How Important is Ongoing Education To Achieve Success
Is continuing your education a benefit to your career, or a bane to your life?
We've rolled into August, and already the "back-to-school" ads/guilt buying/promotional aisles have sprouted wings - spreading its ever increasing net to capture your dollars. You are more than prepared to spend big bucks on your kids' education - be it for tuition or supplies - but how willing are you to invest both money AND time in yourself? What - there's no need you say? You're fine in your job, your work is excellent, and your employer likes you the way you are?
Wrong Answer! Employers are always looking out for employees who look out for themselves. Continuing your education IS proof of your involvement in your own future, and therefore has the company's interest as well. By taking courses or seminars, you are showing your interest in growing, not stagnating. It means you are thinking outside the box, and while this has become a well-worn cliche, it is still a very desirable trait. Putting in the effort to attend a course, seminar or conference takes planning (someone has to pick up your slack, not just a work but in your personal responsibilities), research (so, which course are you taking, and why), and dedication (you actually attend, listen, think about, and hopefully come away with something). This will only help in your advancement within the company, as well as self-empowerment.
The benefits are multiple:
Taking courses help fill the gaps (if any) in your Resume - so if you are out of work and having trouble finding work - take a course/seminar! As money is probably tight, consider taking one of the many courses offered by your local YMCA or Employment Centre. Even if you think you know it all, you just might find some information that's new, or a new spin on old material.
Taking some time off for a course/seminar lets your boss/employer know you are looking for more, AND willing to put in the time and effort - so take advantage of any business/company related seminars/training or conferences, especially if your company is willing to help you with the cost.
Taking a course that interests you gets you motivated - and the more motivated you are, the happier you will be - not just for the work, but in all aspects of your life.
Sounds like a win-win situation for all involved. So get into the "back to school" fun - and start planning on what you're doing to further your own continuing education.
