Working in IT or tech? Develop your research skills with these 4 tips ⚙️

You've been asked by your supervisor to find a solution to a common access problem that users of a newly launched system are facing. The system was tested well before the launch.

What would you do?

This calls for using your research skills to find a solution to the problem.

Research skills are the ability to "collect, analyze, interpret, and evaluate" data/information sp you can find a solution to a problem.

We use research skills in our everyday lives. — for example, to book a vacation, write an essay for school, find out how to operate a new technology, etc.

Research skills develop critical thinking and help improve problem solving skills required to tackle issues in the workplace.

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Some common research skills that are useful at work include:

• Searching, validating, and analyzing information

• Paying attention to details in everyday tasks such as accurately gathering and recording customer data

• Taking notes

• Time management

• Problem solving

• Communication

Here are some good reasons for you to have strong research skills as an IT and technology professional:

Expanding Your Knowledge Base and Building Your Credibility

The required knowledge base in the tech industry is always expanding at a rapid pace. You need to be aware of the latest changes, updates, and technological advancements in your field.

Research creates new opportunities for learning and growth. Developing your research skills will help you build on your knowledge base and stay competitive in these ever changing industries.

You're also more likely to succeed in presenting your ideas to others if they can see well researched data or information to back up your ideas and opinions. 

Creating Awareness about Your Customers and Competition

Research is a helpful tool that provides you with information about your customer’s requirements and competitors’ initiatives. You can use this information to plan successful strategies to stay competitive in the industry.

For example: Through research into your customer base's needs, you can plan the development of new technology or suggest upgrades to existing technology.

Assisting with Problem Solving

As an IT professional, a large part of your work is solving problems.

Research skills help you:

1. Gather information about the problem and possible solutions.

2. Evaluate and analyze that information to find appropriate solutions. 

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Tip #1: Make a Plan

Start your research project with an outline to guide you. This outline should include the problem you need to solve, the information you need to gather, and the questions you need to ask.

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If it's a medium to large project, organize the project into manageable steps with timelines to complete each step.

Gather information that will help you to find a solution to the problem.

Workplace research may include gathering information from internal and external sources.

Internal sources of information may include asking questions from employees or searching company documents such as policies, procedures, processes, etc. This information could be in a digital or non-digital format.

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While the internet is an easy external source for information gathering, not all internet-sourced information is credible. Be careful when searching for information online.

Always evaluate what you find online. Consider timeliness, relevance, authority, accuracy, and purpose.

— St Louis Community College Library Research Guides

Use the CRAAP Test to check for the authenticity of digital information.

You can find any information on the internet. However, the key to an effective online search at work is to find credible information in the shortest possible time.

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Here are some research skills tips to have more productive internet searches:

• Use advanced search options available in most search engines to customize and narrow down your search options.

  For example: You can search by date to ensure your sources are recent and the information is up to date. You can also filter search results for news articles and academic papers.

• Use keyword and specific search terms. You can also use quotation marks for making the search even more specific.

• You can use Boolean operators to further refine your search.

Practice is the key to building any skill. Practice your research skills by creating small work or personal projects and doing the necessary research. 

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Apply some research skills for the problem we started with.

You've been asked by your supervisor to find a solution to an access problem that users of a newly launched system are facing. The system was tested well before the launch and no issues were found.

From the following list, select the points that would be part of your research for solving this problem:

A. Gather information from the users about the problem they're facing.

B. Check the communication sent to the users before the launch of the system. 

C. Analyze the information gathered to find root cause and possible solution(s).

D. Set timelines for completing each sub-task and final task.

You already have the ability to research. It's time to build on it to support your career in IT & technology.

"Take on research with an explorer mindset — develop a plan or a starting point, expect and welcome twists and turns, keep an open mind, and keep asking questions throughout the process."