You Don’t Stop Learning Once You Leave School

• Pelin Su Gundogdo
• November 09, 2023
• Newsletter Article

How important do you think continuous learning is after completing formal education and what does continuous learning look like to you?

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How important do you think continuous learning is after completing formal education and what does continuous learning look like to you? 

 

 

 

Nicole:

I earned my B.A. in social studies a while ago, and I've come to realize that learning is an ongoing process, especially in the ever-changing work environment. I believe in staying open-minded and embracing continuous development opportunities at work. Additionally, if there's something outside of work that interests me and aligns with my career goals, I actively pursue it to keep educating myself. Although I haven't pursued formal education since graduation, I'm an avid reader, with two books on my nightstand—one for leisure and the other to enhance my professional knowledge. Continuous self-education is vital in my journey, even though there's much more to discuss on this topic.

 

Paula:

I share a similar perspective with Nicole. Although I've been out of my initial schooling for a long time, I've returned as an adult multiple times to acquire various certificates and programs to stay current and acquire new skills. I believe it's essential to prevent career stagnation and adapt to the evolving world around us. Failing to stay updated might diminish our awareness and willingness to embrace change and try new things, impacting our value in the workplace.

 

Clara:

I'm close to my graduation date, and I share Paula and Nicole's sentiments. Continuous learning is crucial, but it can seem intimidating right after completing a four-year education. However, it's all about having an open mindset, not necessarily being in a lecture hall or taking notes but learning how to excel in your job. Approaching it with a constant learning mindset is more attractive than feeling like you have to keep formal learning going, as I've been doing for the past 15 years. It's not always about pursuing additional degrees or certificates like Paula, who has been successful in her approach; it can take different, less structured forms.

 

How can someone overcome the challenges of finding time for learning outside of their regular commitments?

 

Nicole:
I agree with the idea that as life progresses, our priorities and responsibilities change. It's

challenging to balance everything simultaneously. In my early career, I focused on roles that allowed me to spend more time with my young family without feeling guilty. As life evolved, I adjusted my roles and responsibilities to accommodate more time for personal and professional growth. Finding time outside of work can be tricky due to our limited hours in a day, but, as Clara mentioned, it doesn't have to be formal training; it can be as simple as reading a book or listening to a podcast during commutes. It all comes down to intention and the willingness to make time for continuous learning.

 

Paula:

I believe it's true that there are numerous resources available that can be integrated into our already busy lives. Podcasts and audiobooks, for instance, are excellent for utilizing commute times. As a parent, I had to shift my mindset to make the most of my children's sports practice time by being physically present on the sideline while also reading during that period. Committing to educational pursuits requires blocking out time on the family calendar, treating it like any other recreational activity or financial commitment. This approach not only helps me value that dedicated time but also encourages my family to respect it. It's a valuable soft skill for everyone in the household to learn about respecting each other's responsibilities and time management.

 

Clara:

I resonate with Nicole's point about the importance of aligning continuous learning with your priorities and career stage. It's crucial to recognize that you don't have to dive deep into it immediately, especially if you're just starting your career. Your timing may differ from others, and it's essential to assess if your work can support your learning goals. Personally, I discovered the value of simply asking for support and found a beneficial in-person workshop in my town, even though my workplace hadn't initially suggested it. This experience not only benefited me but also our entire marketing team. I believe there's power in seeking opportunities, and when you're dedicated to a goal, you'll find the time to pursue it.

 

Paula:

I was considering the significance of continuous learning beyond traditional office hours and irrespective of the level of support from one's company. While it's highly valuable when a company is supportive and provides resources for personal development, I believe that the importance of continuous learning goes beyond workplace support. Even without company backing, individuals should actively seek out and invest in opportunities for self-improvement and growth.

 

Nicole:

Building on that, in the current labor market, organizations are increasingly focused on retaining their employees and supporting career development. They recognize the need to invest in their staff to keep them engaged and motivated. So, if you're in a company and express your eagerness to learn and grow, it's a great time to do so. It not only sets you apart from your colleagues as someone committed to personal development, but it also grabs the attention of HR and leaders. By proactively seeking opportunities for learning and growth, you position yourself for promotions and advancement in your career.

 

Has learning outside of school helped you overcome challenges in the workplace?

Are there any areas of knowledge you believe are essential for people to focus on when learning outside of school?

 

Paula:
In my view, leadership skills are essential and should not be reserved exclusively for those at the top of the organizational hierarchy. I believe that leadership skills should be cultivated by everyone, especially those starting their careers. This approach not only helps younger professionals build confidence and experience but also establishes a succession plan for the organization by empowering coworkers and less experienced employees to become leaders. By

investing time and energy in these individuals and showing belief in their leadership potential, you avoid future challenges of replacing retiring employees. I believe in providing leadership training at all levels within the organization, allowing for greater flexibility in personnel management and development.

 

Nicole:

I believe that learning outside of formal education has been my most valuable teacher, with life experiences serving as crucial lessons. My biggest takeaway has been the importance of empathy. These life experiences have enabled me to be a better leader within my organization, as they've equipped me to connect with people in a more compassionate and understanding manner. We all bring different life experiences and challenges to the table, and the act of learning outside of school has made me a more well-rounded individual. This, in turn, positively impacts my role as a team member, boss, or leader, fostering better relationships and communication.

 

Clara:

I agree with Paula and Nicole regarding the importance of soft skills that you don't typically learn in a classroom. Working closely with coworkers day in and day out allows you to truly understand their work style and interpersonal dynamics. One eye-opening experience for me, transitioning from formal education to a job, has been collaborating with colleagues from different generations who are not in a superior role. This dynamic, where the older generation is not your boss, has required empathy and leadership to work together effectively, transcending age differences. It's been a valuable learning experience that I hadn't encountered in formal education.

 

Can you share a personal experience where continuous learning made a significant difference in your life or career? 

 

Paula:

My certificate programs, especially the one in project management, have significantly expanded my career opportunities. Project management is a specialized field with unique requirements, and the certificate allowed me to gain the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in that role. Additionally, it introduced me to tools and techniques for risk management, which I've not only applied in my professional life but also found myself using in my personal decision-making, planning, and problem-solving. These programs have had a profound impact on my career, enabling me to establish a more robust presence in marketing than I initially envisioned when I first entered the workforce after completing my education.

 

Nicole:

I've found that my career path has been a result of continuous learning and evolving interests. It's interesting how your career seems to find you, and in my case, this journey led me from recruitment to supporting young people, driven by a desire to share my experiences and help the next generation. Learning outside of formal education has been the key to my career development. It's not about knowing everything, but it's about gaining confidence and the belief that you have something valuable to offer, which comes with age and experience. Qualifications are important, but they alone don't necessarily provide the self-assurance and industry knowledge that can be obtained through continuous learning and real-world experience. It's a process of growing into your potential, as Clara mentioned earlier.

 

Clara:

I align with Nicole's perspective on learning. I believe that we're constantly learning, and each new bit of knowledge builds our confidence. In my experience at a smaller company, I've become a specialist in my role, and learning, even if it's not through formal education, plays a pivotal role in boosting my confidence and competence in my job. Being in a smaller company has also allowed me to discover my transferable skills, which has enabled me to support other teams and explore different areas of the business. This process of self-discovery, understanding what I'm passionate about, and identifying what I truly enjoy has been incredibly valuable in my career development.

 

Paula:

I believe Clara makes a valuable point, emphasizing that continuous learning, being open to offering assistance, and not pigeonholing oneself in a specific career trajectory are crucial. Such an approach demonstrates you as a team player, willing to contribute to various projects even outside your designated department or tasks. Being adaptable and open to collaboration earns you high marks as an employee and coworker, and it positions you as a valuable resource beyond what qualifications on paper can convey.

 

What role does self-motivation play in the in the pursuit of lifelong learning?

 

Nicole:

I believe that staying motivated is a challenge, and anyone who claims to be charged up every single morning might not be entirely truthful. It's normal to have days when motivation wanes, but the key is how you handle it. You need to understand yourself and your needs, sometimes taking a step back or dedicating time to refuel your motivation through activities like reading or listening to motivational content. I've learned the importance of not beating myself up on low-motivation days and acknowledging that there's always tomorrow. Burnout and stress can result from pushing too hard, so finding a balance between work and well-being is crucial. I've had bosses who emphasized that we don't save lives in our jobs, so it's okay to take a break and prioritize mental health, ensuring that you're in it for the long haul instead of risking burnout and a decrease in well-being.

 

Paula:

I strongly believe that self-motivation plays a crucial role in personal and professional growth,

whether it's seizing opportunities provided by the company or proactively seeking them when not offered. Finding the drive to prioritize continuous learning can be challenging, especially when making commitments to oneself. To overcome this, forming partnerships with coworkers who share similar goals, such as reading a book or working on a course, and scheduling discussions to keep each other accountable can be immensely helpful. The real test of

self-motivation lies not just in completing tasks but in absorbing the material and actively applying it to your work. Many people might hesitate to use what they've learned, fearing they might push their knowledge on others or create misconceptions about their coworkers' abilities. In such cases, open conversations and shared accountability with trusted coworkers can provide the support needed to overcome these challenges and remain motivated on the journey

of continuous learning.

 

Clara:

I completely agree with Paula, and I can personally attest to the power of accountability when working with someone. Knowing that someone else is aware of the task and expects me to complete it on time is a strong motivator for me. Collaborating with a partner can be highly effective in holding each other accountable and driving progress. Additionally, when it comes to continuous learning, it's essential to recognize that not every learning experience needs to be a major commitment. Learning can also happen through everyday tasks and responsibilities within your job. For instance, reviewing edits from my manager has taught me something new each time, even though it's part of my role. I believe in being kind to yourself and allowing for some flexibility in your learning journey. If a particular task or training consistently demotivates you, it's worth discussing with your manager because there might be a team member who genuinely enjoys and excels at it. Collaborative problem-solving and utilizing the strengths of your team can lead to a more motivating and efficient learning experience.

 

How can learning from real world experiences and challenges complement formal education?

 

Nicole:

When it comes to the decision of going back to school, I believe it should be driven by your individual career plan and goals. Not every profession or company necessitates formal education, but it might be a personal aspiration. If you regret not pursuing further education in the past and it aligns with your personal goals, go for it, but with a well-thought-out plan. I've seen instances where individuals with Ph.D. degrees found themselves overqualified for many job positions, so thorough research and planning are crucial. Balancing education with relevant work experience is essential because companies often seek candidates with practical experience. There's no one-size-fits-all approach, and everyone's career path is unique. It's essential to understand that the right time for you might not align with your friends' timelines, but that's perfectly okay. Have a plan, stay focused, and trust that your journey will lead you to your goals in your own time.

 

Paula:

Real-world experiences play a crucial role in problem-solving and human interaction. They enable us to draw upon past events, learn from them, and navigate current challenges more effectively. Our personal growth and development occur through a continuous process of trial and error, progressing from childhood to adulthood, and even into professional roles like running companies. This process is not solely based on formal education but also incorporates the invaluable knowledge gained through lived experiences, understanding how people react, and incorporating emotions into decision-making. To excel as an employee, it's essential to merge the principles learned through formal education with the practicality of real-life encounters, fostering both personal and professional growth. Whether you possess a year of schooling or experience or none at all, the key is to keep evolving as a better human.

 

Clara:

Staying realistic and focused on what truly matters to me and my company is crucial, despite the fear of missing out or falling behind when friends pursue additional courses. It's essential to prioritize my role and how my managers perceive my performance. Learning occurs daily within the context of your job, taking on new tasks and responsibilities as they arise. For instance, managing an intern was a new experience for me, learned through practical exposure and guidance from colleagues like Paula, Nicole, and Bonnie. It's okay to find comfort in mastering your current role, taking the time to excel, and knowing that consistent learning takes various forms, not always through formal classes or training.

 

Nicole:
Remaining true to yourself and what works best for you, even when facing external pressures to

strive for more in your career, is vital advice. I personally encountered a situation where management expected me to aim for higher positions and greater responsibilities, despite my contentment with my current role that was financially satisfying and aligned with the hours I was willing to invest. It's essential to recognize that there's a time for everything, and in my case,

maintaining a balanced life with my family and work was my priority. Resisting such pressures can be challenging, but it prevents potential pitfalls like excessive workload and guilt from affecting your personal life and well-being.

 

Paula:

Wholeheartedly agreeing with this sentiment, I've personally faced a situation where a manager urged me to accept a promotional role that would bring more financial rewards but would involve a job function that fundamentally didn't align with my core values. I had a profound sense that the role wasn't for me, and despite the pressure to progress, I made the decision to leave the company. In retrospect, I'm thankful for this choice because it prevented me from being in a position where I would have been unhappy and working against my principles. The importance of recognizing that not every opportunity, whether in education or promotions, is the right fit is essential. Just because something looks impressive on paper, it doesn't mean it's suitable for you, and forcing yourself into such roles can harm your well-being and effectiveness at work, ultimately leading to a negative impact on both you and your organization.

 

Pelin:

I'm deeply appreciative of the valuable advice and insights shared today, and I'd like to express my gratitude for your time and willingness to share your experiences. These discussions have provided a wealth of guidance and knowledge, and I believe that the wisdom shared here will be of immense help to young professionals as they navigate their careers. Thank you once again for your contributions. These were all the questions I had for today.