How to Future-Proof Your Career With Continuous Learning

Education is more accessible than ever in this day and age. Regardless of whether you're just starting out on your career or have been working for decades, there are plenty of opportunities to expand your knowledge base. That may come in the form of taking business courses at a university or seeking more informal learning opportunities while working at the same time. 

Continuous learning is the best way to ensure that your skills never become obsolete. It's also the best way to ensure that you'll always have a path for career advancement, no matter where you are on your professional journey. Below, we’ll outline some practical ways you can future-proof your career through continuous learning. 

Don't Be Afraid to Go Back to University

If you already have a degree, you might think that your university days are behind you. However, even if you've already started on your professional career, you still have the option to take a break from work and return to university either as a full-time or a part-time student. 

There are two major reasons why you might want to go back to university as a working professional. One is to take your existing skills to the next level. For instance, if you're an entrepreneur, going back to university for an MBA can equip you with advanced knowledge that will help keep your finances in check as your startup starts to scale. Or, if you work in marketing, returning to uni can help you deepen your understanding of your chosen field of marketing and help you gain that much-sought-after promotion. 

Another reason why many professionals choose to study for another business degree is to change careers. Just because you started out in a particular profession doesn't mean that's what you need to be for life, and going back to school is a great way to give yourself a new set of qualifications and skills. Whether you're looking for a full-scale career change or simply want to hone your existing skills, returning to university is a choice you should strongly consider. 

Take Short Online Courses 

Going back to uni is not for everyone. If you don't currently have the capacity for full-time coursework, you can still hone your skills by taking short online courses. These courses are offered both on platforms like Coursera and Udemy, as well as directly on certain universities’ websites. What's more, many online classes are free, and even those that aren't are much cheaper than enrolling in a full-time degree. 

Whatever skill you want to learn, there's a course out there for you. For instance, if you're in marketing and at the start of your career, wondering what to specialise in, you can take a class in Google Ads, SEO or social media marketing to hone in on a specific skill. Or, if you're an accountant, you can take classes in fields like financial accounting or managerial accounting to broaden your skill set. No matter what your current job or future ambitions are, online courses are a great way to invest in yourself and your career. 

Alongside this, many employers now support professional development by subsidising short courses or offering internal training programs. If your workplace provides these opportunities, take advantage of them. Learning within your organisation can help you upskill while still directly contributing to your current role. You’ll become more valuable to your employer and more confident in your abilities. Short courses are also a low-pressure way to test out new areas before committing to a major qualification, helping you decide which direction you want your career to take next.

Network While Learning 

Education isn't just about accumulating knowledge. Universities, schools and even online learning communities are a golden opportunity for you to expand your professional network. Meeting people in your field can open doors you'd never have imagined existed.

If you're in university, the best way to meet professionals is to attend networking events. Prep some printed or digital business cards and introduce yourself to as many people as possible. And if you're studying primarily online rather than on-campus, make sure to keep in touch with your instructors and the other students in your class via LinkedIn and perhaps even across other courses (i.e. moving from undergraduate to postgraduate learning, for example). Continuous learning provides countless opportunities to broaden your horizons and meet new people, and it's up to you to grab these opportunities with both hands. 

You can also expand your learning network through professional associations and industry events. Joining LinkedIn groups, attending webinars or participating in conferences can connect you with like-minded individuals who share your goals and challenges. And sometimes, those connections can lead to mentorship or job opportunities.

Use Every Experience as a Learning Opportunity

Finally, learning doesn't need to happen in a classroom or in an online course. Every situation is an opportunity to gain knowledge or hone your skills, and a big part of continuous learning is making the most of the situations you find yourself in. 

If you're currently working under a manager who's an expert in a particular field, don't be afraid to pick their brains and ask for feedback on your work. Most people will be more than happy to help you out. Also, if there's a specific topic that interests you, buy books and watch videos about it. A big chunk of learning happens outside of formal settings, so make sure to take every opportunity to enhance your skills. 

Continuous Career Progression Calls for an Ongoing Commitment

Constant improvement is crucial for career advancement. Simply staying where you are isn't enough: if you don't keep learning, you'll quickly be left behind by your peers. This is why everyone should commit to continuous learning, however they can, no matter where they are on their professional journeys. 

Thankfully, there are more ways than ever to keep on learning, even if you're also working a full-time job. In this piece, we've gone over some practical continuous learning strategies. Advance your career today by honing your skills and gaining knowledge: your future self will thank you for it.