How IT freelancers do their own 'knowledge'
IT freelancers digest the amount of information equivalent to two university degree courses a year to stay ahead of the game according to research published today by recruitment consultancy, Computer People.
The survey involved 500 IT contractors to establish how much knowledge they have to retain to compete within the industry.
Key findings show that:
- Over three quarters (76 per cent) of IT freelancers estimate that, in upgrading their technical skills and learning new packages, they study the equivalent of a degree course every six months
- The average freelancer spends the equivalent of 45 days a year researching latest news and developments within the business
- The average contractor spends a further 32 days per year upgrading their technical skills
The survey also showed that websites are the key news and information source, but freelancers are increasingly turning to each other as a source of support.
Key information sources are
- 86 per cent check technology websites on a daily basis;
- 79 per cent read industry magazines every week to keep abreast of industry issues;
- 75 per cent regularly download technical manuals to update their skills;
- 68 per cent email contacts within the industry for quick-fix solutions to problems and to catch up on industry gossip.
Adam Fletcher, Commercial Director for Computer People, said: "IT is undoubtedly one of the most fast-paced industries to work in. There's probably no other profession where you have to build your knowledge and master new skills on a daily basis. Expertise is a contractor's currency - it's what sets them apart in this competitive industry."
What it means to freelancers?
This investment in your business by keeping skills and knowledge updated is a useful indicator when it comes to judging the overall picture of being in business on your own account and claiming to be outside IR35.
But often this business investment isn't documented at the time and is then overlooked or the relevance of it is underestimated.