What’s the best way for contractors to refresh their skills and remain competitive? Russam-GMS polled their IT interim managers on behalf of CWjobs for their tips on how to stay ahead of the game. Here are some of the gems the respondents came back with.
Formal certification helps
“There are some formal certifications that help prove competence in specific skills. At the high end you rely on your reputation. Whether you learn a new skill by self-tuition or by attending courses, you'll need to build your reputation for those skills before you can charge for them.”
Volunteer for Open Source
“With software skills, open source projects provide a useful vehicle to demonstrate competence publicly. It is very good to be able to say to a customer "look at my code online here, in this project which is used by 200,000 people worldwide".
Stay abreast of trends
“To up-skill, you need to know what’s in fashion. For example, BPRE or business process re-engineering is no longer ‘in vogue’; it’s now referred to as BOP - business optimisation - or simply business improvement. The mantra for contractors must be ‘adapt, adopt, improve’, both him/herself, as well as what they offer prospective clients.”
Make it part of your marketing
“I view continual professional development (CPD) as being an integral part of my marketing strategy. This is essential if your business model is based on high skill, high revenue consultancy opposed to work charged out at an hourly rate”.
Review trade journals
“I select training based on reviewing trade journals, and talking to other professionals. This identifies new management trends and technologies early in their development. My CPD is geared to ensuring that the correct skill set exists ahead of the technology becoming mainstream. I’m able to establish myself as an expert in that technology before rivals have the chance to compete”.
Study for a degree
“This approach can be time-consuming and expensive, but pays off in the long run. I am currently putting myself through an MSc in Cyber security specifically so that I can tap into a market niche based on protecting industrial control systems. My company provides services relating to industrial control systems and this MSc will enable me to provide a unique service based on knowledge of cyber security”.
Referees can become contacts
“Even mundane tasks such as applying for an MSc can be used to advantage. The university insisted on two referees, so I approached several of the senior managers and directors of my existing client organisation asking them to be referees. This gave me the excuse to network and raised my profile”.
Take time to reflect and learn
“After an assignment is a good time to plan ahead and think. Every contractor experiences a bit of burnout after a hard project and it’s a good to take stock, and refresh skills that will be useful for the future. Doing a course is also time out to meet other IT professionals find out what’s happening in other sectors”.
With thanks to Russam-GMS, who conducted a poll of their interims on behalf of CWJobs.
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