C14: Continuing to Grow
As we come to the end of the concepts, think about what you want to do with your technological adaptability skills from here. Since technological adaptability is a skill, you must continue to practice it to keep what you have already learned. Additionally, you want to challenge yourself to grow even more, since this book only covers the basics of adaptability. Furthermore, your skills must be updated as technology changes.
How do you continue to grow in your technological adaptability skills? You grow by consciously practicing this skill on a regular basis—at least monthly. Learn a new software program whenever you can. Explore programs you already know, seeing if you can learn even more about them. If you are looking for a job, learn what software programs and technologies are used in your field and start learning as much as you can about these technologies.
Continue learning new things and practicing the technology you already know. Every little bit of practice helps you build new skills and keep the skills you have sharp.
Remember, the best way to convince an employer that you are technologically adaptable is to build a technology-rich portfolio. Using the examples in your portfolio will allow you to talk about how you became adaptable and how you continue to improve your adaptability skills.
Also remember, if you want to build your portfolio, offer to help a non-profit with its technology needs. Volunteering is a productive way to spend your summer off or any unemployed time.
Another option: Take a technology course from an online site like LinkedIn Learning, YouTube, or Udemy and learn a software in depth. After you finish the course, create a project that challenges and exemplifies your skills. Taking a course on your own does not hold as much weight as projects you do in work, volunteering, or school, but it does show initiative. Again, employers view it favorably since you use your downtime productively.
If you are young, you may think that you will always have the skill of technological adaptability because it is easier to learn quickly at a younger age. However, if you do not make a conscious effort to hone your skills and keep them updated, you will find that you have lost the ability to adapt. I have kept up my skills for the most part and still find it more difficult to adapt now that I am older. And I have it much easier than those who did not keep up their skills at all.
No matter your age or situation, I encourage you to keep practicing and expanding your toolset. Keep learning new technologies. Keep trying new software. That way, you will continue to build your adaptability skills.
