What is your strategy to update your operations research skills?

1 Identify your goals and gaps

The first step to update your OR skills is to identify your goals and gaps. What are the specific problems or challenges that you want to solve or address with OR? What are the skills or knowledge that you need to acquire or enhance to achieve your goals? For example, you may want to learn how to use a new software package, a new algorithm, a new modeling approach, or a new application domain. You may also want to review or refresh some of the fundamental concepts or methods of OR. By defining your goals and gaps, you can focus your learning efforts and measure your progress.

2 Find relevant resources and courses

The next step is to find relevant resources and courses that can help you update your OR skills. There are many sources of information and learning materials available online, such as books, journals, blogs, podcasts, webinars, videos, tutorials, and courses. You can also look for offline resources, such as workshops, seminars, conferences, or professional associations. You should look for resources and courses that match your goals and gaps, as well as your learning style and preferences. For example, you may prefer self-paced learning or instructor-led learning, or you may prefer theoretical or practical content.

3 Practice and apply your skills

The third step is to practice and apply your skills. Learning by doing is one of the most effective ways to update your OR skills. You can practice and apply your skills by working on real-world problems or projects, either on your own or with others. You can also use online platforms or tools that allow you to test your skills or compete with other OR practitioners. For example, you can use Kaggle, Coursera, or edX to find datasets, problems, or courses that challenge your OR skills. You can also join online communities or forums where you can share your work, get feedback, or learn from others.

4 Keep track of your progress and achievements

The fourth step is to keep track of your progress and achievements. Updating your OR skills is a continuous and lifelong process that requires motivation and discipline. You can keep yourself motivated and disciplined by setting SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) goals and tracking your progress and achievements. You can use tools or methods such as portfolios, certificates, badges, or resumes to document and showcase your OR skills. You can also use feedback or evaluation tools or methods such as quizzes, tests, surveys, or peer reviews to assess your OR skills.

5 Stay updated and curious

The fifth step is to stay updated and curious. Updating your OR skills is not a one-time event, but a constant pursuit of new knowledge and insights. You should stay updated and curious about the latest developments, trends, and innovations in OR. You can do this by following reputable sources of information, such as journals, magazines, newsletters, podcasts, or blogs. You can also do this by attending or participating in events, such as webinars, workshops, conferences, or competitions. You should also be curious and open-minded about new ideas, perspectives, or opportunities in OR.

6 Network and collaborate with others

The sixth and final step is to network and collaborate with others. Updating your OR skills is not only a personal endeavor, but also a social one. You can network and collaborate with others who share your interest or passion for OR. You can do this by joining or creating online or offline groups, communities, or networks of OR practitioners or enthusiasts. You can also do this by engaging or contributing to discussions, debates, or projects related to OR. You can network and collaborate with others to exchange information, ideas, feedback, or support, as well as to expand your network, exposure, or opportunities in OR.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?