The business landscape is constantly changing and roles began evolving, more so when the COVID-19 virus hit. For many, this meant adapting to new work situations and learning the skills needed to thrive in the virtual environment. We have seen the rise of telemedicine and e-commerce, for instance, which has forced companies to rethink business models.
But even under non-pandemic circumstances, professionals stand to benefit from continually learning and updating their skill sets. It does not matter what stage you are in your career—whether you are a newbie or an expert—growing and getting out of your comfort zone is a necessary part of success.
Before you panic about how stressful trying new things can be, a Yale study shows that uncertainty can signal the brain to kickstart learning. This means that while new and volatile situations can make you feel uncomfortable, they may also enhance the brain’s tendency to absorb more information.
Hence, deliberately seeking challenges in which the outcomes are unknown will help keep you mentally sharp and may even get you out of a rut.
After all, who says learning has to stop? Even in age-old industries, such as medicine and law, disruption can still, and will most likely, happen. Even the tourism industry was not spared from rapid shifts. So your best bet is to stay relevant and productive amid changing times.
So what exactly awaits working professionals by embarking on their journey to learning? Read on to find out.
Benefits of professional learning
If you have been thinking about taking a professional course, here are five benefits that will help you get the motivation you need.
1. Opens more opportunities
More often, professionals have short- and long-term goals for their career—whether it is to be a manager within 8 months or a vice president in 3 years’ time. To be sure, it will all depend on one’s performance, but earning added certifications can certainly get you noticed if you are vying for a future promotion. If you are planning to explore other opportunities, continuing professional development can also lead to better job prospects, or even a higher salary, because of the added credentials and expertise you have gained along the way.
2. Shows dedication to self-improvement
Taking the time to attend classes and putting in the work require patience and dedication. This is a testament to how you value self-improvement and growth—both personal and professional. Plus, it demonstrates ambition, which is an incredible trait in the working world. While simply wanting to lengthen your CV should by no means serve as the primary motivation for enroling in a professional course, it does exhibit commitment to your work. Any professional who is in it for the long-haul, so to speak, will constantly look for ways to improve and learn in his or her chosen craft.
3. Boosts overall performance
By taking classes, it’s but natural that your overall performance will improve because you get to apply what you’ve learned in real-world settings. Professional development programmes not only aim to teach theories and concepts, but also how to apply them to problem-solving and decision-making.
However, professional learning programmes do more than just develop technical skills, they hone one’s soft skills, too. Think about it, when you are balancing work and learning, time management is key. When you are asked to conceptualise a new product or service for an assignment, creative thinking kicks in. Group projects can, likewise, foster teamwork and conflict resolution.
More importantly, when one is doing well at work—especially when superiors and colleagues start taking notice—it can boost one’s self-confidence. It may even serve as the impetus you need to take on more complex tasks or leadership roles.
4. Enhances skill sets
Updating your skill set is a crucial element in staying relevant in your field. Strides in technology and innovation will inevitably cause shifts in the industry whether you like it or not.
Industry 4.0 or the fourth industrial revolution, for example, is transforming supply chains and logistics in a variety of ways. Traditional manufacturing is being upended in favor of robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT), and data analytics. Professionals in the field of manufacturing must be able to adapt by enhancing their skill sets to include the use of emerging technologies.
The good news is, there are many courses out there that aim to prepare professionals for the future. Programmes are tailored to address the competencies needed for specific roles. There are even options for on-site or online classes--perfect for working professionals.
5. Gain access to experts in the industry
When you enrol for classes, the trainers are, ideally, experts in their field who are willing to impart their knowledge, wisdom, and skills. More often, they are also practising professionals, which means they can share practical insights (perhaps even insider tips!) about the industry and are updated about new developments.
What’s more, those taking the course with you are professionals in your industry, which helps in expanding your network with like-minded people. Who knows, you may even discover new opportunities for partnerships and collaborations. If your classmates dabble in other fields, all the better for broadening your network.
While some fear change, professionals who are well-equipped with the right skill sets embrace it. Today’s volatile environment calls for learning, unlearning, and relearning. Gone are the days when one can do the same job up until retirement. And professionals with the right attitude and mindset will recognise this shift and heed the challenge.
Prepare for the future today by staying abreast with new knowledge, skills, and ways of doing things. SMU Academy has a whole range of courses and programmes that suit professionals from different industries, equipping them with practical skills, knowledge, and expertise. Explore our courses and gain the competitive advantage you need to thrive in the future.
