Ten Ways to |  | by Robby Thompson |
There are many ways to become so knowledgeable about any given application, everyone seems to mention you as one of the "resources" that must be contacted. Whether you are an enthusuast or professional, there is always room for improvement. To learn anything requires some amount of commitment, goal setting, and time. If you can't afford these ingredients then hire someone and ask for references. Here is a short list of resources available to most people interested in heightening their skill set:
1) Special Interest Groups (SIGs)
SIGs specialize either in a specific application such as Microsoft Access, or on a subject which can have more than one application used such as the Stock SIG. Typically, a SIG will allow you to attend one meeting as a visitor if you are not a HAL-PC member, but after that visit you should join HAL-PC. You will be hard pressed to find someone at HAL-PC who does not feel they have gotten their money's worth as a member!
2) Presentations
By presenting a demonstration at a SIG, you build confidence, become quickly known, and build credibility at work or for your next interview. I have a friend who says, "No matter how secure where you are, you should always think of new ways to improve your resume; it is a life-long chore." Further, presentations at HAL-PC provide an informal atmosphere with friends to "share your knowledge."
3) Start Your Own SIG
HAL-PC has four SIG meeting rooms, but if you don't see an exact fit for your interest, start a SIG. One of the best ways to learn, is to teach. Become a SIG leader and orchestrate the agenda. You can teach, have others present, bring in outside speakers, do group projects, or whatever your creativity can dream up. Contact Jeff Campbell, VP of SIGS, at (713) 757-1721 x 122 if you are interested.
4) Volunteer
Volunteering around the headquarters and/or joining the Help Line to answer questions on various computer issues is an excellent way to contribute, as well as, learn! Fill out a volunteer form at HAL-PC for your area of interest or call Volunteer Coordinator Richard Arlen at 462-6707 to volunteer. If you are interested in helping in other ways, contact one of the directors or officers listed on the inside of the magazine.
5) Read The Friendly Manual or Docs
You already own the manual, so go ahead and read it. Some manuals are better than others. I must admit to reading tons of other third-party publications to get the most out of these ever-increasingly powerful programs. Do give the accompanying documentation a chance before visiting the local bookstore. Browse the third-party books before buying and double-check the cover for any awards the book has won. This helps make my buying decisions easier when I want to purchase three books, but only have money for two.
6) Selectively Read Periodicals
The industry moves so fast, some books are often outdated by the time they hit the shelves and this makes it necessary that you read periodicals. Magazines and newsletters provide current tips and techniques to keep you on the leading edge. Also, you can learn about the pros and cons of a product that sounds interesting if the reviews are candid. In addition, read the advertisements, it is amazing some of the tidbits you can learn from them. Finally, some magazines come with disks that contain code you can experiment on. Always check to see if it is royalty free in case you want to directly augment it into your application!
7) Forums and Bulletin Boards (BBSs)
On-line services provide forums of a specific topic for you to ask questions, leave messages, upload and download files, and other cool things. BBSs provide this same kind of service for members. Costs vary but are valuable if you are the dedicated type. Always practice "Netiquette"; in other words, don't scream (type in all caps), be polite, respect others, and never assume absolute privacy.
8) Formal Courses
Most corporations have seminars to orient employees with the software used at work. In some instances, there are more advanced courses available as well. These courses are provided either by in-house employees or third party consultants. You can always attend a course/seminar by a consulting firm, but it can get expensive. The yellow pages, computer stores, and referrals from friends can provide you some companies to consider. If you don't have access to this kind of resource, consider the Universities or Community College System.
9) Beta Test
"Test piloting" a piece of software or hardware, before it is released to the public, is one way to get a head start learning what you truly love. Beta testing isn't open for everybody, but if you have the right credentials, it isn't a problem. Your local SIG leader can probably point you to the right person at the manufacturer or publisher if you are interested. Keep in mind, you are finding the bugs and you may not want the headaches, but what better way to become a guru than to get in on the ground floor during the product development/testing stage.
10) Practice and Experiment
I'm like most people, I wish I can just plug my arm into a wall socket and download the knowledge and experience into my body, but technology hasn't gotten us there yet. Practice and experiment with your program and the skills you learn will stick to the brain easier and remain there longer. Don't worry if you flounder in the beginning, this is normal and things will get better. The cool tips and techniques you learn through SIGs, publications, courses, and BBSs, are easier to recall if you practice them shortly after exposure to them. Closing... It is important to know what options are available to enhance your computing skills now that learning has become a lifelong journey. Hopefully you are able to take advantage of some of the wonderful opportunities available for all HAL-PC members. Get involved at HAL-PC, the world's largest User Group! By getting involved, you'll feel better for contributing, become smarter by showing your skills, and make new friends! Who knows, you may even win a door prize. See you there or on CompuServe!
Robby Thompson is a software developer for Microsoft Access, Excel, and Visual Basic. Copyright 1995 Robert D. Thompson. All Rights Reserved.
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