You may not be a tech guru, but that doesn't mean you can get by in your career without
Computer Skills
. In this mass information age, even non-techie types need to bulk up their computer skills set.
Health care professionals, for instance, cannot survive with shoddy computer skills. That's because the impact of technology on health care and the delivery of health services has been particularly significant. Transformational technologies in health care include telemedicine, electronic health records, RFID (radio frequency identification), embedded sensors, and more. This technology is not a luxury; it's a necessity. It increases clinical efficiency, ensures safety by way of accurate information, offers instant access to reference materials, and provides alerts for allergies, drug interactions, and lab results.
The automotive industry is another prime example of a field that has felt the impact of technology. With integrated electronic systems and complex computers running today's vehicles, automotive technicians need to know their bits from their bytes. While traditional hand tools still have their place in the automotive trade, workers must be able to use computerized shop equipment and work with electronic components. These computerized systems provide automatic updates to technical manuals as well as unlimited access to manufacturers' service information, technical service bulletins, and other databases.
Business professionals such as administrative assistants are increasingly called upon to possess technological prowess as well. Most employers require workers to demonstrate extensive knowledge of software applications such as database management, spreadsheets, and word processing. Many office professionals are also called upon to train others in computing systems. Office workers need to continually take courses to learn how to operate new office technologies. And it's not about learning technology for technology's sake. Computer software, e-mail, scanners, and voice message systems allow office professionals to increase their productivity and their marketability.
Even the culinary industry is not exempt from the impact of technology. Restaurant professionals need computer skills to track orders, inventory, and the seating of customers. Food service managers also use computers to keep track of employee schedules and paychecks. Computer skills are essential for culinary managers, as they rely upon the Internet for the latest industry news, recipes, equipment, market research, training materials, and recruitment tools. Many restaurants also maintain interactive Web sites featuring their menu, special promotions, contact information, and online reservation system. In this industry and the rest, the impact of technology has been enhanced efficiency and productivity.
The bottom line? Be sure to fit computer skills training into your career education, and your services will be in demand -- in any industry.
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