Fitting into digital transformation as an IT or engineering contractor

Working as a successful contractor in the world of IT and engineering means adapting to the dynamic digital transformation within these fields. Skills in digitization are a top priority on an employer's list of prospective candidate talents, which means that contractors must be nimble and confident in their ability to deliver in a rapidly changing environment.

"Digital transformation continues to be a driving force," said Tim Herbert, senior vice president of research and marketing at CompTIA in a press release addressing the continued growth of the tech sector in 2016. "Organizations of all sizes are embracing cloud-based technology solutions, expanding their mobile presence, fortifying cyber defenses and driving decision-making through advanced data analysis."

For IT and engineering contract candidates to differentiate themselves from the pack, they must be able to demonstrate the ability to seamlessly adapt to new digital systems and platforms, and be able to explain these changes to staff members who may only have a pedestrian knowledge of the tech world.

Here are three ways to determine where IT or engineering contractors fit into digital transformation:

1. Competence and communication are key
Companies are in need of capable contractors to remain competitive. Hiring managers are looking for candidates who can bridge the gaps between the staff's knowledge and new frontier of multiple digital platforms that they may not be familiar with. According to CIO.com, successful contract candidates must be a step ahead of the trends and impending shifts within a variety of industries as well as strong communicators who are able to bring an entire company up to speed to reach its goals. 

2. Simplifying supply and demand
Businesses that hire a highly skilled contractor are opening the door to new educational exposure for their teams. For a job-seeking contractor, it's essential to remember that some fields have had an easier time digitizing than others. A report from Digitalist Magazine showed that certain industries like construction have been slow to digitize projects and suffered as a result. Issues and complications ranging from rounding up supplies and materials to coordinating project oversight create a litany of cost overruns. Having the most up-to-date delivery strategies from multiple suppliers means having the ability to streamline and simplify in-house project management.

3. Work smarter, not harder
Technology is rapidly closing the gap between the digital and physical world. From 3-D printers to virtual reality simulators, digital distribution and display methods are transitioning from ideas out of science fiction stories to essential elements of the modern business environment. Engineers and IT contractors will continue to be the building blocks of companies looking to compete in the future marketplace, according to reports from Digitalist Magazine. Virtual reality, cloud services, smartphones and artificial intelligence are all pushing the boundaries of possibility as well as customer demands and expectations. It is vital for contractors to immerse themselves in as much of the evolving information available if they want to be able to market themselves in the rapid growth of digital transformation.

The Trevi Group|  www.TheTreviGroup.com