The tech space is not only lucrative but also a frontier of what society will be able to accomplish in the next 50 to 100 years. But for someone who isn’t in the space, it can be fairly daunting to get your foot in the door, with so many new technologies and concepts being introduced in a small period. Fortunately, learning more about technology isn’t a linear path. Instead, numerous jump-off points can take you to tech-savvy status. Here are six tips to do just that.
Determine the Subcategory or Niche
Technology is too broad a starting point. Without a specific topic you are interested in learning more about, your efforts and time are wasted in articles or video courses that you’ll find irrelevant or deathly boring to read. Are you interested in learning about artificial intelligence and machine learning? Perhaps you’re looking to build your personal computer for gaming or cryptocurrency mining? Maybe web development to build a website for your business or data analysis for environmental projects?
Start a Tech Project
Reading is a good way to familiarize yourself with new technical concepts, but it can only teach you so much about a particular subject. Starting a project that lets you apply these technical concepts and frameworks helps you gain mastery of tech. This is particularly useful for software-based tools, i.e. new programming languages, encryption methods, and algorithmic investing, as most of them are open-source and maintained by large and active communities. If you wish to learn more about setting up your servers and connecting networks, buy a pair of fiber optic patch cables or coaxial cables from the Cables Store and start learning the ropes.
Attend Tech Conferences
From Nvidia’s GPU technology conference to Google’s I/O developer conference, there are several yearly events that showcase the latest in tech. Nowadays, you don’t even have to physically go to a venue. You can purchase a ticket and attend the event online. In addition to the most recent technological advancements, you’ll also be able to meet leaders in the tech space, including keynote speakers from big tech companies. Lastly, tech conferences can be a good way to build your network by meeting like-minded professionals who want to keep up with the ever-changing tech trends.
Focus on One Thing at a Time
Learning more about technology or any subject for that matter requires utmost focus. Unfortunately, the several yearly events showcase been focus is quite a lost art in today’s generation where people are inundated with information and stimuli. Online education apps provide access to free courses taught by some of the country’s top schools. It’s easier to just sign up for one course, get sidetracked by another course, and then never complete the first one. Several studies have shown that multitasking simply does not work. If you want to accelerate your mastery of technology, put your whole focus and time into one skill or tool.
Embrace the Frustrations
Similar to learning any other foreign concept or skill, technology can be frustrating in the beginning and even intermediate stages. Even the most experienced professionals in the industry will tell you that they still stumble upon concepts that they are unfamiliar with after 10+ years of working in the space. Grit is what will get you through these frustrating times, long enough for you to absorb the knowledge you need to be able to competently use whatever technology you are trying to understand better.
Use Mind Mapping
Mind mapping is a tool that connects bits of related information in a visual format. It was created by prominent thought leader Tony Buzan years ago and has since then be recreated to incorporate new features and capabilities. When used to study technology, mind mapping can effectively organize thoughts in your head, record what you’ve learned today for post-assessment later on, and, generally, learn new topics better. Simply search for mind mapping tools available on your desktop or smartphone to start implementing the technique.
Learning about technology positions you for better career opportunities moving forward. It also helps you improve your personal life by allowing you to competently use hardware and software tools that simplify tasks and processes, be it managing your finances or organizing your schedule.
