Why We Should Embrace Change?

Change is hard. It’s even hard for those of us in the information technology industry.

The great irony, of course, is that our industry is practically the embodiment of change. It’s what we do for our customers every day. It’s what we agitate for. It’s what we deliver. And yet, it is still difficult on a personal level.

Just acknowledging the challenge can be a mountain to cross in and of itself. That’s something I discovered through my own career development.

As a person for whom traditional classroom learning always made sense, the idea of using online learning just didn’t stack up. I needed an instructor, and preferably a good one, if I was to add to my knowledge base.

Back in 2007, I moved into a technical role for the first time (I’d started my career fresh out of college and fresh out of a small village in Southern India, with consulting firm EY, then known as Ernst & Young). It was around this time that the reason for considering online learning as a viable means of education came from a simple but powerful mechanism: I noticed my colleagues were getting ahead while I was being left behind.

Watching others prosper isn’t good for your personal development and it isn’t good for your soul.

Catching The Online Train

I quickly realised why others were advancing while I was standing still. They were constantly learning, and they were doing so using alternative methods. By tapping into an already-rich world of readily available content and instruction, delivered to their personal devices as and when required, they were not just coping with change, they were mastering it.

Did I mention change is hard? Despite the jarring juxtaposition of self-guided instruction with my mindset that a classroom and someone physically there teaching was the way to learn, it was time to get with the program.

The easiest place to start with online learning is YouTube. This is a powerful and free resource which kickstarted my online learning journey (but be warned: YouTube easily distracts. In an instant, you can go from cloud architecture to viewing funny cat videos).

From there, I discovered CBT Nuggets, Linux Academy, Pluralsight and edx.Org

Be The Change

Mahatma Gandhi famously said,

‘Be the change you want to see in the world’

While he was referring to your place in society in general, the words are apt in the context of staying current.

The technology industry evolves rapidly and those who succeed must ‘be the change’.

But it’s a tumultuous world. The pace of life means there is very little time available for formal training, though I would never discount its value (having given many classroom sessions myself). The reality is that going to a physical location requires a far bigger commitment of time and effort.

What’s more, if you find yourself in a classroom where the lecturer isn’t on top of their subject, it means a substantial wasted effort.

By contrast, online learning gives you the ability to make the most of ‘micro-moments’. Turn a bus ride into a skills upgrade. Feed your brain at lunchtime. Take in an audiobook or podcast on your way across the country or across the world. And it also gives you the power of choice. If a session isn’t suitable, just turn it off.

Social media is considered addictive but consider this. You could do almost anything else and it would be better for you. Get addicted to online learning and your career can absolutely fly.

Learn With Microsoft

With the recent introduction of Microsoft Learn, I’ve recently discovered a wealth of valuable content which isn’t available anywhere else. In my current position, it’s proven invaluable. Engaging, brilliantly laid out and designed to let you choose where your journey starts, even include sandboxes to get hands-on while taking in the theory.

At Ingram Micro, online learning is embraced. We use it internally, including the recent launch of an initiative called IM:UNI, learning, and development initiative focusing on upskilling associates. There are incentives for, and recognition of courses completed, whether internal ones or like those available from Microsoft Learn.

We also offer our own online courses for Microsoft skills, such as this seminar series on Azure.

Sometimes recognition is very direct, linked to specific rewards. Other times, your individual learning and broadened knowledge base might not reflect immediately (but it will, in the fullness of time).

Not Changing Is Even Harder

There’s a bottom line. If you think change is hard, remember the alternative is harder still. I had the mindset that I only learn when someone teaches me. Take that approach and you’re doomed, like I was, to watch colleagues as they advance through the ranks.

Take the plunge. Get online and start your online learning today by checking our Microsoft’s Online Learning Portal.

Your future self will thank you for it.

Thanks,

Susanth