Investing In Yourself: Education and Building Skills
So many young people today struggle with their future plans as they graduate and go out into the world. Considering what type of education and training you need to follow your dreams can be a daunting task. I think we all can agree that education plays a crucial role in shaping our future, but actually investing in yourself goes beyond the traditional classroom setting. It's about continuously building skills and knowledge to stay competitive in a job market that seems to constantly change.
Let's start by understanding the importance of investing in yourself as it's one of the most valuable investments you can make. Today’s world is dynamic and competitive and we see skills quickly become outdated and on top of that you have the new technologies that are constantly emerging. By investing in education and personal development, you can enhance your skill set, and adapt to new trends which could position you for a better job and better career opportunities.
A great first step is to start to identify your areas of interest and figuring out where your passions lie. Ask yourself what you enjoy doing. Or what are you curious about. What areas you interested in that you would you like to explore or try? Consider things you can see yourself doing and that make you happy. For some people this is harder to figure out than for others. If you need consider using an online career assessment online. You can also journal your thoughts.
Consider a one minute assessment.
Spend one minute each with the following questions:
What do you enjoy doing?
What do you think you are good at?
What do people come to you for, what do they think you’re good at?
Quickly write the things that come into your mind with each question. When you see it writing, you tend to start seeing patterns in those answers that may help you see your path you can follow that aligns with what you like. It may be a career path that becomes clear or it may be a business idea that you could start.
Once you have more clarity on what you want to pursue, explore the various educational options that are available. Consider traditional colleges, online courses, vocational training, or even mentorship programs. The key is to find a learning path that aligns with your goals and that provides practical skills. That can be found a variety of ways.
Next, lets address a common concern for many, the financial aspect of investing in education.
Managing education costs is crucial.
· Start by researching any available scholarships, grants, and other financial aid options.
· You contact the financial aid office at your chosen school for help as well.
· Look for part-time jobs, internships, or co-op programs that could provide hands-on experience while you are earning money for your educational expenses.
· Explore online platforms that offer affordable or even free courses that can help you gain valuable skills.
Be resourceful! The more you can offset those costs, the more chance there is you can minimize having to rely on student loans and incurring that debt. There are so many options. Not limiting yourself to one kind of education can help you be more creative with costs.
There are several non-traditional ways to invest in yourself that go beyond a formal education.
Look for options that are part of your chosen industry like:
· Consider joining professional organizations
· Attend conferences and workshops
· Participate in webinars
· Listen to podcasts
· Join in on online communities
· Find a mentor
Always Remember, learning is not limited to the classroom.
Networking plays a vital role in translating education into career growth and real-world opportunities.
Attending career fairs is a great way to meet people in your industry and establish a connection. You can also learn more about what skill sets they are looking for in employees.
LinkedIn is also a great resource for groups that you can join with others in your industry.
Most of us are all on social media already but if you aren’t familiar with LinkedIn, it’s the professional social media channel you need. Set up a profile and start connecting!
The long and short of it is, you are looking for ways to connect with professionals in your industry. You can often start by just that one conversation with someone in the profession. Then continue to research and follow up on ideas you are given. It’s amazing how often that one first contact can open even more doors if you keep trying and pursuing those leads.
Internships, part-time jobs or even volunteering can help you gain hands on experience and learn about your chosen field applying your knowledge in a practical setting. The key is to bridge the gap between theory of what you’ve learned and actual practice.
Also, consider your personal brand. You can develop a strong personal brand by something as simple as showcasing your skills and accomplishments through an online portfolio or blog or just simply make your own website that is essentially your resume online. There are free options or if an investment is necessary, it is often small. It does take some time to set up and might be a bit of a learning curve if you’ve never done it before, but the result can be quite fulfilling. When in doubt , ask for help or even consider doing research on google or youtube to help you out. Weigh the cost of how much it will cost and then decide if it’s worth it.
Your brand will be effected by your online presence, so be mindful of your social media posts. Employers will often look at your profiles as they go through the hiring process. So keep in mind that your friends and family are not the only ones that see your posts.
We hope these ideas will help you find and pursue your path. And remember, the truth is, you may start down a path and discover it’s not what you thought and that it’s not for you and that’s ok. The future is rarely set in stone. You can adjust and try something new! In fact, a degree doesn’t mean that’s field you will eventually work in. You never know what path life will take you down. Consider your responsibilities, but also be happy.
Our bonus tip today… is to remember that investing in yourself is a lifelong journey. This isn’t a sprint to some kind of finish line necessarily, it tends to be more of marathon. Of course, you will reach goals you’ve set, like finishing a course or getting a new position or something of that nature but you will learn and grow all your life, especially if you allow yourself to.
Stay curious… be open to learning and embrace opportunities for personal growth.
Continuously evaluate your skills and consider what new goals you need to set, then be clear about what they are. This equals regularly updating your learning plan.
This is not to say that you will constantly be in a class or something of that nature but you never know when something will spark your interest. It may be a class, it may be a video that catches your eye, or an article you read. Or even something you learn from a co-worker or a family member or friend. And it may not always be about work… it could be about life! That’s the curiosity and being open to learning.
Some things will be relevant at the time and others won’t. Take what you need, leave the rest. If you need it in the future, it will come back around. Life has a way of doing that.
Most importantly, believe in yourself and your ability to succeed. As long as you are trying, you can succeed! With determination and a commitment to self-improvement, you can create a wonderfully bright future.
So remember, investing in yourself is an investment that pays lifelong dividends. Start today, explore your passions, and never stop learning.