The Case For Continuous Learning
In a world where industries evolve overnight and new tools emerge daily, the idea of "finishing" your education is a myth. To stay relevant and fulfilled in your career, learning must be a lifelong habit, not a one-time event.
In this episode of The Glass Sessions, we explore why continuous learning is the ultimate career insurance. We break down the difference between "just-in-case" and "just-in-time" learning, how to build a curriculum for yourself without going back to school, and why curiosity is the most underrated soft skill you can develop.
Actionable Tips & Takeaways
Shift Your Mindset: Just-in-Case vs. Just-in-Time
Just-in-Case Learning: Traditional education often focuses on learning things you might need someday. While valuable foundationally, it can be inefficient in a fast-paced career.
Just-in-Time Learning: Focus on acquiring skills when you need them to solve a specific problem. This approach is often stickier because you immediately apply what you learn to a real-world challenge.
Build Your Own Curriculum
Audit your gaps: Look at the job description for the role you want next (or even two steps ahead). Identify the specific skills you lack and create a plan to fill them.
Diversify your sources: Learning doesn't always mean a certification. It can be listening to a niche podcast, reading industry newsletters, following thought leaders on LinkedIn, or taking a short workshop.
Check your employee handbook: Many companies offer professional development budgets that frequently go under-utilized. Review your handbook or ask HR if there is a stipend available for courses, conferences, or even books.
Don't leave money on the table: Even if a budget isn't explicitly advertised, you can often build a business case to get funding for resources that will bring new ideas back to the team, including attending conferences and webinars.
Make Learning a Daily Habit
Micro-learning: You don’t need hours of free time. Dedicate 15 minutes a day to reading an article or watching a tutorial. Consistency beats intensity.
Teach what you learn: The best way to solidify a new concept is to explain it to someone else. Share your takeaways with your team or write a quick post about it.
Tips for Managers
Create a Learning Culture
Model the behavior: If you want your team to learn, let them see you learning. Share a podcast episode you listened to or a mistake you made and what you learned from it.
Find the budget: Encourage your team members to find conferences or courses that will help them grow, and work to find the budget for it - this investment often leads to higher engagement and retention.
Celebrate growth: Recognize team members who learn new skills and apply them. This signals that you value growth just as much as output.
Continuous learning isn't just about professional survival; it's about keeping your work interesting and maintaining a sense of agency over your career path. By staying curious and proactive, you ensure that you are always ready for whatever the future of work holds.
