Category: DEI

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Future-Proofing Your Career: The Value of Lifelong Learning for Underrepresented Groups and Non-Traditional Backgrounds

future proofing your career graphic

Introduction

Did you know that 85% of the jobs that will exist in 2030 haven’t even been thought up yet? This prediction from a Dell Technologies report hits home, especially for those from underrepresented groups or with nontraditional backgrounds. Why? Because it signals the rapid evolution of the job market, thanks to technological advancements and shifting industry trends. To remain relevant and competitive, we must all become relentless learners, adding new skills to our repertoire and refining the old ones. And so, we delve into the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of lifelong learning for future-proofing your career. Let’s go!

The Importance of Lifelong Learning

In today’s world, career paths don’t just meander – they take unexpected turns and loop-de-loops. The traditional ‘one job for life’ model is gone and what’s here is an exciting yet unpredictable job market. It’s like choosing the red pill in The Matrix and seeing the reality of the professional landscape – dynamic and continually changing. Whether you’re fresh out of high school, in the midst of a mid-career switch, or returning to work after a hiatus, lifelong learning is your roadmap to career resilience and longevity.

Lifelong Learning for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

An inclusive workplace isn’t just about ticking a diversity box—it’s about creating an environment where diversity is more than just tolerated; it’s celebrated. This begins with acknowledging diversity in race, gender, age, experiences, and extends to diversity in thought, skills, and ability. Promoting lifelong learning and professional development opportunities for everyone, especially folks from nontraditional backgrounds or underrepresented groups, is one effective strategy.

Airbnb, for instance, has developed a variety of training programs to enhance representation and advancement of underrepresented groups within the company. Mentorship programs, career coaching, and leadership development courses are a few examples of their commitment to learning and development.

Similarly, Adobe’s Digital Academy offers a coding bootcamp and a technical internship, opening doors to the tech industry for individuals from nontraditional backgrounds. These initiatives don’t just offer essential technical skills but also provide a valuable foothold in the tech industry for underrepresented groups.

lifelong learning at a library table

Pursuing Further Education: Degrees, Certificates, Online Courses

Formal education lays the foundation but learning doesn’t stop at the university gates. Degrees, certificates, and online courses form part of the learning ecosystem that catalyzes professional growth. Platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, Treehouse, Udemy, and Udacity offer a myriad of courses, bringing education to your living room. They are the lifeline for those who can’t access traditional education due to various constraints.

In my own journey, online learning platforms have been huge. I’ve acquired a wide range of skills I wouldn’t have otherwise even explored. For instance, I’ve studied frontend web design, UX design, and data analysis, areas that I initially knew little about. But the flexibility, depth, and pace of the courses I took allowed me to grasp what felt like complex topics and apply them to things I was working on (or the things that I wanted to work on,) right away. Beyond new skills, I also took the opportunity to fortify my existing skills. With so many resources at my fingertips, I was able to hone my coaching, project management, and public speaking abilities. These platforms catered to my learning pace, style, and schedule, transforming my professional development journey. Continuous learning, I found, was not just about professional growth, but personal growth too, providing a sense of achievement, satisfaction, and confidence that permeated all aspects of my life. I use these skills every day.

The Unsung Hero: Your Local Public Library

I know I’m hyping online learning like crazy, but let’s remember a traditionally treasured resource that’s been serving communities long before the internet came along: the public library. Today’s libraries have evolved into technologically adaptive learning hubs, offering access to a multitude of resources – digital and otherwise.

Yep. Apart from physical books and magazines, libraries have e-books, audiobooks, online magazines, and newspapers that can be accessed with the simple click of a button from any connected device. Many libraries have expanded their services to include free classes and workshops, too. Some of those are even offered online, increasing accessibility for those who might not be able to attend in person.

Public libraries like the Los Angeles Public Library and the New York Public Library offer free online learning resources and courses, extending the reach of education. They’ve partnered with online learning platforms to provide free access to courses and often provide free access to premium online learning platforms. Check with your library to see what they offer in their digital learning catalog. Whether you’re looking to hone your digital literacy skills or stay abreast of industry trends, your local library is a goldmine for learning.

woman studying at the library and opening up possibilities

Professional Development: Beyond Formal Education

While formal education forms the foundation, additional professional development is what helps you build your tower of knowledge. This can be achieved through a blend of industry-specific workshops, online webinars, networking events, and even peer learning groups.

Websites like Skillshare and MasterClass host classes led by industry leaders, often providing a hands-on, practical approach to learning. Similarly, platforms like Meetup or Eventbrite regularly host networking events that offer a chance to learn about industry trends and gain advice from peers and mentors.

Overcoming Barriers to Lifelong Learning

Lifelong learning may seem like a daunting journey, fraught with hurdles such as time constraints, financial limitations, lack of access to learning resources, or fear of stepping out of your comfort zone. However, with a blend of strategy, resilience, and creativity, these challenges can be overcome. Here are some tips to help:

  • Time Management: Balancing learning with work, family, and other commitments can be a juggling act. One strategy is to create a dedicated ‘learning schedule.’ It could be as simple as blocking out an hour each day or setting aside a specific day of the week for learning. Remember, it’s not about how much time you spend, but how consistently you do it.
  • Financial Constraints: Continuous learning doesn’t have to break the bank. There are numerous free or low-cost learning resources available. For example, websites like edX and Khan Academy offer free courses from top universities. And let’s not forget your local public library, an often overlooked resource for free classes, workshops, and learning materials.
  • Access to Learning Resources: Not everyone has easy access to learning resources, especially in remote or underserved communities. This is where online learning can bridge the gap. And remember, many public libraries offer digital resources and access to online learning platforms, leveling the playing field and making lifelong learning more accessible.
  • Fear of Stepping Out of Comfort Zones: Embarking on a new learning journey can be intimidating. It’s important to start small, set achievable goals, and celebrate your progress. Reach out to supportive communities, join learning groups, or find a mentor to guide you. Remember, every expert was once a beginner.
  • The road to continuous learning may have its bumps, but with persistence and the right strategies, the journey is certainly worth it. Your potential is unlimited, and every step you take towards learning is a step towards unlocking that potential. Remember, the goal isn’t to be the best, it’s to be better than you were yesterday.

Remember, every step you take towards learning unlocks a part of your potential. The goal isn’t to be the best; it’s to be better than you were yesterday.

Conclusion

Lifelong learning isn’t a trend—it’s a necessity in our ever-evolving world. It empowers you to adapt, evolve, and thrive in the dynamic professional landscape. For those from underrepresented groups or nontraditional backgrounds, it’s a natural fit with our inherent capacity to learn and succeed against all odds. As the world changes, and jobs come and go, your ability to learn, adapt, and grow remains. Cultivate it, invest in it, and witness as doors of opportunity swing open.

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Beyond the C-Suite: The Untapped Potential for Board Diversity

Benefits of board diversity beyond C-suite graphic

In the realm of board diversity, progress has not just stalled—it’s backsliding. According to a recent report by Heidrick & Struggles, the proportion of new female board members, particularly Black women, is dwindling at U.S. firms. This regression is happening despite the fact that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts have been at the forefront of corporate conversations. So, where’s the disconnect?

The conundrum stems from a conventional yet flawed approach: confining the search for board members to the C-suite. While it’s undeniably filled with accomplished and highly-qualified individuals, the C-suite pool is narrow and not nearly diverse as it could be. By setting our sights beyond the C-suite, we could unlock a wealth of untapped potential that could be key to achieving sustainable board diversity.

Breaking The C-Suite Barrier

C-suite experience has become a prerequisite for many board roles, with an increasing number of positions going to those with CEO or CFO backgrounds. The challenge? Only 26% of C-suite executives are women, according to a 2022 McKinsey & Company report. Furthermore, only 10% of Fortune 500 companies have women CEOs, and this percentage drops to 0.4% when considering Black women-led companies. This discrepancy doesn’t reflect a lack of qualified women; rather, it highlights the systemic barriers that keep them from reaching the C-suite in the first place.

The same structural issues that contribute to the gender and racial imbalance in the C-suite can manifest on boards, leading to a vicious cycle that keeps board diversity stagnant. Fast-tracking a few women into high-visibility roles or expanding board size to accommodate diversity may be quick fixes, but these measures are temporary and could even perpetuate opposition.

A diverse board of directors sitting around a boardroom table

Untapped Potential

Rather than restricting board member search efforts to the traditional pool of C-suite executives, it’s time companies broadened their horizons. As I’ve argued in my article on The Benefits of Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace, diversity brings about a host of benefits, including increased creativity and innovation, improved employee engagement, and a wider market appeal. The potential of these benefits does not decrease as we climb the corporate ladder. In fact, Senior Directors and other non-C-suite executives hold a wealth of experience and expertise that could greatly enhance board decision-making processes.

Elevating Senior Directors and similar roles to board positions not only increases diversity but also enriches the board with a range of experiences and skills that might not be present within the C-suite. Furthermore, it sends a powerful message about an organization’s commitment to diversity and inclusion at all levels.

Sustainable Change

Sustainable progress in board diversity requires more than one-off initiatives or symbolic gestures. We need to overhaul the system that contributes to the lack of diversity in the first place. This might involve revising human resources processes, like performance reviews and hiring rules, to ensure they’re free of bias and foster diversity.

As Forbes rightfully highlights, improving board refreshment practices and leveling the playing field can foster durable progress in board diversity. These practices also enhance the bottom line by improving corporate governance and protecting human capital investments. Therefore, they are integral to the overall health and success of an organization.

Let’s not let board diversity be another box to tick or a trend to follow. It’s an essential element of a resilient, innovative, and successful company. By looking beyond the C-suite, we can tap into a wealth of potential and foster a more diverse and inclusive corporate landscape. Remember, diversity isn’t just a statistic—it’s a strategy for success.