In today's rapidly evolving IT landscape, the skills gap presents a significant challenge. According to research from Texas State University, 55% of employees report needing more development opportunities to improve their work. For enterprise computing professionals, staying current isn't just an advantage, it is a necessity.
This is where organizations like SHARE provide critical value, offering structured pathways for continuous learning. For those looking to understand the ways SHARE delivers education to the enterprise computing community, this article breaks down five distinct methods the organization employs to empower IT professionals, enhance their skills, and drive organizational success.
1. Providing Year-Round, On-Demand Learning
One of the most significant ways SHARE delivers education is through its continuous learning platforms. Modern organizations are shifting away from lengthy, static training modules toward more flexible options. SHARE addresses this need with SHARE’d Knowledge, an online learning platform exclusive to its individual members, offering year-round educational opportunities with custom curation for each member.
This model allows enterprise IT professionals to access technical education whenever and wherever they need it, fitting crucial skill development into busy schedules without requiring travel or time away from critical projects. An IT specialist can, for example, access curated content on a specific mainframe topic to solve an immediate problem at work, applying the knowledge in real time. This on-demand availability makes SHARE a vital resource for continuous professional development in the fast-paced enterprise environment.
2. Offering Timely, Expert-Led Webcasts
To keep pace with rapid technological changes, IT professionals need access to timely and relevant information. SHARE facilitates this through its regular webcast series. These sessions provide year-round opportunities for members of the enterprise computing community to dive into hot topics and learn directly from industry experts.
This format aligns with the trend identified by Texas State University, where organizations favor shorter learning experiences that employees can apply quickly. A systems developer, for instance, could attend a one-hour webcast on a new security protocol and immediately begin implementing those concepts within their organization.
By focusing on current trends and pressing issues, SHARE webcasts deliver targeted, actionable insights that help professionals stay ahead of the curve and provide immediate value to their employers.
3. Delivering a Structured Technical Program
Effective technical education requires a clear and organized curriculum. SHARE provides this through a structured technical program organized across focused tracks and projects. These represent major enterprise technology themes, creating a comprehensive learning framework for participants.
This approach supports skills-based development, allowing professionals to build expertise in specific, high-demand areas rather than following a rigid, title-based training path. An enterprise architect can choose to focus on programs related to data center modernization or security, gaining deep knowledge across multiple sessions and workshops dedicated to that theme.
This structured yet flexible model ensures that the education SHARE delivers is not only deep but also highly relevant to the evolving roles and responsibilities within enterprise IT.
4. Enabling Direct Collaboration with Industry Leaders
A unique educational channel SHARE offers is the opportunity for direct collaboration and influence. Through the SHARE Advocacy & Requirements System, members can do more than just learn; they can actively participate in the evolution of enterprise technology. This channel enables members to submit, discuss, and vote on system enhancements and software feedback that are communicated to key industry vendors like IBM.
This process transforms members from passive learners into active contributors, providing an unparalleled understanding of the software development lifecycle and the rationale behind new features. For a systems programmer, this means having a direct voice in the tools they use daily, offering feedback that can lead to tangible improvements. This collaborative approach is a powerful form of hands-on education that connects members directly with key industry players.
5. Fostering Community and Peer-to-Peer Networking
Technical knowledge is often best absorbed and retained through community interaction and peer support. SHARE’s biannual conferences, held in winter and summer, are premier events for this purpose. These gatherings bring together thousands of enterprise IT professionals, creating a vibrant environment for knowledge sharing.
The organization highlights its inclusive sessions and networking channels, which cover universal IT topics and facilitate connections among attendees. An IT manager attending a SHARE conference can learn about a new implementation strategy in a formal session and then discuss practical challenges and solutions with peers who have faced similar issues.
This combination of formal education and informal networking provides a holistic learning experience, building a strong professional community that supports its members long after the event concludes.
How SHARE Empowers Enterprise Computing Professionals
Since 1955, SHARE has been a cornerstone of the enterprise IT ecosystem. Its model is built on providing education that is both technically deep and practically applicable, helping professionals advance their skills and their careers. The organization’s multi-faceted approach ensures that learning is not a one-time event but an ongoing process.
This commitment is reflected in its long-term relationships with strategic corporate partners and technology providers. From its structured programs and collaborative channels to its on-demand resources like the SHARE'd Knowledge platform, SHARE creates a comprehensive educational framework.
This empowers professionals to not only meet the demands of their current roles but also to anticipate and prepare for the future of enterprise computing.
The Bottom Line
In an industry defined by constant change, access to relevant, timely, and varied technical education is non-negotiable for enterprise IT professionals. SHARE addresses this need through a robust ecosystem of in-person events, virtual learning platforms, and unique collaborative opportunities that empower its members.
By providing multiple avenues for skill development, SHARE ensures the enterprise computing community is well-equipped to tackle current and future challenges.
