This Holiday Season, Give Yourself the Gift of Professional Development!

The holidays are a time for giving, and what better gift to give yourself than the gift of professional growth? This year, skip the socks and sweaters and invest in your future with some valuable professional development.

Whether you're looking to enhance your current skills or explore new areas of expertise, we've curated a list of resources to help you level up your tech career this holiday season.

Skill Up Your Holidays:

• Cloud Computing: Cloud technologies are transforming the tech industry. Gain a solid understanding of cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and GCP to boost your career prospects. Want to learn more about the growing importance of cloud computing in the tech world? Check out our blog post on Beyond the Cloud: Why Edge Computing is the Next Frontier for Tech Talent.
  
  • Resource: Explore free introductory courses and certifications on cloud platforms:
    • AWS: https://aws.amazon.com/training/classroom/aws-cloud-practitioner-essentials/
    • Azure: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/azure/
    • GCP: https://www.cloudskillsboost.google/
• Data Analysis: Data is the new gold! Learn how to analyze and interpret data to extract valuable insights and make informed decisions.
  
  • Resource: Develop your data analysis skills with online courses and tutorials:
    • DataCamp: https://www.datacamp.com/courses/free-introduction-to-r
    • Codecademy: https://www.codecademy.com/learn/paths/analyze-data-with-python
    • Khan Academy: https://www.khanacademy.org/
• Cybersecurity Fundamentals: With cyber threats on the rise, cybersecurity skills are more important than ever. Learn the basics of cybersecurity to protect yourself and your organization. Need more convincing? Read our blog post on why cybersecurity is the hottest job in tech: "Code Red: Why Cybersecurity is the Hottest Job in Tech (and How You Can Get In)".
  
  • Resource: Access free resources and training materials:
    • National Cybersecurity Alliance: https://staysafeonline.org/resources/
    • CISA:https://www.cisa.gov/ 
    • NIST Cybersecurity Framework: https://www.nist.gov/cyberframework
• Project Management: Effective project management is essential for success in any tech role. Learn how to plan, execute, and manage projects efficiently. Interested in learning more about the importance of project management in regulated industries? Check out our blog post on “IT Project Success in Regulated Industries".
  
  • Resource: Explore project management methodologies and best practices with online courses and certifications:
    • Google Project Management Certificate: https://www.coursera.org/professional-certificates/google-project-management
    • Project Management Institute: https://www.pmi.org/learning/free-online-courses
• Communication & Collaboration: Strong communication and collaboration skills are crucial in today's remote and hybrid work environments. Enhance your communication toolkit to build stronger relationships and achieve better outcomes.
  
  

Make the Most of Your Downtime

The holidays often come with some downtime. Use this opportunity to invest in yourself and your career. Even dedicating a small amount of time each day to learning can make a big difference.

Links Technology Can Help:

Looking for more guidance on your professional development journey? Links Technology can help you identify your strengths, explore career paths, and connect you with exciting opportunities in the tech industry. Contact us today for a confidential career consultation.

Happy Holidays and Happy Learning!

‍