We take education for granted while we are still in the system. From the time we are children to young adults we learn and grow within the walls and structures of one institution after another. By the time we have finally reached out graduation, it can feel like total freedom. You are done! No more latenights in the library, no more referencing, no more work for an arbitrary grade you have to pay for the privilege of receiving. You are free to finally start your life.
Only, that is when you realize that the working world plays by much harder rules, and that even once you get a position, its stagnancy can be your downfall. After spending so long learning, doing the same job over and over again can feel like a blessing – that is, until you realize that you are starting to feel like all your skills are slipping away from you.
Before you despair, do remember that there are many ways to pursue education after you leave college. Commit to them,and you will not only be happier, but far more hirable.
Free Options
There are a wide variety of free options to continue learning, and they are:
1. News and Editorial Articles
It is critical to stay up to date with the news. In fact, you should see it as your duty, because when we ignore what is happening in the world, we condone all the terrible and wrong things that are happening. Awareness is the first step, and only then can you make the right decisions based on your beliefs.
2. Read Non-Fiction More
Reading is a hobby we should all enjoy on a more regular basis. Not only can we learn more about the world and all that goes on within it, but we will also improve our grammar and vocabulary as a result.
3. Take Online University Courses
All you need to do is download the edX training app, and then start enrolling in courses that you find the most interesting. The edX app has many different courses for you to enroll in, from law and architecture to food and nutrition, to digital marketing and language. The edX online training app has courses available in English, Spanish, Chinese, French, Dutch, Italian, German, and more – it is filled to the brim with language courses so that you can become multilingual in as many languages as you please.
If you are learning to advance your career, then do consider getting the paid certification, as this will provide demonstrable proof of your course completion.
Paid Options
Of the paid options, here are some of the best to consider:
- Going Back to College
- Night School
- Workshops
- Conferences
It can be very difficult to, say, go back to college or attend night school when you need to hold down a full-time job, but it is doable, and once you complete it, you can enjoy plenty of career advancement options.
Employment Options
Your employer has a vested interest in you learning and developing your skills, so see about any of these employment education options today:
1. Shadowing
Ask if you can shadow another employee in a different role or department as you. This can be useful if you want to switch over to that employee’s role in the future, or if you want to become a manager.
2. Sponsorship
If what you want to learn at a formal education institution will directly help your employer in the future see if they would be willing to sponsor your education. Even if they only put a fraction of the cost forward, it is still better than nothing.
Education doesn’t stop just because you have graduated. The only difference is now you are in complete control of what you learn. From industry-specific knowledge to something you wanted to know for the fun of it, commit to learning and make it a regular habit. Only then can you really see the benefits.