Though it may seem daunting, there are many steps you can take to keep up with new technology. Here are 5 ways you can stay current with technology trends:
1. Join a professional organization
Joining a professional organization can be a great way to stay on top of emerging technology that directly affects your industry. Many professional organizations produce magazines filled with current news and tech advances. Besides publications, you can check to see if your industry organization has a local chapter near you. Local chapters may also provide training classes and pair you with a mentor.
2. Find a mentor
You can find a mentor that is tech-savvy and learn from them. Read the technology publications they read and follow the tech sites they recommend. Meet periodically with your mentor to discuss tech advances and applications in the workplace.
3. Attend industry conferences and tech events
Conferences are a great opportunity to see innovative technology specific to your industry. You can listen to industry leaders, attend classes and talk with vendors about their products. You can also check out technology-focused events and apply what you have learned to your industry. Many conferences make their keynote speeches available online for those that don’t have the time or budget to attend in person.
4. Devote time daily to tech news
A small portion of each day is all it takes to stay up to date with technology news. For the most balanced approach, you can get your news from technology-focused publications and tech news sites online. Tech publications may publish on a monthly or (more likely) quarterly basis and can fill in the gaps by providing daily doses of hot tech topics. Find a few reputable sites you are comfortable with and stick with them. To save time, you can set up site keywords to receive key news items daily.
5. Connect with social media
There are many influencers devoted to technology and emerging trends. You can subscribe to newsletters or set alerts to notify you when your favorite tech influencer posts new material. Besides influencers, you can follow industry and tech company accounts to learn about emerging technologies.