The very busy person’s guide to putting your creativity and career first

As October draws to a close, many of us find ourselves accelerating professionally: there are conferences to attend virtually and in person, end-of-year client projects to deliver and Q4 reports to finish. Reflecting on our career paths and opportunities for growth may seem like distant luxuries at a time when we’re going petal to the metal. But taking the time for some professional mindfulness with two months to go in the year means you’ll feel better prepared when the holiday break (and the new year) sneaks up on you. And your our own learning journey and career will be better for it. At Button, we see lifelong learning as a key part of our culture—whether we're diving into new technologies, building social connections, or pursuing personal passions. For instance, one of our team members has recently picked up drone photography, combining creativity with technical skills in exciting new ways.

Navigating Your Digital Career Growth

For many of our clients, especially those in the public sector, finding a clear path for digital career development can be challenging. We often work with dedicated policy experts and executives who are passionate about their work but may face obstacles in accessing mentorship or expanding technical knowledge. Here are some ways to take charge of your professional growth and keep pace with the fast-evolving digital world (no matter how busy you are).

1. Explore Online Learning Platforms

Dive into online courses on platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning. Many of these platforms offer everything from front-end development to data analysis, design, and digital marketing. Depending on your location, your public library might even provide free access to these resources. Online courses are a great way to explore new disciplines, gain fresh perspectives, and add valuable skills to your repertoire. And don’t forget, many of these courses go on sale, so you might snag a great deal!

2. Participate in Local or Regional Meetups

Fall is an excellent time to connect with your local tech community because there are so many events going on. Check out MeetUp.com, local tech associations, or simply ask around in your professional circles for recommendations. Meetups are often free or low-cost and provide a fantastic opportunity to network, share ideas, and stay informed about industry trends. It’s also a great way to find inspiration and build your community of practice at a time when there’s a lot to dive into.

3. Attend Conferences and Workshops

With conferences making a strong comeback post-pandemic, there are plenty of opportunities to engage with the broader industry. Many conferences now offer hybrid options, so you can participate virtually if travel isn’t feasible. Look into events like FWD50, Web Summit, or other industry-specific conferences that align with your interests. These events are perfect for learning from thought leaders, discovering new trends, and expanding your professional network.

4. Embark on Personal Projects

Personal projects are a fantastic way to experiment and learn. Whether it’s developing a new app, tackling a cybersecurity challenge, or working on a design prototype, these projects allow you to apply new skills and explore your passions. If you have family members who are also tech enthusiasts, consider collaborating on a project together—like building a Raspberry Pi-based invention. It’s a fun way to learn and grow while spending quality time with loved ones during a time when everyone is heads-down on their own hamster wheel.

5. Seek Out Mentorship and Community Engagement

Finding mentors can be incredibly valuable for your career development. Look for individuals within your network or through professional organizations related to digital services and design. Engage actively in online forums, social media groups, and industry communities to connect with experts and peers. At every fall and early winter event you attend, whether virtually or in-person, challenge yourself to identify someone you think you could learn from and reach out before, during or after the event. These interactions can provide guidance, support, and new perspectives on your career journey and you’ll be surprised by how many experienced professionals are willing to take the time to guide you, even for 15 or 20 minutes if you provide specific questions.

Let’s Share and Grow Together

If you have specific tech areas you're passionate about or if you’ve discovered innovative ways to advance your career, we’d love to hear from you. Share your experiences, ask for advice, or collaborate on exciting projects. At Button, we believe that lifelong learning not only enhances our individual growth but also strengthens our collective expertise. Let’s continue to learn, explore, and push the boundaries of what’s possible together now, so we can all benefit from a more intentional new year when it arrives before we know it!