Becoming a Lifelong Student

1. Set Clear Learning Goals

Before diving into any learning resources, go back to your professional brand strategy. Without a specific major or degree in mind, you will need to put thought into your learning goals to grow your career. Consider the person you have positioned yourself to be, as well as the person you aspire to be. Consider what what you want to achieve. Imagine your journey to get this point. It’s okay to dream big. Nothing you write down is permanent and having a map, will help keep you on track AND be intentional when you switch course.

• Identify the skills or certifications valued in your industry Make a list of both your strengths and the gaps.
• Identify your goals. Where to you aspire to be when you retire? Where can you see yourself in 10 years? 5 years? next year?
• Reflect on feedback you’ve received or areas you’d like to improve. Hold up an honest mirror and listen to the biggest critics and your greatest fans.
• Prioritize a list of the the top 3 things you would like to develop over the next 6 months.

2.. Industry-Specific Certifications

As you consider immediate or near term opportunities for career growth, certifications can be a great way to deepen expertise or make a career pivot.Many large technology partners offer certifications at no charge.

• Grow with Google offers certificates and courses in a wide arrary of areas,including project management, data analytics, cyber security, digital marketing and more
• Project Management Professional (PMP) or Scrum certifications for project management.
• Salesforce or Hubspot certifications for those in sales and marketing roles.

Many of these certification paths provide resources and study guides, making it easier to achieve step-by-step.

3. Online Learning Platforms

Online learning platforms provide a great opportunity for on demand learning at an affordable price point. Several of these platforms (like Coursera) even allow you to audit classes at no charge, so that you can explore and attempt to take a deeper dive into areas you may not otherwise.As you create a career path, you will likely realize that “what got you here, won’t get you there.” The skills and expertise that may help you thrive as an individual contributor, may not be what you need to become a leader of people, process or product.

Coursera and edX – Platforms like Coursera and edX offer courses taught by professors from top universities. They cover a vast range of topics and often provide certificates that you can showcase on your LinkedIn profile.

LinkedIn Learning – Ideal for professional skill development, LinkedIn Learning has thousands of on-demand courses, from software training to leadership skills. Courses are short, making it easy to fit learning into a busy schedule.

Udemy – Known for affordable courses on specific skills, Udemy covers everything from programming to design to business acumen. Look out for sales that offer major discounts on popular courses.

4. Professional Development Books

Reading books on personal and professional development can broaden perspectives. Here are a few must-reads as you contemplate your career

• Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life by Bill Burnett
• Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi
• Measure what Matters by John Doerr
• Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson
• How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie for relationship-building skills.

Along with the professional development, consider books that offer insights into the rapidly changing nature of work. Adapting your career path to adjust to these changes will be critical, and books like Brave New Words: How AI Will Revolutionize Education (and Why That’s a Good Thing), by Salman Khan will keep you thinking!

Career Podcasts

Professional development podcasts like How I Built This with Guy Raz or WorkLife with Adam Grant can provide insights into workplace challenges, career paths, and personal development strategies. Be sure to subscribe to the key podcasts within your industry as well

5. Industry Blogs and Newsletters

Staying up-to-date on industry news helps you anticipate changes and stay relevant. Some top resources:

• Harvard Business Review (HBR) – HBR offers articles, studies, and case studies that cover industry trends, leadership, and career growth strategies.
• The Muse and Career Contessa – These sites provide career advice and articles on various professional topics, from networking to career planning.
• Industry-Specific Blogs – Many industries have niche blogs (like TechCrunch for tech or Ad Age for marketing, or Becker’s Healthcare for Healthcare) that cover the latest trends, tools, and updates.

6. Join Professional Organizations

Many fields have professional associations offering events, networking opportunities, and exclusive resources:

• Examples include American Marketing Association (AMA), Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), and IEEE for engineering. See our full guide to professional associations to find an association in your field.
• Membership often provides access to webinars, workshops, and industry events.

7. Networking and Mentorship Programs

Building a network can provide insight and advice that you won’t find in a course:

• LinkedIn – Follow leaders in your industry and join LinkedIn groups related to your field.
• Alumni Networks – Connect with alumni from your university, especially those working in your field.
• Mentorship Programs – Many organizations and companies offer mentorship programs that connect you with experienced professionals who can provide guidance on skill development and career growth.

8. Leverage Company Resources

Don’t overlook the resources your own company might offer:

• Internal Training Programs – Many companies provide training on skills and software essential to your role.
• Tuition Reimbursement – Some organizations offer reimbursement for courses, degrees, or certifications related to your role.
• Lunch-and-Learns – These sessions offer insights from team members or guest speakers and provide an easy way to learn something new while networking.

Conclusion

Career growth is not a given. Taking control of your career development by becoming a lifelong student is one of the best investments you can make. By setting clear goals, identifying resources, and making a commitment to ongoing learning, you’ll stay adaptable, competitive, and prepared for every new opportunity. Embrace learning as a lifetime journey, and you’ll find yourself growing not just as a professional, but as a person, too.