If you thought that graduating from college was the end of your intellectual growth, guess again. Learning is a life-long endeavor that happens in so many contexts. The only difference after college is that the context and environment in which it happens just shifts. Every new experience, project, meeting, training session is a new opportunity for you to expand not only your intellectual capacity, but also build specific knowledge and skill sets that shape you in a unique way. The important perspective to keep in order to make your career successful for the long haul is to embrace and pursue learning.
In an ideal situation, the profession and role you are in should constantly challenge you to learn and grow both directly and indirectly. To give you an idea of what this looks like, here are some examples:
Direct: Training courses and sessions, professional certifications, seminars and conferences, mentorship, research-based projects
Indirect: On-the-job learning, projects in unfamiliar subject matter, cross-functional tasks and interactions, client interactions
William Croasmun, a futures consultant with 30+ years of industry experience once shared a valuabe piece of advice about this topic: “If you are no longer learning at your current job, it is time to move on.” Considering that the person who shared this advice has a Ph.D from Cal Tech and a lifetime of professional experience and wisdom, there is reason to heed and soak in what’s been said.
Let’s come back to your daily work setting. Chances are, the previously described ‘ideal situation’ isn’t exactly yours. So does that mean that you should be looking for a job? In this economy? The answer is not necessarily.
The point is that learning and self-development is simply that crucial in your growth as a professional, and that you should be seeking it if you are not receiving it. Instead of finding the ‘ideal job,’ the wiser choice that will be to proactively create opportunities to learn. Engage your manager to take on challenging projects. Look for opportunities to develop new skill sets that will set you apart from the norm. If opportunties to learn are limited within your job context, look beyond it. There are plenty of evening classes you can attend or online courses to take. Pick up a book or two on interesting topics that are revelent to your career. If you want to make a bigger commitment to grow, consier going back to school for an advanced degree. In addition to the obvious benefits of learning, the sense of fulfillment and success that accompanies the process will also serve as an important catalyst for you to continue your pursuit of personal growth, both in and out of your job.
