Eight reasons why continuous learning important for an IT consultant

As an IT consultant, we don’t need to tell you the digital world is constantly evolving. Having a static set of qualifications and skills in one area is no longer sufficient to succeed as an IT consultant in 2022. As a consultant hired as an expert in your field, keeping up to date with the latest trends in technology, software, and industry changes should be standard practice. 

But what other benefits are there to continuous learning as an IT consultant? We’ve put together this article with eight good reasons why continuous learning is essential for every IT consultant.

What is continuous learning?

Continuous learning means taking it upon yourself to acquire knowledge and learn any new competencies that expand your skillset as an IT professional. Continuous learning should form part of your personal and professional development throughout your career. It can open the door to new opportunities and help you achieve your full potential in your chosen field.

As an IT professional, it is even more critical to keep up with emerging technologies. In fact, a 2017 report found that in the case of software engineers, retraining every 12-18 months is essential to keep up with the latest updates and versions.

1.  

   1. STAY RELEVANT

   With technologies changing at a fast pace, it’s more important than ever before for IT professionals to refresh their skills so they don’t get left behind. As a consultant, you need to have the self-motivation to keep an eye on new technologies which impact your industry and learn the necessary skills to make you stand out from the competition. Clients look to IT consultants as industry experts, so being aware of new or emerging technologies is essential.

   Leading with continuous learning will mean you are better placed to give practical advice when asked. For example, as an IT consultant, you’ll often have to explain very complex information to non-technical colleagues simply. Having a rounded knowledge and continuously learning, you will be seen as an expert in your field, especially if you can explain how new technology works to others.

    

2. 2. UPSKILL TO BECOME MULTIFUNCTIONAL

   Maybe you started your IT consultancy career as a backend developer but want to upskill to include front-end development into your skillset. By cross-training or becoming proficient in other fields, you become a valuable asset to clients. Additionally, you may be able to support colleagues in other areas because of your extensive knowledge.

    

3. 3. PREPARE FOR UNEXPECTED CHANGE

   Those who make continuous learning part of their development throughout their career will be better prepared for any unexpected changes that occur. For example, if a project gets cut short without warning and you find yourself looking for new consulting opportunities. By staying up-to-date and relevant, you place yourself in a better position to step out of your comfort zone and take on a role that requires a slightly different skillset than you are used to.

    

4. 4. INCREASE CONFIDENCE

   Learning new skills increases confidence and gives us a feeling of accomplishment. By learning continuously, you will have more confidence in your skills, and you’ll feel more confident about taking on projects outside your comfort zone. Additionally, the more confident you become in a particular area, the better you will become at passing on your knowledge and breaking down complex tasks for those team members who need to understand the basics of what you do.

5.  

   5. BOOST YOUR PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

   When you continue, you learn you are constantly growing professionally, and you will likely receive praise and recommendations from colleagues and managers due to your progressive attitude to work. As a consultant continually needing to move between projects and clients, the new skills you learn will allow you to adapt quickly, no matter the task. You will grow your reputation as a forward-thinking consultant who ensures they stay up to date.

    

6. 6. IT ALLOWS YOU TO PASS ON YOUR KNOWLEDGE

   Continuous learning doesn’t just benefit your career. It helps enhance your leadership skills and become a mentor to others. In addition, it can help encourage others to pursue opportunities to develop their skills further, just like you. 

    

7. 7. SEE THINGS FROM ALL PERSPECTIVES

   The more you invest in your continuous learning and development, the more likely you are to be able to consider things from all sides. You’ll be able to understand situations and projects on multiple levels, not just from the angle of your job role, and the better you will get at tackling a range of problems in your field.

    

8. 8. DISCOVER YOUR NICHE

   Sometimes you don’t realise you love doing something until you give it a go. When you remain open to learning and development throughout your career, you may find you have an unexpected interest in a particular specialism you perhaps hadn’t previously considered. Upgrading your skills is more than just career development. Sometimes, we can stumble across something we excel at by remaining open to new learning opportunities and career development. 

   Conclusion

   
   Continuous learning is essential for any IT consultant who wants to remain relevant and valued in the workplace. It can make you better at your job, enhance your perspective and pass on your knowledge with confidence and clarity. IT is a digitally driven sector, and remaining up to date with the latest changes and technologies will give you a leading edge when applying for your next consultancy project.

   
   The team here at Hightekers can help our consultants grow their knowledge in their field of expertise by allowing them more time to continuously learn and stay relevant. Whether that means taking part in online training or attending webinars. Hightekers consultants are uniquely positioned because they do not need to manage a company or take care of time-consuming admin work, allowing them more time to continue learning to grow stronger in their respective IT fields.

   
   Additionally, because Hightekers offers a strong and international network of over 1300 IT professionals, consultants can share new trends and technical knowledge within their field with peers internationally. Sometimes before a trend or technology arrives in another country. Find out more about joining the Hightekers community today.