udemy, Coursera, and LinkedIn Learning
4. Building connections and exchanging ideas with people in the field.
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Daren’s Answer

Hi Asrar,
There's a few different approaches I use to keep up to date with changes in technology:
- News: I try to stay up to date with what is happening in the overall industry through the news and latest developments with technology, new use cases or platforms, etc. I also try to learn as much as possible through Youtube/TikTok for things I am interested in.
- Training: I try to take advantage of any resources available to learn more. There are a lot of free resources / classes through LinkedIn, and I am also lucky to have that available to me through my employer. Training is also great because certifications are always helpful for my career.

One example to think about is everything happening with generative AI. I try to keep up to date with changes made by OpenAI with their ChatGPT system, new regulatory developments related to AI, such as the EU AI Act and SAG-AFTRA. In terms of training, I have taken classes related to AI through my employer & there is a new AI-related certification from the IAPP that I am interested in doing.
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John’s Answer

Technology changes at an incredible pace. There is always something new. That said, a lot of the basics remain the same throughout so once you have a good grounding in those basics, then each new technology is just a "top up" on that basic knowledge.

The sorts of skills you will need to be successful in a tech career I would suggest would be:
- Good teamworking skills. Very rarely will you ever be working on your own on something.
- Good communications skills. See above.
- A solid technical grounding, whether that comes from studying STEM subjects or experience.
- An ability to pick up the basics of some thing new quite quickly. You only need to be able to pick up the basics like this. Don't go deeper than you need to, to get the task done. As and when you need to know more about something you can pick that up when you need it. Too many technologies come and go quickly so investing in-depth in something is only worthwhile if that technology is going to have longevity.
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Nathan’s Answer

Hey, you asked about what's helped me grow in tech and how I stay on top of the latest trends. For me, a few big things:
First, always being a curious learner and putting in the work to pick up new skills. Whether online courses, reading blogs, or getting hands-on, continuous learning is key in our fast-moving industry.

Second, networking like crazy. Staying plugged into communities, going to meetups and conferences - it keeps me in the loop on new developments and opens doors.

Third, getting real experience through side projects or challenges at work. Theory is one thing, but applying it and solving problems is where you really level up.

As for keeping up with trends, I'm really into following thought leaders and companies on social media, checking out tech publications, and just experimenting with new tools and technologies myself when I can. Gotta stay curious and keep an open mind to what's next, you know?
It's a grind, but that constant evolution is also what makes tech so exciting to me. Hopefully that gives you a little insight into my approach! Let me know if any other questions come up.
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Prejin’s Answer

1. Continuous Learning: Prioritize continuous learning and professional development. Attend conferences, workshops, and online courses to stay updated with the latest technologies and trends in the industry.
2. Hands-On Experience: Seek opportunities to work on challenging projects that allow you to apply new technologies and expand your skill set. Hands-on experience is crucial for career growth in tech.
3.Networking: Building a strong professional network is key in career growth. Attend industry events, meetups, and engage with peers in the tech community to exchange ideas and stay informed about industry trends.
4. Mentorship: Seek guidance from experienced professionals in the industry who have provided valuable advice, feedback, and mentorship. Mentorship will help to navigate challenges and make you informed career decisions.
5. Following Industry Trends: Follow tech blogs, news websites, and industry publications to stay updated with the latest technology trends, emerging tools, and best practices in the tech industry.
6. Adaptability: Cultivate a mindset of adaptability and embrace change in the fast-paced tech industry. Be open to learn new skills, explore new opportunities, and adapt evolving technology trends. By focusing on these key factors and strategies, you can drive your career growth in the tech industry and stay updated with rapidly changing technology trends.
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Jessica’s Answer

Hello Asrar!

Just to build on the fantastic advice you've already received, I would strongly suggest signing up for newsletters or setting up Google News or LinkedIn alerts from leading technology firms. This way, you can keep pace with the latest developments. There's a wealth of excellent tech podcasts out there, where experts dive into the most talked-about issues every week and share their views. Also, consider following tech news profiles on Instagram or other social media platforms. They can be a great source of almost real-time updates, keeping you at the cutting edge of technology!
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Brandon’s Answer

Hey Asrar,

Personally, the key to growth and successes in my career has been the work and time I have put into learning new trends, interesting topics and transferable skills outside of my current roles, learnings and jobs. It's commonly the work I have done ontop of what my current roles require that have gotten me to the next step.

That sounds daunting because in an ideal world no one wants to work more than they have to, so that's why I would focus time and effort on learning things you ACTUALLY enjoy. Being excited and genuinely caring about topics will take you a long way with up-skilling in industry skills.
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Jason’s Answer

Being a standout professional in the tech industry isn't just about mastering the latest technological trends, though that's certainly a crucial starting point. Alongside this essential tech knowledge, there are timeless skills that remain vital in all professional fields. Building connections, seeking guidance, and leveraging new technologies into profitable ventures can truly set you apart in the tech world, even if you're not the top expert in tech development. So, if you can not only grasp the ins and outs of technology but also apply it profitably and cultivate a strong network and reputation, you're on the path to remarkable success in the tech industry. Keep going, you've got this!
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Michael’s Answer

Great job on getting started! Earning your degree is a crucial stepping stone towards achieving your career goals. The foundation of your degree isn't only about the knowledge you've gained, but also the cultivation of a lifelong learning habit. This ongoing journey of learning is an essential component of your career prosperity. You've mastered the art of learning, but remember, it's an endless process. Keep that spark of curiosity alive. Stay informed about the latest trends and developments in your industry. The projects you handle are always evolving, so staying alert to changes and keeping your viewpoints fresh and relevant will ensure you remain at the top of your game. Personally, I make it a point to read, learn, and share something new every single day.

Michael recommends the following next steps:

Find publications that issue newsletters. Subscribe to them and pay attention to modern developments that you can relate to your work.
Pick up new skills that interest you and that your employers find important. This will keep you marketable.
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Craig’s Answer

While it's key to get a grip on the latest technology, it's just as crucial to grasp the business and social implications of that tech, and how it can uplift people's lives or boost businesses. Simply knowing the tech isn't sufficient, you should also comprehend its real worth and advantages. Wishing you all the best in your journey!
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Chase’s Answer

The key to staying on top of emerging trends is curiosity. Public companies will discuss the key themes and innovations that are core to their business, by understanding emerging trends you can take the time to dive into topics that interest you and also would add value to your organization. I recommend a mix of public company filings, podcasts, and twitter to understand what are the major drivers affecting the technology sector and what shifts will majorly impact businesses.
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