This site contains affiliate links, view the disclosure for more information.
The importance of continuous learning: how to upskill for career advancement
One of the best ways to stay on your A game and remain “competitive” in your field is through continuous learning. Whether you’re aiming for that next promotion or just wanting to feel more confident and secure in your current role, continuously making time to learn new skills and knowledge is an absolute game-changer. And it’s more than just ‘keeping up’ – it’s about getting ahead and staying fresh. In this article, we dive into why continuous learning is so important no matter where you are in your career, show how a growth mindset can open a lot of doors for you, and talk about some different paths you can take to uplevel your abilities. Let’s get into it!
Continuous learning at any stage of your career
The world of work is constantly changing. New technologies are popping up weekly, industries are changing on the regular, and the skills that were once enough to keep us afloat may not be enough tomorrow. Even if you’re not in a role that demands cutting-edge expertise and knowledge, hopefully you can agree that there’s always room to grow and improve.
And although it may be an obvious statement, learning new things can help you perform better in your current job, boost your confidence, and make you more valuable to your team. Plus, it keeps you interested and engaged in what you do. Because let’s face it – it can be easy to fall into a routine, but challenging yourself with fresh skills helps keep your job exciting and new. So, no matter where you are in your career journey, investing in your own growth is always the right move.
The crucial role of a growth mindset
If you work in tech, you’ve probably heard the phrase ‘growth mindset’ thrown around. Although this term may be over-used, it definitely holds some merit. For those that don’t know what this is – a growth mindset is the belief that your skills and abilities aren’t set in stone and that with effort, learning, and persistence, you can always improve. And there are a ton of benefits to thinking this way, especially in tech companies where innovation and rapid change are so commonplace.
Having a growth mindset means that you embrace challenges as learning opportunities rather than annoyances that you shy away from. For example, maybe you’re a software engineer, and there’s a new programming language you’ve never used before. Instead of feeling overwhelmed and disheartened by the fact that you don’t know it, you jump in with the mindset of “I can learn this if I put my mind to it.”
People with growth mindsets also see mistakes or failures as part of the learning process. For example, when a product launch doesn’t go as planned, instead of seeing it as a failure, they look for lessons to carry forward to the next project.
And it’s not just about technical skills. In tech, you often have to collaborate across different teams like marketing, operations, or product, and having a growth mindset helps you bridge those gaps. For instance, a project manager might take a few coding classes so they can better communicate with developers. It’s all about staying curious, asking smart questions, and constantly pushing yourself to learn something new.
Types of continuous learning and how to leverage them
There are lots of different ways to keep learning throughout your career. The good news is that many of them are easily accessible and often customizable to your specific needs. Below we talk about some of our favorite ways to upskill and share some helpful tips to ensure you get the most out of your efforts.
1. Online Courses
We love an online course. Online learning platforms have made education more accessible than ever. Whether you want to learn the basics of digital marketing, dive into data analytics, or improve your project management skills, you can likely find an online course on one of these sites to fit your needs.
Resources:
- Coursera: Offers courses from top universities, often with free options for those that don’t want to spend money.
- Udemy: Offers affordable courses on just about every subject imaginable.
- edX: Known for its partnership with top universities like MIT and Harvard.
Tactical tips:
- Pick courses that align with your career goals or areas where you see future growth in your industry. It’s all about getting ahead and predicting what skills will set you apart!
- Create a schedule that fits into your already existing routine. We recommend setting aside an hour or two per week to dedicate to this.
- Don’t just complete the courses and go through the motions. Try to apply what you learn in real life scenarios. Practice your new skills on the job or on projects to really seal in your knowledge.
2. Certifications
If you’re looking to add some extra credibility to your brag sheet or resume, certifications are a great way to go. Certifications show with proof that you’ve taken the time to master specific knowledge or skills. This could be anything from project management to AI to cloud computing.
Certifications to consider:
- Project Management Institute for PMP certification.
- Google certifications in data analytics or digital marketing.
- AWS certification for cloud computing.
Tactical tips:
- Make sure you research which certs are in demand in your field before you dive into one. A quick LinkedIn search of job postings can give you a sense of what employers are looking for in today’s market.
- Make sure the time and money investment is worth the return. Some certifications carry more weight than others. Some are more expensive than others… so do your homework.
- Once you are certified, don’t forget to highlight it on your LinkedIn profile and resume! More on this later in the article.
3. Workshops and Webinars
Workshops and webinars are a great option if you prefer more of an interactive way to learn from experts and an opportunity to connect with peers. Plus, many of them are live and allow for Q&A, giving you the chance to get real-time feedback and answers.
Resources:
- LinkedIn learning: Offers live and on-demand webinars on professional development topics.
- Skillshare: This platform is known for more creative and entrepreneurial workshops.
- Professional organizations: Industry associations often host relevant webinars or live workshops so make sure to keep an eye out for upcoming events in your area.
Tactical tips:
- When you attend these webinars or workshops, don’t be shy and take full advantage by asking questions and engaging with the speakers. You never know what valuable nuggets you’ll pick up.
- Don’t be afraid to follow up with the presenter afterward. Networking with experts can open doors for you in the future.
4. Mentorship
A mentor can be a goldmine of knowledge and insights. Whether it’s someone in your company or an external contact, having a mentor allows you to get personalized guidance on your career, which is invaluable. If you want to learn more about mentorship, we wrote another article about it here.
Resources:
- LinkedIn: Use it to find industry leaders who may be willing to mentor you.
- Company mentorship programs: Check with your HR department to see if they have a formal mentorship initiative.
Tactical tips:
- Be proactive in seeking out mentors. Don’t wait for someone to come to you!
- Have specific goals or questions when meeting with a mentor and always be open to feedback.
- Show gratitude and reciprocate the favor by offering insights of your own even if it’s small.
5. Books, Blogs, and Podcasts
Sometimes, the best way to keep learning is simply by diving into a good book, subscribing to a blog, or listening to a podcast on your commute home from work. These resources are often packed with tons of valuable insights from experienced professionals all over the world.
Resources:
- Goodreads: Great platform for finding book recommendations.
- Medium: An awesome platform for industry-specific articles.
- Podcasts: Search for podcasts relevant to your career, like How I Built This for entrepreneurs or The Daily for current events that impact business.
Tactical:
- Schedule time each week to read or listen to something new!
- Keep a journal of key learnings and actionable steps from books or podcasts.
- Share your learnings with your network, whether through a blog post, LinkedIn article, or just a conversation. This forces you to internalize what you learned and also positions you as a thought leader.
Conclusion
No matter where you are in your career, continuous learning is important for staying relevant, confident, and fulfilled in your career. By embracing a growth mindset, exploring different learning methods, and making sure to showcase your development, you’ll not only advance in your career but also become a lifelong learner who thrives in times of change. Keep growing, keep learning, and your career will thank you!
