The society we have today is seriously moving at an alarming rate and many people are trying to find out how best they can fit into this changing society. This is even more so especially in the ever-competitive professional society today.. Nowadays, the primary goal of achieving one’s career goal implies constant learning due to the constantly growing requirements for applicants in the modern world. Another recent study by the World Economic Forum found that, by 2022, approximately 54% of the global workforce might require new sets of skills, or even retraining in order to remain continuously employed. This article is going to fill in the reader on all aspects of the continuous learning process and offer tips on how to build up particular skills.
Embrace Lifelong Learning
Although one cannot overemphasize on the importance of entailing continuous learning integrates in its mode of operation, the most crucial learning component is the preparedness to learn forever. It’s deliberately choosing and continuing to grow, absorb more knowledge and improve skills throughout your entire life. What you also learn is that learning is not a process which you do only when you are in school or college, but rather a process you go through till you are old. Owning to this concept, it will be easier for you to work under new environments or identifying new opportunities and compromises much easier.
Set Clear Learning Goals
That brings in to focus the next component of the art of continuous learning which is, setting of learning goals. Before choosing a subject you need to define what specific skills you need to develop or enhance during your work and then find out how to achieve those objectives. Possible goals of learning can be as diverse as learning a new software or tool or acquiring a new language or language set of soft skills among others. For a specific subject, SMART goals are immensely useful to keep focus and motivation while completing a learning process.
Create a Learning Schedule
Scheduling for learning is important because with a schedule for learning, the learning process can be consistent. As with any other endeavor, learning is not a product of a one-time effort and certainly not an effortless one. Eliminate interruptions for other tasks when it is time to engage in learning activities; schedule a certain time of the week for learning activity. It may be by enrolling for online classes, or going for a specific training, even taking time to study by themselves. This way, having a consistent learning schedule will help you make steady progress hence building your skills learnt over time and it will also help you to have a check and balance mechanism in the event you feel like giving up along the way.
Use Technology and Internet
The use of technology and the internet has placed education in a position where learning was easier than impossible. Most educational platforms such as Coursera, Udemy, and edX should be employed to access quality courses in the field of your desire. Podcasts, webinars and other tutorials that are free for anyone to use are also present in large quantity. Linked for instance, Twitter and face book offer similar platforms for diverse professional linkages and opportunities to share knowledge. These platforms give you an opportunity to listen to other people’s knowledge speeches and join a wider circle of friends.
Ask for Comments and Criticism
As acceptance to learn, willingness for improvement and improvement are dependent on self assessment or feedback from others. Ideally, the work should be shared with students and how you can improve it on a given skill set should be communicated to you. These can be obtained from self, peers, subordinates, supervisors or even the customers. To better experience and grow professionally you must always look for people opinion and embrace change.
Go to Conferences, Seminars, and Symposiums
Membership in these professional networks offers a lot of opportunities for gaining knowledge without stop. If joining professional forums and discussion groups one will be able to make contact with other professionals, find out what trends currently take place in this sphere and also learn to master new skills and tools. LinkedIn is beneficial as a trending source for finding people interested in collaboration and getting acquainted with the updates. Apart from these, professional bodies and employer associations give you an opportunity to network and they also provide you reference with their professional development resources.
Application of Knowledge and Skills with PRACTICE
As mentioned earlier, continuous learning is broader than the accumulation of theoretical knowledge in information steam. However, for you to improve your skill and competency level, the newly gained knowledge should also be used and practiced. It could be something as simple as challenging yourself at work, or attending workshops, or volunteering for positions that will help one practice the skills learned. Essential reasons for participating in such exercises are to actually use the newly acquired knowledge in as many real-life situations as possible, which will reinforce your understanding of the material, as well as prove how well you can use it in a practical context.
Engage with Different Forms of Media
Especially when it comes to learning it is always a good idea to know what’s new and what’s going around. Read regular blogs, newsletters, journals or magazines that relate to the industry and engage podcasts. That way you will get put through different opinions and perceptions about different things and there is high possibility of coming up with new concepts or ideas. Different kinds of content will also make you understand the current happenings within your area of specialization hence giving you a competitive edge.
Conclusion
It’s a valuable skill that has to be possessed to be able to stay employed and relevant in the rapidly changing workplace. The five characteristics of art of continued learning include; adoption of lifelong learning attitude, having learning objectives, and having the learning plans and schedules. Use web-based materials, ask for commentary and critique, participate in professional organizations and groups, and study through implementation. And last but not least, get access regularly to different information and media to be aware of events and motivated. By using these above outlined points you will be able to perfect your skills, broaden your connections, and open up so many more options available for your personal and professional development.
