Get work-ready skills: Go Agile, now!
The jobs market is highly competitive these days, so what can help you stand out from the crowd?
One sure-fire way is by getting to grips with Agile, an innovative way of thinking and getting things done. Agile is the latest business phenomenon with a well-earned reputation for helping organisations work faster, cheaper and better. Many are already devoted followers, planning to try it out or curious to learn more. For a potential employer, it’s a big plus if you know the fundamentals and even better if you’ve already tried it out.
My new book, Agile Now, will give you all that and more. There’s also the bonus of learning techniques that improve your own productivity - Personal Agile.
It’s a win-win and these are my three top tips for getting there fast:
Tip No. 1: Master the fundamentals
Don’t be tempted to read a couple of articles and BS; it’s much more effective to get a proper grounding in Agile theory. Fortunately, it’s an intuitive approach that’s steeped in common sense and easy to get to grips with. Agile Now steps you through everything you need: the core concepts, the terminology and the working methods. By the end of Agile Now you’ll be ready to talk turkey with any organisation.
Tip No. 2: Try it out for yourself
Knowing the theory is a great start but there’s no substitute for trying Agile out for yourself. There’ll be plenty of options and zero overhead – Agile Now will even show you how to work smarter personally. So, chose a pet project – small or large – and off you go. No jam tomorrow syndrome with Agile, as you’ll start reaping the benefits from day one. Let Agile Now be your guide!
Tip No. 3: Do Your Own Research
Armed with theory and practical experience, the icing on the cake is a bit of extra digging into any nuances that grab your interest. Rest assured, there’ll be plenty! The Agile community is known for being welcoming and generous, if you know where to look. Agile Now is full of pointers to the best resources in town, plenty of which are free or come at the price of a couple of drinks.
If you have any lingering doubts, then try Googling ‘What companies are using Agile?’ You’ll be prompted with plenty of household names, including Apple, IBM, Microsoft, Yahoo, Spotify and Procter & Gamble. Or check out that innovative organisation you’d love to work for and see if they’re part of the gang - chances are they will be. If you’re looking to improve your chances of landing a dream role, then look no further than Agile Now.
Master the fundamentals. Try it out for yourself. Do Your Own Research. Get Agile Now. Literally.
About the author
Rob Cole, author of Agile Now
Want to know more about Agile?
Save 20% on Agile Now by Rob Cole
This content has been created by authors in their personal capacity. Any views, thoughts and opinions expressed belong solely to the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Pearson.