Are You Tech Savvy?

by Allison Landa

What does it mean to be tech savvy?

(See also our information on our Technology Degree Program and Technology Careers and Professions.)

It's more than owning an iPod, a laptop, or the latest generation of mobile hand-held devices. Being tech savvy means that you have a grasp on the fast-moving world of technology, and that you're able to use this knowledge to achieve your professional and personal goals.

Of course, nobody's born tech savvy. It's a learned skill. So what does it take to become tech savvy, and to best keep abreast of the technological skills you need to build your career?

It takes commitment to a lifetime of learning. It takes curiosity and an open mind. It also takes information technology training — one of the most powerful and practical methods of becoming tech savvy.

When you undertake an IT training course, you're making an investment in yourself — for now and for the future. Technology is truly the wave of the future, and IT training is the best way to learn how to ride — and master — that wave!

Is it ever too late to be tech savvy?

The simple answer: No! Your age and experience could very well be irrelevant to whether you can now become tech savvy. And the great news is: Whether you're interested in learning more about computers, the internet, or other IT-related topics, there's a training course out there to help you.

Now that you're becoming more tech savvy, it's important to think about your next professional steps. In which career fields is it most useful to be tech savvy?

Business. From finance to fax machines, today's office turns on a combination of old-fashioned business sense and cutting-edge technology. In order to be competitive in the modern business climate, you'll want to be up to date on technological concepts from desktop computers to databases and beyond. Whether your career goal lies in banking, money management, or another finance-related area, technology training can help prepare you for the fast pace of today's business careers.

IT. High-tech professionals are in hot demand. The IT field is ever-expanding, with popular professions including computer programming, information technology, web design, computer networking, and computer engineering. Some high-tech positions require as little as a certificate in terms of training, while others demand as much as a doctorate. No matter your goal, though, it's safe to say that high-tech careers are here to stay.

Health care. One of today's hottest employment fields, health care is increasingly interdependent on technological advances. The combination of rapidly advancing medical technology and the old-fashioned comfort of the human touch means tech savvy workers are in high demand for health-care career positions.

Criminal justice. Today's police officer is just as likely to carry a laptop as he is a badge. Whether you're seeking a career as a peace officer, a crime scene investigator, or a detective, you'll want potential employers to know that you can put today's technologies to tough use in fighting crime.

These are just a few of the fields in which being tech savvy will give you a leg up. No matter your career goal.

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Allison Landa is a freelance writer and editor in Berkeley, Calif. She received her master's degree in creative writing at St. Mary's College of California.