Ways to Improve Your Technical Skills in IT 2

Examples of technical skills in IT

Programming Skills. C#, SQL, Java, C++, HTML, JavaScript, XML, C, Perl, Python, PHP, Objective-C, AJAX, ASP.NET, Ruby (with SQL, Java, and Python being the top 3 tech skills according to data).
MS Office. Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook, Access, OneNote.
Machine Learning. TensorFlow, sci-kit-learn, Google Cloud ML Engine, AML.
Operating Systems. Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux.
Network and Information Security. OSCP, CISSP, Cisco CCNA, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), CompTIA Security+.
Virtualization. VMware vSphere, Microsoft Hyper-V, QEMU, Oracle VM VirtualBox, XEN.
Big Data. Statistical analysis, data mining and modeling, database management.
Google Drive. Docs, Sheets, Forms, Slides.
Writing. WordPress, SEO, Yoast, journalism, technical writing, ghostwriting.
Spreadsheets. Excel, Google Sheets, OpenOffice, comparative analyses, pivot tables, macros, link to a database, vertical lookups.
Social Media. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, posts, giveaways, customer interaction.
Phone skills. Voicemail, forwarding, hold, recording.
Productivity. Trello, Slack, Asana, Todoist, Zapier, Basecamp.
Quickbooks. Invoicing, expense tracking, accounts payable, reports, payroll, employee time tracking, cash flow management.
Graphical. Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat, FreeHand, Corel Draw.
Web. HTML, CSS, Javascript, WordPress, Content Management Systems (CMS).
Enterprise Systems. Payment Processing, Automated Billing Systems, Customer Relationship Management (CRMs like Oracle Netsuite or Salesforce), Business Continuity Planning, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERPs like SAP, Oracle).
Research. Source checking, intellectual property rights, networking, outreach, advanced Google search.
Troubleshooting. Assessment, system knowledge, analytical skills, testing, calm mindset, problem-solving, logic, critical thinking skills, collaboration, communication.
Planning. Analysis, conceptual skills, brainstorming, decision-making, forecasting, logistics, problem-solving skills, cost-assessment, requirements-gathering.
Project Management Skills. Task management, prioritization, delegation, task separation, scheduling, risk management, Scrum.
Video Creation. Shooting, framing, writing, editing, compressing, uploading, creating engagement.
Presenting. Public speaking, PowerPoint, Keynote.

How to improve your technical skills
There are several steps you can take to improve your technical skills.

1. Enroll in courses for different skills
Most technical skills can be learned through a dedicated training program or class. Depending on the type of skill, you may be able to learn that skill taking one or more courses, either online or in person. Learning in a classroom setting can be more beneficial than learning online or studying by yourself. Classrooms allow you to interact with the experienced instructors and also other students. You can gain knowledge through their questions and contributions.

2. Use a self-study training program
There’s a chance you may be able to acquire different skills through self-study programs. That could include “how-to” books, self-paced online lessons, or free training materials available from different sources. A great way to improve your technical skills is by reading technical books that will give you an understanding of technical writing styles and how to strengthen yours. The great thing about these books is that you can choose your book based on your current level of knowledge. You could either get books from your local library or search for them online. Most tutorials are easy to access, are updated, and are available for free.

3. Learn from a professional
You may be able to locate a professional who already possesses the technical skills you want. If so, that individual may be able to help teach you the skills you’re looking for, either for free or for compensation.

4. Learn on the job
Some employers may be able to provide on-the-job training. If you do not have certain technical skills an employer desires, make it known that you are eager to learn whatever skills are necessary to effectively perform the job.

5. Apply the knowledge and get hands-on practice.
If a job description requests familiarity with a specific tool, try to see if there’s a way to get hands-on experience. For example, say a position requires that you know how to use Trello, a project management tool. You could consider ways you might be able to integrate Trello in your current position. If this is not possible, perhaps there’s a case where you could use it in your personal life—like for planning a trip. Get as creative as possible. Need to learn how to use Google Calendar? Start using it to plan and schedule your families’ appointments and activities. Need to know how to use Skype? Create an account and use it to make a video call with someone you haven’t talked to in