In these tough economic times, keeping up-to-date and sharp with the latest high-tech skills can be very beneficial for the health of your career. Here are five creative ways to get training cost-effectively according to Network World.
1. Share the cost with your employer
One option is to offer to split the cost of training with your employer. It would cost the company more to bring in a new person than to train you in the skills they need. The solution serves both parties well.
2. Train yourself
You can gain a wealth of knowledge from self-study from online courses, books, videos and webcasts. Another resource for IT pros looking to learn is CBT Nuggets, which offers fee-based and free training products online.
3. Build your own learning environment
Building a home lab can help progress your career and be done cost-effectively (in some cases). Finding used parts and complimentary software can help with Microsoft and Cisco self-training. Check Microsoft for free trials of their products online and open source tools. Two open source projects worth reviewing include Dynamips, for simulating Cisco networks, and Olive for simulating Juniper networks.
4. Practice your skills
Use your knowledge and skills to help friends, family, charities or small businesses at low or no-cost to gain valuable experience. The effort can pay dividends on your resume and help you learn about new technologies without investing in training. This can also serve as the start of your own business.
5. Look for training discounts
Many training vendors are offering significant discounts because of the recession. It may be worth the time to do a little research to find some cost-effective training. Many vendors offer educational content at events and online as part of their marketing efforts. Keep an eye out for specific opportunities at your favorite vendors’ websites and for upcoming low cost or complimentary technology tradeshows.
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