Here's how you can create a personalized learning plan for acquiring new skills as an IT consultant.

Creating a personalized training plan to learn new skills as an IT consultant requires a combination of evaluating current skills, identifying areas for improvement, setting specific goals, and selecting appropriate resources for the study. The evaluation of current skills is important: - Assess your current skills in different areas of IT (e.g. networks, security, software development, project management). - Ask for feedback from colleagues, supervisors or clients to get an external evaluation of your skills. - Complete assessment tests and consider existing certifications that can help measure your level of expertise. A training plan will help you stay focused and motivated on the path to acquiring new skills as an IT consultant.

IT Consulting requires professional to be proactive in acquiring new skills. Identifying the right skills to acquire is a challenge in itself, however, this can be done via following the below steps: 1. Identify the requirements of your current / prospective project 2. List out the skills required for the project 3. Prioritize the requisite skills 4. Identify the source from which to learn 5. Put it on a daily tracker and follow The industry is ever-changing with new emerging technologies and if you slog in understanding these techs, then you'll be left behind in the race.

Initiate with a detailed evaluation of your skill repertoire against the prerequisites of your target role or project. Identify gaps and areas necessitating enhancement, encompassing both technical proficiencies and essential soft skills such as communication and project management.

Conducting a skill audit involves listing your current skills, both technical and soft, and categorizing them into areas such as technical, industry-specific, management, and interpersonal skills. Assess your proficiency levels honestly and compare them to the requirements of your desired role by researching job descriptions and industry insights. Identify gaps between your skills and the job requirements, prioritize these gaps, and create an action plan to address them, which might include courses, mentorship, or hands-on experience. A skill audit enhances self-awareness, focuses development efforts, facilitates career advancement, boosts confidence, and supports strategic career planning.

Uma maneira bem assertiva que utilizo para avaliar minhas habilidades é, primeiro de tudo, atualizar meu linkedin com os cargos e empresas das quais já trabalhei. Após isso, retorno nessas informações e preencho as habilidades que utilizei neste cargo/empresa. Essa é uma forma muito eficaz para determinar seu conhecimento atual. Feito isso, vou para "Onde quero chegar". Uma forma bem bacana e atual de fazer isso, é identificar no linkedin pessoas que possuem o cargo que você almeja e adicioná-lo. Feito isso, você da uma navegada nas principais habilidades que eles possuem e como seu conhecimento pode ser relacionar com os dele. Após isso, você terá: 1 - Suas principais habilidades já executadas; 2 - Lista de habilidades para o cargo X;

Define specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals for acquiring new skills or certifications crucial to your career advancement. This structured approach provides a clear roadmap, enabling focused pursuit of professional development milestones with measurable progress tracking.

Uma forma bem comum que utilizo para aprender uma habilidade, é definir algo palpável que posso fazer com ela. Explicando: Recentemente, precisei aprender sobre SRE, DO ZERO. Por uma demanda do trabalho e do cliente, precisei entender um pouco do contexto, para trabalhar em cima das demandas. Algo que fiz, logo de cara, foi jogar no google O QUE É SRE. Tinha um objetivo em mente: Como posso aplicar SRE de alguma forma? Feito esse direcionamento, comecei a ler sobre e procurar alguns cursos. Primeiro os grátis. Por fim, fiz um curso na UDEMY e depois complementei o conhecimento com um webnar no youtube. Isso me serviu de base para entender: - O que é SRE? - Como funciona na prática? - De que forma isso se conecta com meu conhecimento?

Set clear, specific, and achievable goals based on your skill audit. Define what you want to accomplish and by when. For example, if you want to improve your proficiency in a particular programming language, set a goal to complete a course and build a project using that language within three months.

Select resources aligned with your preferred learning style—be it books, online courses, webinars, or mentorship programs—to support your defined goals effectively. Prioritize credibility and relevance to ensure comprehensive skill acquisition and application in your professional journey.

Gather resources that will help you achieve your goals. These can include online courses, books, webinars, podcasts, and industry publications. Look for resources that cater to your learning style, whether it's visual, auditory, or hands-on. Make sure to choose high-quality materials from reputable sources.

Create a realistic and consistent learning schedule. Dedicate specific times each day or week for learning new skills. Consistency is key to making progress. Ensure your schedule fits into your daily routine without causing burnout. Balance your learning with work, personal life, and rest.

Apply what you learn through regular practice. Working on real-world projects, participating in hackathons, or contributing to open-source projects can provide practical experience and reinforce your learning. Practical application helps solidify knowledge and improves problem-solving skills.

Regularly review your progress towards your goals. Assess what you've learned, the challenges you've faced, and the areas where you need more focus. Adjust your learning plan as necessary to stay on track. Celebrate your milestones to stay motivated.

Consider joining a community of learners or professionals in your field. Networking with others can provide support, inspiration, and additional resources. Stay adaptable and open to new learning methods as technology and industry standards evolve. Lastly, maintain a growth mindset; view challenges and setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow.