To continue from my last blog post, Embrace Change: Or Get Left Behind, I want to highlight that there have been hundreds of upgrades and updates on multiple devices and software applications since February 2013... HUNDREDS! Not only is this fast-changing job market here to stay, but the necessity to keep pace with the latest and greatest in technology is a must that goes along with it. I cannot emphasize enough how ALL professionals need to be agile, self-governing professionals who actively build skillsets to remain viable in their own careers. Likewise, employers need to support this new norm and help guide their teams through all transitions that lay ahead.
No individual or company can expect educational institutions or prior work experience to prepare future employees to fit EXACTLY as they need into their organization's quirky workflows; this is just not realistic. Hiring managers need to become experts in identifying the right people who are strong in problem solving, critical thinking and their creative functional expertise who are AGILE and PASSIONATE about what they do. Technology will continue to change faster and faster each day; we need people who are willing to change with it.
There is no trick or shortcut; you have to accept the fact that lifelong learning will be critical component in determining your personal and professional agility in the future. First what you need to identify "What Do I Need To Learn?" or "What Do I Want Others To Learn?" To get some ideas on how to get started, check out two of my previous blog posts including "How To Be A Successful Creative Leader" and "How to Transition Designers from Print To Interactive." Also consider attending group seminars and events in your town or city. Check out organizations such as: AIGA, AMA, Adobe Meetup Groups, GirlDevelopIt, IMA, Technical Groups for Android and iOS development or something like PANMA, Technically Philly, StartUp Groups or any other type of local professional group. If you don't know where to go or even where to begin, sign up for Eventbrite...as they say "If it's happening out there, you will find it here." Once you select a few preferences, you can elect to receive emails telling you what is happening and when. By incorporating various modes of learning new skills and networking with new people in your industry, you will be on a path to know more than you thought was possible. You will never learn everything...but you will learn how to start asking the right questions.
I have included just a few of the resources I use and recommend to my colleagues, students and teams where I have designed and developed strategic learning and development programs to facilitate the acquisition of new skills for creative, design, development, editorial, IA/UX/UI, interactive, marketing, media and video professionals. One thing you need to know before you begin any talent development program is that people have very different learning needs and styles. Whether young or old, English or Non-English speaking, different culture or industry, people will approach how they learn about new ideas, concepts and technical skills in very diverse ways. This can include face-to-face training, books, videos, peer-review, on-demand media or even an apprentice program. Depending upon what needs to be learned and how well versed someone needs to become about a specific topic or skill, you may want to include a little bit of everything.
Check out Future Media Concepts if you prefer a classroom environment. Whether you are a beginner or tenured working professional who needs hardware or software certifications, if you prefer a more structured environment this would be the place for you. With branches throughout the country along with their Boot Camp offerings, there is quite a selection for you to explore.
Treehouse is a different kind of option if your focus is geared toward web design and development, and you prefer self-paced video online training. They include "learning adventures" which some people prefer as it helps to keep you entertained while learning.
Safari Books Online is another alternative if you prefer online books and video tutorials. Their library is quite extensive, so there is something for everyone. You can always test drive their offerings to see if they have what you are looking for with a free trial.
lynda.com has been around since the dawn of web design (back to the print-only days) and is one of the pioneers in video tutorials and training, which makes them well versed in developing appropriate content for creative professionals. Their topics cover almost everything in the creative space including; 3D & Animation, Audio, Business, CAD, Design, Developer, Photography, Video and Web. Once you become a monthly member of lynda.com you have unlimited access to an online library of high-quality instructional videos on the latest software, creative, and business skills.
tv.adobe.com has online tutorials geared specifically towards Adobe products. It is all online with video tutorials or "snippets" sometimes using content from other people in the Adobe community. If you want to get a quick overview of certain topics, this is a good place to start. Once you get your feet wet you will then want to move over to another learning resource to become really well versed on a specific topic. This is a great place to also learn more about the Adobe(tm) Creative Cloud.
And last but not least, please check out the 2013 Resource Guide I developed with our team at The BOSS Group to provide industry insight for all of those entrenched in our creative industry. As a company we want to help everyone keep their work and portfolios fresh and on the cutting edge of trends and technology. Just download the interactive PDF to your computer, tablet or smartphone. Feel free to share with anyone, whether they are a designer, developer, marketer or manager who is looking to learn the next big thing.
When push comes to shove, hire people with ethics, integrity and enthusiasm....
people who "do" things you can't teach people. The tech you can teach later.
~ Wil Reynolds, Seer Interactive
There are only 3 seats remaining for our Beyond the Creative 3 training in Chicago October 9-10th. Register today before it sells out! www.beyondthecreative.com
