In charge of mapping out and executing the management, monitoring, security, and privacy of data. Data Engineers are proficient in a platform’s different data services and tools, using them to:
Implement data storage solutions
Manage and develop data processing
Monitor and optimize data solutions
Design data storage solutions
Design data processing solutions
Design for data security and compliance
Data Scientist
Not to be confused with a Data Engineer, this role requires deep knowledge of data science and machine learning. Expertise in data modelling is a must.
A good MS Data Scientist knows well how to:
Set up data lake relationships
Learning workspace
Run experiments and train models
Optimize and manage models
Deploy and consume models
Developer
At the frontlines of deployment and operations, developers partner with architects and administrators to design, create, test and maintain cloud applications and services.
Among the core competences of developers:
Development of infrastructure and storage
Development of platforms and solutions
Implementation of security
Monitoring, troubleshooting, and optimising solutions
Connecting to third-party services
DevOps Engineer
Advocates of agile methodologies for software development, DevOps professionals unify teams, processes and technologies to streamline the product pipeline.
Designs, develops and maintains Internet of Things solutions and devices within MS environments. From coding to the set-up of physical devices, the IoT Developer is responsible for:
Implementing the Azure IoT solution infrastructure
Provision and management of devices
Implementing Edge Processing and managing data
Monitoring, troubleshooting, and optimising IoT solutions
Implementing security
Security Engineer
The title here says it all. Security professionals protect the integrity of data, applications and networks by implementing threat detection and security controls.
Functions include:
Managing identity and access
Implementing platform protection
Managing security operations
Securing data and applications
Solutions Architect
The Solutions Architect is actually the first person to be involved in a platform’s deployment process. Architects must have a deep understanding of the entire ecosystem to design solutions that run on it.
They must have expertise in:
Deployment and configuration of infrastructure
Implementing workloads and security
Creating and deploy apps
Implementing authentication and securing data
Developing for cloud and for other storage
Determining workload requirements
Designing for identity and security
Designing a data platform solution and a business continuity strategy
Designing for deployment, migration, and integration
Designing an infrastructure strategy
Want to learn more about the various Microsoft career paths and how to pursue them? Explore our comprehensive Microsoft Technologies careers guide.
Freelancing is often spoken of as the future of work, the career prospects are very promising. How to advance your career as in IT freelancer?
Freelancing is often spoken of as the future of work. Many people turn to this way of life to gain more autonomy and freedom and be able to focus on the kind of work they enjoy the most. In the world of IT in particular; where the share of freelance workers keeps on growing, the career prospects are very promising. Freelancers are not limited by that many obligations and can develop professionally as they wish. How to advance your career as an IT freelancer?
When you are an employee in a company, your career development is often planned and monitored by the HR department or by management. When you are a freelancer, you have to put in place a professional development plan by yourself.
Here are a few tips on how to do that.
Technology and IT, a rewarding sector for freelancers
In the digital and technological fields, freelance workers generally have no difficulty finding new assignments, but finding the dream assignment is another story.
With equal experience, a tech or IT consultant such as a full-stack developer will have less difficulty finding interesting opportunities than a freelancer in the creative arts. The technology sector is a one particularly sought after by companies, with the best organisations competing to attract and retain the best talent out there.
Top freelancers performers in tech are in high demand, and that is an advantage for anyone who is qualified and passionate about their area of expertise.
Advance your career as an IT freelancer: specialize to evolve
The top freelance consultants are usually former junior freelancers who have evolved through countless assignments over the years. The choice of your missions, then, is key in the construction of a solid professional progression.
Expert profiles, those that are very specialized in a given technology, are very popular with companies. Think carefully and specialize in a skill or technology that is booming right now or will do so in a couple of years. Consultants specializing in cloud, cybersecurity and data science are very popular right now. For example, as companies wage a war for talent to fulfil their digital transformation goals.
By choosing a promising area of expertise and developing your skills over time, you can achieve a higher average daily rate (ADR). Keeo on re-skilling so that your rate can increase over time. It is about constantly re-evaluating the added value of your work for your clients.
Evolve by taking on managerial functions
Another option to progress in your career when you are an IT consultant is to become a manager. Project managers or team leaders tend to access managerial responsibilities. Which often validate their technical or business skills, and allow them to work on larger projects.
This type of evolution is often considered the golden road to progress when working in IT. Since it allows you to “climb the ladder” in a consistent way. But managerial roles are not suitable for all profiles and are not an end in themselves for many IT freelancers, who prefer to focus on their area of expertise.
Manage your own skill development in order to advance your career as an IT freelancer
To develop your career as an IT consultant, you obviously need to gain experience. But don’t neglect training! And that’s not only because technologies keep evolving at a rapid pace. But also because you need to devise a solid methodology to speed up your skill development.
The staffing as a whole is undergoing a profound and rapid transformation. But what about the IT staffing sector? IT staffing enjoys all the benefits...
If you are an S/4HANA expert living the 9-to-5 life, chances are that you have considered going independent at some point. No one would blame you. Becoming a freelance S/4HANA consultant can be a solid career choice
Proof of this is the resurgence of self-employed workers we have been experiencing since 2018. However, this sweet desire often clashes with the harshness of reality. Plus, this lifestyle is not for everybody.
Hence the importance of being prepared. It is essential that you ask yourself the right questions at the right time. Focus on these essential questions.
Here are a few honest questions you should ask yourself before blindly jumping head-first into the unknown.
The real reasons for your wish to be a freelance S/4HANA consultant
The first question you need to answer bluntly is why you really want to become a freelancer. What are your underlying motivations? Would you like to have more free time or no longer depend on an employer? Or is it because you would like to have a wider variety of projects from which to choose? Is it for financial gain?
If your main arguments are mostly “anti-wage,” well – that is not always a good sign. There is the danger of opting for independent employment as a means of escape rather than as a set career goal. If it is only a question of no longer being a permanent employee, it is very likely that you will quickly be faced with the harsh reality. Being a freelancer doesn’t mean drinking French press coffee and decorating your table with a succulent plant while strumming a few hours a day on your keyboard. It is a real commitment, a new way of living and organising your day.
You should take a look at what kind of relationship you have with work, identify your professional aspirations and define your priorities.
Assess your strengths and areas for improvement
Most often, someone embarking on a freelancing life already has years of salaried employment behind their back. They are, hence, well aware of their strengths and weaknesses. Making an honest self-assessment is a must to orient your future moves.
If you are disorganized by nature, for example, it will be good to put an effort into developing your organisational skills. You could use one of the many apps targeted at freelancers or improve your time-management methodology.
You should also pay attention to your starting point. If you are starting with a non-existent network, this is a disadvantage that you will need to work harder to overcome. If you have a financial safety net, then you have an advantage compared to those who start without any safety net.
However, don’t turn these disadvantages into barriers. On the contrary, these must be seen as challenges to overcome, to push you to go even further and stay motivated.
In some cases, it can be a good idea to do a little training before you start, to network a little and save enough money to be able to deal with unforeseen events. Take advantage of this period to clarify and outline your services offer and make a business plan.
Defining your offer and your target audience
Freelancing encompasses a large number of roles and services. An S/4HANA consultant must properly market their expertise in order to be successful. Their profile must fit into often-searched categories and nevertheless stand out from competitors.
There are many questions to ask yourself at this stage:
What services should I offer? Which kinds of jobs do I want to do as a freelance S/4HANA consultant?
What elements should I highlight to stand out from my competition? What are my strengths?
How much is this kind of work worth today?
Who is my offer for?
Pay attention to state and European regulations
This step is crucial. Depending on the country you plan to operate in, there will be several legal forms and statutes that you are obliged to comply with. Efficient management of your fiscal and employment status takes knowledge and caution.
For example, you should find out about the rules governing sick leave and unemployment benefits before you start. The world in which you enter is radically different from the salaried one.
Creating a personal business entity is a good place to start. Administrative and management procedures are greatly facilitated and you can often benefit from advantageous social contribution rates. Taxation is also interesting here.
Working with industry-savvy recruiters can also help you choose your status and navigate the regulatory landscape.
Explore our definitive S/4HANA Careers Guide. to gain more insights into S/4HANA careers and how to best approach them.
With any self-employed activity, tracking your performance is necessary to identify what works and what needs to be improved to achieve optimum results. The slow summer months can be a good time to carry out this type of assessment and ensure you are doing the best you can to be a successful IT freelancer.
But what are the best indicators of success
for your self-employed activity? Follow these key indicators to draw
appropriate conclusions and make effective resolutions, both in terms of income
and of work methods
Has your turnover increased compared to
the previous year?
What was your turnover this past year? Was
it higher or lower than the previous year? Although freelance income can vary widely
from month-to-month, looking at the bigger picture will help you assess your
performance. Compare this year’s figure with what you achieved the previous
year over the same period. Deduct from it the percentage of evolution. If that
percentage is negative, it might be time to change certain things.
When calculating your turnover, do not
forget to take into account all your expenses. Then divide your total turnover
by month to get a comprehensive overview of the year.
Did you have more expenses than last
year?
Another indicator of the health of your one-person business is the total amount of your expenses, especially compared to the previous year. As a successful IT freelancer, your charges should be in theory low, especially if you carry out your tasks at the client’s office or from your own home.
If the expenses incurred are made in the
interest of your activity and this has resulted in an increase in your gross
turnover, this is a good sign. On the other hand, if your expenses have
increased more than your earnings, you have things to ask yourself.
Are you managing your time well?
Time management is essential for any successful IT freelancer. You must organize your days to be as productive as possible while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. thinking of allowing yourself moments of rest.
But that is not all: as an successful IT freelancer, you must also reserve some time for housekeeping. Make sure you allocate time to deal with administrative duties, as well as to search for your next assignments.
Have you managed to retain customers
this year?
Customer loyalty is a key indicator of a successful IT freelancer, as it reflects the ability to build trust and ensure satisfaction with clients. The higher your loyalty level, the more likely you are to be contacted again by this client. But you are also more likely to get good recommendations; the best asset for finding new assignments.
You can also look at your customer
portfolio and calculate your average income per customer: you may find that
some customers have asked for too much time compared to what they paid you.
If you are doing short assignments and a client represents almost all of your turnover, you are in a delicate situation that must be taken into account. You in danger of depending too much on this unique client. In the case of long missions, this indicator is obviously less relevant.
Looking for the definitive S/4HANA careers guide? Here's everything you need to know about pursuing a career in the new incarnation of SAP's ERP
Looking for the definitive S/4HANA careers guide? Here’s an overview of everything you need to know about pursuing a career in the new incarnation of SAP’s ERP; S/4HANA.
The clock is ticking for companies across the globe to migrate to SAP’s next-generation ERP suite. With the German company discontinuing official support for its currently most used ERP (ECC6) in 2030; those businesses working with the legacy software must now go through the lengthy and resource-intensive process. And that is great news for you.
Although S/4 is the future of SAP ERP and organisations adopting SAP for the first time are jumping directly into the newer platform; expertise in S/4 remains elusive as many companies are still waiting to carry out the migration.
Whether you are interested in learning more about S/4HANA or you would like to expand your expertise, these are golden days for SAP specialists. The generational change in both the workforce and SAP’s ERP offers an unparalleled opportunity for consultants and in-house talent alike. Take advantage of it. Develop your S/4 expertise with this S/4HANA careers guide. The rewards will be plentiful.
Any S/4HANA careers guide should start by clarifying exactly what S/4HANA is.
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems are all-encompassing software toolsets with capabilities extending across most business functions and departments. From accounting and human resources to procurement and supply chain management, ERP software allows organisations to easily plan and execute operations from a single platform. The speed, efficiency and cohesiveness derived from its use have made ERP a staple of business management. As well as one of the most profitable specialisations in the IT world.
S/4HANA is SAP’s response to the enterprise’s move to the cloud and its need for faster data processing. Half of all business data is estimated to be already in the cloud. More and more companies are taking business-critical applications off-premises, and few applications are more critical than ERP systems. At the same time, the modern enterprise requires data insights and operational efficiency that were simply out of reach for legacy ERP software.
Labelled as SAP’s next-generation ERP, S/4HANA will effectively replace the ubiquitous ECC6 suite. When official support for the latter is discontinued in 2030.
Migration to S/4Hana
The migration to S/4HANA, has many steps and can accommodate several approaches. Companies moving into the new ecosystem can do so by building on top of already existing systems or by starting anew (brownfield vs. greenfield implementation). Regardless of the chosen approach, however, you can be sure of one thing: all projects start with the blueprinting
As a world-leading ERP provider, SAP provides a comprehensive catalogue of solutions that only experts can implement and help run smoothly. Accordingly, there is a constant stream of demand for IT professionals with SAP skills. What’s more: demand outweighs supply in some areas of expertise. Chief among these is S/4HANA.
According to a report by Resulting IT, only 8% of organisations using ECC have made the transition to the new iteration of SAP’s software suite. That is alarming, especially considering that the report estimates the current product set has over 400 million lines of code and many companies have invested millions customizing it. These will have to be re-written when moving to S/4HANA. But that’s just the beginning of the story.
When it comes to S/4HANA, the difficulties in finding talent that is well-versed in the new environment multiply. There is a generalised lack of experience in the live or near go-live stages of the transition. Although 48% of SAP specialists declare having been involved in S/4 projects. A significant portion of these are solutions architects. And therefore only have experience in the early blueprinting stages of the project.
Couple that with the fact that; just in the UK alone; 40% of SAP experts plan to retire within the next 10 years, and we are looking at the perfect storm.
The expertise that you will develop and need will vary depending on the type of projects you take.
Additionally, and just as with ECC6, there are two main categories of S/4HANA expert profiles: functional and technical. These two categories often overlap with one another, and the best specialists have a combination of the two.
Go beyond this S/4HANA careers guide and learn more about all the different roles within S/4HANA.
Developing your S/4HANA expertise
At the theoretical level, the best way to go about honing your S/4HANA skills is to resort to SAP’s official learning portal, SAP Training. There you can find a myriad of courses and certifications that will help you master the various tools in S/4.
While the courses are free, you must pay a fee to obtain the official certification. But we highly recommend you do so, since they are a great measurement of how prepared you are and validate your expertise in front of the SAP community. They will look great on your CV
The courses and certifications are a good option for newcomers to the SAP ecosystem. But also for seasoned professionals looking to upskill and add new S/4HANA capabilities to their toolset.
No matter how good your S/4HANA careers guide is, and in addition to learning the basics and getting certified, you must get real-world experience working with S/4HANA. The way to go about it will depend on how many S/4 projects you have previously collaborated with, as well as your knowledge of ERP systems and business domains.
To those who are completely new to S/4HANA, it can be challenging to get a job in a field that requires previous experience. But you can get around this barrier.
Be ready to take a pay cut in exchange for a role in S/4HANA projects, even if it is through positions that are more junior than those you would normally pursue. Think of it as an investment in your future. Make sure to highlight the suitable skills that you already possess, like ERP expertise or knowledge in and business.
The importance of attending events
You should also keep an eye open for any relevant industry and networking events. Attending will give you a better feel for what it is like to work in S/4 and will provide you with actionable tips on how to build your career. You can even often find companies looking for new talent among attendees.
Re-orient your CV to highlight your S/4 focus and skills. Present yourself not as an IT expert with S/4 know-how, but as an expert in S/4HANA. Try to get involved in a wider variety of projects that allow you to build deeper and more comprehensive expertise. Again, industry events are highly recommended to stay up-to-date with current trends and best practices and network with other professionals. Keep learning. Stay tuned regarding software updates, new certifications.
There is always room for improvement. Once you have some S/4HANA experience on your back, focus on becoming a true expert in the technology.
In addition to cultivating your S/4HANA skills, you must define a career strategy. What’s the best way of becoming a highly coveted expert? There is not a simple answer to this question. Especially since the rapid evolution of the talent market has blurred the traditional line between permanent contracts and freelancing.
Permanent position & Freelancing paths
A permanent position offers you greater stability and social protections. Giving you access to more economic benefits, like unemployment and certain contract regulations. It also lets you enjoy the totality of a company’s corporate benefits, whether it’s paid tuition or a gym membership. Something you wouldn’t have access to as an independent employee. This can be decisive in newer fields like S/4HANA, since you might be able to benefit from free training and career development programs.
On the other hand, freelancing makes it easier for you to develop a wider range of skills by working on different projects. This broader experience is very attractive to employers. At the same time, businesses are more likely to hire freelancers for S/4HANA projects, as there is a shortage of skilled workers and S/4 implementations often have a specific duration.
Independent workers must deal with limited social protections, fluctuating activity and internal red tape. However, the average daily rate of SAP freelancers is well above the average rate of salaried employees in most countries. They also express high levels of job satisfaction, with 4-out-of-5 freelancers claiming to be happy with their lifestyle.
Conclusion
Depending on the stage of your life cycle you find yourself in, you’ll tend to favour one option over the other, and that’s totally fine. Both paths are complementary and have their perks and disadvantages. Additionally, the relative novelty of S/4HANA is a key factor to consider when making your decision.
Given how competitive today’s IT jobs market is, most of us can use a few pointers on how to find a job in IT.
But, first of all, let’s get something out of the way: the question of whether it is best to look for a job when employed than when unemployed.
There are many reasons why someone would think looking for a job while unemployed is harder. Hiring companies might be suspicious of your trajectory when you have been out of the game for a while. They could think you lack certain skills or drive; that there’s something missing from your profile that led to you being unemployed.
On the other hand, looking for a new job when you already have one shows ambition, nonconformity. It is proof that the IT talent market values you and gives you more leverage when negotiating your contract conditions.
Well – yes and no.
There are many good reasons for an IT professional to be out of work. You might be waiting for the perfect project, planning a change in direction. Or perhaps you simply wanted to take some time off after a few intense projects in a row. That’s especially true for freelancers, who often experience employment gaps in between projects.
These four simple steps can be of help to find a job in IT, whether you are employed or unemployed.
Develop a solid portfolio to find a job in IT while being unemployed
Chances are you already have a great deal of experience under your wing. You’ve worked for interesting companies, played a key role in noteworthy projects, helped bring to light successful products.
Beyond including all that experience in your CV, putting together a short portfolio can help potential employers get a better picture of your skills and strengths. It doesn’t need to be a portfolio as polished as. Let’s say, that of a designer or a graphic artist – a simple explanation of every one of your best projects will suffice. If you’re after a programming job, put together some of your best code.
Gather your references
Nothing validates your capabilities better than satisfied former employers. Instead of waiting for the hiring company to ask for your professional references, present them upfront. By doing so, you will be showing proactiveness, confidence in your professional profile. It will also help you stand out among other candidates.
A good letter of recommendation by an ex-colleague who is in a good position and/or company at the moment can be very helpful as well.
Keep on learning
This is something you should do even if you are not looking for a job at the moment. Since technology is continuously evolving, your success as an IT pro depends in great part on your ability to keep up with the most in-demand skills – both technical and other, softer skills.
Take advantage of the many free online IT courses out there. Develop new skills, challenge yourself. It will show employers you’re not just standing there, idle, that you are ambitious and in constant motion.
Find a job in IT by attending industry events
It’s true: the pandemic has put on halt most in-person industry events. However, and just like the rest of the business world, these get-togethers are adapting to the new reality.
Webinars, online Q&As… These events offer a great opportunity for you to gain visibility within the community, to talk or chat to potential employers and let them know you are looking to find a job in IT. It’s always easier to get your foot in the door through an in-person (or online) introduction.
Just as with face-to-face interactions, first impressions are crucial in the online job-hunting world. Here are the key steps to improve online visibility; that every technology professional should take to project a solid online image.
Just as with face-to-face interactions, first impressions are crucial in the online job-hunting world. Here are the key steps to improve online visibility; that every technology professional should take to project a solid online image.
6 steps to improve online visibility
Google yourself
Among steps to improve online visibility, this one might seem rather obvious… But you would be surprised of how many applicants forget this vital step. Remember that Fotolog or Myspace profile you made in middle school? Well, Google does. Chances are your adolescent self does not quite reflect the person you have grown to be. Or perhaps you would simply prefer keeping your personal life to yourself.
Conduct an in-depth search to unearth all the information a stranger would find should they looked you up online. Then review all that info and ask yourself whether or not you should delete certain things or update your account’s privacy settings.
Polish your LinkedIn profile
LinkedIn has become an absolute necessity for any professional looking for a job or wanting to stay active in the talent market. Your LinkedIn page is like your business passport, if you will. Start by polishing your profile.
Make sure your photograph is updated, professional and in HD. Follow the platform’s simple guide to complete your profile – add a good intro and about section describing your background and aspirations. Include all relevant skills in the dedicated section. Don’t just add job titles and companies in the timeline detailing your work experience. Provide a brief description of what you did while working for that company or what the project was about.
Be active where it matters
Would you trust a social media expert that wasn’t active on any social media platform? Probably not. Even if you secretly are an expert on something, it really pays off if you show it. At least you should be visible in the circles that matter the most to you and your area of expertise.
Create a robust profile on all relevant job boards and professional networks – from generalist sites like Indeed, to more specialised ones like GitHub or AngelList. Get involved in discussion groups and forums. Write an article or post with tips or insights you’d like to share. Here are a few examples of content you could be writing yourself:
If you want to go the extra mile, sign up to the portals of companies exclusively dedicated to IT and tech recruiting. That will put you in the radar of the top recruiters for your specialty. You can sign up to ours here.
Consistency across platforms
Once that’s covered, make sure that you are presenting a cohesive profile across all platforms and services. Is the image you are projecting on LinkedIn consistent with your Twitter profile? Are your past job titles the same on the different job boards? Do the start and end dates of previous projects match?
Maintaining consistency is important. It shows that you take yourself seriously and conveys a unified and robust message regarding who you are and what you aspire to.
Know your keywords
You know how search engines work. Check that you are including in your online profiles all the relevant keywords to secure a top spot on the search results page. Pay special attention to synonyms, and make sure to include the most common descriptive variants of an activity or skill.
Look at your peers
Something that can help you in your keyword search is looking at the profiles of other people. Look for experts in the field you are applying to, see what keywords they are using. Pay special attention to how they structure their personal and professional details, learn as much as you can. The more senior or trusted this subject matter expert is, the better.
Whether you are completely new to Python or just looking to improve your capabilities, here are a few Python projects for you to try in the coming weeks.
Python’s growing momentum is undeniable. Favoured by data scientists and those involved in AI and machine learning, the programming language has risen to the top of the popularity list in just a few years, with a lot of Python projects. A recent study by online learning platform O’Reilly found Python to be the “preeminent” language of 2019. Representing both the highest number of searches and the most trainings contracted through the portal.
There are many reasons for this rapid ascend. Python is an efficient and easily readable language. It allows developers to create lean code that reads very much like English, while its built-in data structures are user-friendly and fast to implement. Additionally, Python is surrounded by an expansive support ecosystem which offers a wide array extension packages and open-access code repositories.
As we have mentioned before, these days of quarantine provide a great opportunity to acquire new skills and strengthen your CV. And how best to learn code than by developing hands-on experience with it?
Whether you are completely new to Python or just looking to improve your capabilities; here are a few Python projects for you to try in the coming weeks.
Python projects for beginners
If you are just now jumping into Python, the official Python Software Foundation’s website offers a ton of free resources to begin with. There you can access the language’s official documentation and refer to an exhaustive list of reliable resources for beginners.
As for projects, you can, for example, start with the list of over 30 beginner exercises at PracticePython.org. They are detailed step by step and offer a separate section for solutions to keep you challenged. PythonForBeginners is another good portal for Python projects and fundamentals. When it comes to automation, Al Sweigart’s Automate the Boring Stuff with Python is a fantastic — and free — work of reference.
Popular beginner projects include:
Dice rolling simulator
Guess the number
Hangman
Fill an online form
Update and format Excel spreadsheets
Of course, learning portals like Codecademy and Udemy are another great way of developing your Python skills. In fact, a multitude of platforms have made courses available for free to help people skill up during lockdown. You can find more about it here.
More advanced projects
For those who are already versed in the basics of Python, the Internet is full of interesting project ideas. You can get lost in for days. For instance, this edureka blog post contains precise instructions on how to complete a series of engaging intermediate and advanced projects. Among these, you can practice data visualization techniques and get acquainted with popular Python-supported libraries like Matplotlib. For more advanced projects, you can dive into machine learning and deep learning with TensorFlow and PyTorch.
Alternatively; if you are looking for already developed capabilities to use in your own code or apps; you can of course, always find thousands of Python-related repositories on Github. There are endless paths one can take with Python. From website crawlers to image processing modules or a Spotify playlist generator.
Several online learning platforms and software manufacturers have made some free IT courses so that tech professionals can exit this crisis better prepared.
It’s probably safe to
say that we all have uttered these words at some point in our lives — If I
had more time, I would….
With a good part of the world on lockdown to fight the expansion of COVID-19, now it might be the perfect time to put this premise to the test. Even if your effective schedule remains unaltered and you are simply working from home, there’s still a lot that you can do with whatever time you’re saving by not having to commute.With this in mind, several online learning platforms and software manufacturers have made some courses available for free so that tech and IT professionals like yourself can exit this crisis better prepared. These courses add to the already extensive list of free online resources that were already accessible before the quarantine.
Re-skilling and continuous learning are a must for those looking to advance their career in a field like technology, where skill shortages are a prevalent problem and tools are constantly being updated. Accordingly, we suggest you make the most of the extra time on hand by benefitting from the below resources.
Coursera
The eLearning powerhouse has always offered a multitude of free courses from ivy-league universities and top technical schools across the globe — especially if you didn’t mind not receiving an official diploma for which you had to pay. However, and until May 31, a total of 100 courses will be accessible for free through the platform.
The reviews team at Business Insider has gone through the list of courses and identified 9 of them related to computer science. You will obtain an official certificate upon completion, at no cost and even enjoying access to otherwise premium features like homework grading and expanded reading materials
Hurry up, as most of
these courses start today, April 08 – and make sure to add that certificate to
your CV and LinkedIn profile once the course is completed.
With a somewhat more
of a quick-bite and mobile mentality, Udemy offers a wide variety of courses
and tutorials in dozens of topics. These are taught by subject matter experts
and eLearning initiatives directly, without requiring the involvement of a third-party
institution.
The portal has made available over 530 courses for free so we can all invest in our education in the upcoming weeks. A lot of these focus on IT-related topics, from data science to videogame design.
A household name in tech education and computing, Codeacademy offers free courses on topics spanning from coding to computational theory and web development. The possibilities are almost endless, and you can even choose specific skill paths like building chatbots with Python or creating front-end apps with React.
CompTIA IT
Fundamentals
The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), known globally for its reputed certification programs, is offering free 30-day learning licenses for its IT Fundamentals (ITF+) curriculum. The overall course is probably too introductory if you are a seasoned tech expert, but you might find it touches on topics you haven’t had time to explore.
You can also pass the
link along to anyone who is considering a career in IT but is not quite sure
yet.
SAP and Microsoft
Another
career-advancement option for these days of confinement is investing time in
official vendor certifications and learning programs. These let you master some
of the world’s most ubiquitous software tools and validate your skills in front
of the community.
Additionally, Microsoft Learn offers a comprehensive host of learning resources for Dynamics 365, Microsoft 365, or the Power Platform. among others. Just keep in mind that, to protect its staff from the virus, Microsoft has implemented some changes in its user policy, as well as extended certain courses and deadlines. Here’s a full list of changes.
Don’t forget your
soft skills
Last but not least, think of dedicating some time to develop your soft skills. In IT, it is becoming increasingly vital to possess a strong set of soft skills to complement your technical ones – from interpersonal communication to adaptability and creative thinking.
Or perhaps you should focus on your mental health and resilience? LinkedIn Learning is providing free mindfulness courses to help people cope with lockdowns.
If you wonder how to get a job in IT consulting, here are the top 5 most sought-after soft skills in IT that you should cultivate to thrive in consulting.
Soft skills are becoming more and more decisive in the IT world. Which traditionally valued technical or hard skills above all others. That made sense when IT departments were siloed from other areas of activity and seldom involved in everyday business decisions. But today, technology permeates all layers of our society and is integral to the success of most companies. As a result, IT consultants now more than ever need to possess a series of complementary traits. To stand out among their peers, work more effectively with others and secure the best contracts.
The first of the most sought-after soft skills in IT is the entrepreneurial spirit. One of the key qualities for consultants in any field is their entrepreneurial drive. Consultants need to be proactive in their efforts to find new projects and clients to work with. They should be able to identify and outline a career path, to find a niche suitable to their capabilities and where they can shine. New business development know-how is also important. To become an IT consultants you must stay on the lookout for contract opportunities and foster professional relationships that will lead to them.
At the same time, this very same proactiveness is one of the main reasons employers hire IT consultants in the first place. They want an expert that can operate autonomously and bring in a new perspective to a particular problem . Which brings us to the next point.
Creativity
Also referred to as problem-solving, the ability to approach scenarios with an open mind is very advantageous in fields like IT. In which the best path forward is not always obvious. Lateral thinking is one of the principles upon which innovation is built.
Making the most of the resources available to you is critical when time is of the essence and the map uncharted. If you like riddles and logic puzzles, you are on the right track.
Jumping from one project to the other requires flexibility. The to become an excellent IT consultants you need to be capable of succeeding across different teams and industries. Adapt to different company cultures and ways of working. As well as to the various IT infrastructures and development environments of the modern enterprise.
Furthermore, technology and businesses are constantly evolving. And consultants must update their skillset and knowledge accordingly if they want to stay relevant.
Interpersonal skills
Adaptability is closely tied to the ability to work collaboratively. IT consultants not only need to interact effectively with other engineers and managers; they also must engage with other stakeholders – like decision-makers and end users — who might not be proficient in certain technologies or jargon. A good IT consultant can communicate problems, solutions and needs in a clear and plain manner that everyone will understand.
On the other hand, possessing good interpersonal skills helps IT consultants better integrate into company teams. When you are brought into a pre-existing project, it is very important to be able to connect with other employees to both have a better experience and make sure all those involved are aware of the added value you are delivering.
From a business development perspective, social skills can greatly help in your networking efforts to find contracts.
Curiosity
The last of the soft skills most sought after by companies to hire an IT consultant is curiosity. Just as importantly, a good consultant should keep a hungry mind. The curiosity to learn new things, whether they are related to your area of expertise or to a specific business domain, is the engine that propels professional and personal development forward. Ask questions – to yourself and to others. Scratch the surface and always try to go the extra mile.
