One of the biggest challenges for professionals in the technology space is the speed at which it is changing. Whether it is Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, AR/VR or even the most basic IT skills, the pace in the tech space is unprecedented. So how do you stay relevant and always keep up with the latest versions in the technology industry? This is where LQ or Learning Quotient comes in picture.
When innovation is the norm, traditional measures of intelligence and expertise can only take you so far in your tech career. You’ve heard of IQ (Intelligence Quotient) and EQ (Emotional Intelligence) now there’s LQ –Learning Quotient, a dynamic metric that goes beyond raw skill sets and academic qualifications. Forbes describes “LQ as the ability to learn new skills, be open to new ways of doing things, and tackle tasks that were either outside your area of interest or simply didn’t exist in the past”. According to Career Professionals of Canada, LQ refers to our willingness and ability to grow and adapt to new situations and challenges in our work lives. It refers to our “learnability.”
Here’s how possessing a high Learning Quotient can benefit for your tech career:
As Forbes says “Every company is a technology company, no matter what product or service it provides.” Jobseekers from both tech and non-tech sectors need to relearn and integrate technology into their job role.
Job expectations include how to use newer versions of machines, utilise new functionalities and stay abreast with the newer techniques of performing tasks. Individuals with LQ or growth mindset have a higher chance of success at continuous learning. Updating existing skills or learning new skills can help you sustain in your role and provide a greater level of immunity to changing skill environments.
You may already have all the technical qualifications, work experience and educational degrees to speak for you in the job market. However, what differentiates a regular jobseeker from a high LQ jobseeker is displaying the aptitude to upskill and learn. Proven ability to learn new skills and technologies through passive or active learning such as courses, workshops etc., can create a lasting impression on potential hiring managers and positively impact your chances of finding meaningful opportunities.
Business leaders today are looking for employees who can thrive in their roles and spare them the costs and effort of hiring every time a new technology emerges. Research indicates that 67% of companies look at job candidates' LinkedIn profiles before extending a job offer. Thus, whether you are working with an experienced recruiting partner like Agilus or applying on popular job boards, the first thing they will notice is your LinkedIn profile. Hiring managers and business leaders are always keen to reach out to candidates who possess the latest certifications and knowledge or display continuous learning on their profile.
“Our clients tell us they want to see more technology professionals who are constantly learning and upgrading their skill set,” reveals Devin Cameron, Senior Director, Delivery at Agilus. “They are looking for professional partners who are up to date in their skills but also curious about what is happening three years down the road, and what the next version of a software application will be able to do and how it will affect them but also who it will impact the work they are doing today.”
Displaying an aptitude to learn means you are open to seeking new knowledge, learning new skills and also perhaps replacing ancient techniques with new ones. Such a rounded skillset is highly desired in the job market.
Reports suggest that up to 1.4 million workers across the globe will need reskilling by 2026 out of which 70% will need it because their job ceases to exist. This means learning the new and replacing or updating the old is inevitable if you aspire to grow in your existing role. Learning a new technology or skill will give you an opportunity to showcase your enhanced skills and grow in your current role. Individuals with a high LQ are well-positioned for advancement, as they can quickly acquire the skills needed for higher-level roles.
Developing a growth mindset and acumen for learning is perhaps even more pertinent for those in technology sector given that several tech roles have been cannibalised or become obsolete in past few years. For instance, with the rise of cloud based services and the advent of remote/hybrid work, the demand for on-site IT staff has greatly reduced and IT professionals whose skills are focused on physical hardware and legacy systems may see their career options limited sooner rather than later.
No matter where you work, everyone is talking about a skills-based workforce, which is a workforce that is focused on the skills you own versus the title or function you perform. Given the fluctuations in talent availability and the dynamics of a company, hiring managers are looking for professionals who possess a wide variety of skills who can pivot from one project to another with their “toolbox” of skills. This is especially true in the technology sector. Promoting your diverse skills and LQ mindset will make you a high-value employee or contractor. Business leaders agree, the skill-based workforce is an agile and dynamic community of curious workers who together create a clear competitive advantage for companies who embrace this new hiring approach.
No matter what kind of goals you are looking to pursue working on improving your learning quotient will help you achieve them.
A career in technology sector is riddled with dynamic opportunities.. To navigate through this environment, you need a career partner who understands these challenges and can provide industry insights and support. For more than 46 years, we have served our candidate and employer networks, connecting job seekers with great opportunities. Our team of experienced recruiters have placed over 1,500 technology professionals in Canadian roles since 2020.
Check out our open roles on our job board, create a job alert or build a profile so our recruitment professionals can find you quickly when a suitable role becomes available. Please follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for job seeking tips and new roles.