What word best describes the experience of a student? Learning! While your days in the classroom may be over, the drive to learn, understand, discover and achieve is a lifelong quest!
Ben Franklin grasped the concept well when he said, “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” Learning will always enrich your life and expand your mind. Applied to your career, it will keep you sharp, valuable and capable of great accomplishments. Here are a few ways you can become a student of your career:
Expand your knowledge. Depending on what job you find yourself in, there are a multitude of sources you can access to expand your career knowledge—from industry magazines and books, to online research, training programs, professional seminars and continued education.
Build learning into your job. Whatever you do, there is always something you can learn from it. Make it your goal to learn something new every day—and write it down. It doesn’t have to be something you read or study. It may come through your coworkers or your boss. If something interests you, ask questions! That’s one of the best ways to learn. People love to talk about what they know, so glean all you can from their knowledge and experience.
Make your intentions known. Let your boss know, you want to keep learning and growing. Inquire about opportunities the company may offer or funds that are allocated to employee training. Some companies even contribute funds towards college education. If that’s a benefit you are eligible for, take advantage of it. And, when it comes time to set professional goals that tie to your performance, make learning one of them!
There is a common denominator among successful people—they never stop learning. By emulating this one quality, you will enjoy a career marked by fascination, discovery and success!