Hi, I am in a workplace where they are working with very old technologies, and there is a lot of resistance to move to new.

Anonymous

February 27,2023 at 6:28AM UTC

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Hi, I am in a workplace where they are working with very old technologies, and there is a lot of resistance to move to new. I have spent significant amount of time here to understand that staying here is not adding value to my job profile. However, I am not sure how to approach learning new technologies outside of work for job change, as I study for a few days, and then forget it since I don't use what I learn. Any suggestions on how to approach building up my profile *inspite* of the environment I am in so that I can look out for a change?

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Diane J HuffFebruary 27,2023 at 1:24PM UTC
OK, well, this is an area where I shine! To learn new technologies, you just can’t study. If you want that new technology moving forward, you commit to a study plan that includes certification. That’s a lot of work, and at the end of the day you have some thing tangible to show to a new employer. “Hey, not only did I take the course work for Azure, but I got my certification too!” that’s the kind of thing that gets you in the door of a new company. Even if you don’t actually get the certification (but I recommend you do) take the certification coursework to the very end. They generally have a simulated platform that allows you to practice the new tech. Doing what you are studying - that’s where the muscle memory happens. Some technologies that you study even give you the opportunity to have a trial solution to use, like Microsoft Azure, AWS, Cisco, etc. Use LinkedIn learning, or sign up for a Pluralsight account. They are both investments, but investments into your future with tangible, credible results. You didn’t actually say what kind of technology you wanted to learn, and coming from a tech background, I’m just assuming it’s technology itself. But that solution works for business technologies or infrastructure technologies. Good luck!
AnonymousFebruary 28,2023 at 6:36PM UTC
Volunteer! Or you can use this simple tool to find places that use the technology you hope to use in your work https://stackshare.io/
I would also advise going to the website of the company that makes that technical product and look in their forums, often there are experts in there that are posting things that will enhance your learning or will guide you to where you can use this new skill. Another thing is github which is free and in there you can also search as suggested above. Good for you for taking the initiative to add value to yourself. The cost of moving from old tech to new for some companies is either too complex or prohibitive, not defending here but clearly you are light years ahead.
Dianne SouthwickMarch 1,2023 at 8:28PM UTC
Try your local college, sometimes they offer courses in technology. Call 211 to see if anyone is offering classes. Practice what you learn if you can.