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.
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.
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.
