You’ve accomplished a significant milestone by becoming a graduate! Well done. But, brace yourself because the process of learning continues throughout your life. Constant professional growth (CPG) is a requirement for almost every career. It’s integral to advancing your career or even just to stay updated with the latest developments in your profession.
For some, the mere thought of continuous learning sparks joy; for others, the idea might incite feelings of apprehension.
Fortunately, the current framework of CPG has evolved extensively. Unlike in the days when CPG meant investing extensive time in acquiring either a full-time postgraduate degree over a year or a part-time one over two years, today, CPG is multi-dimensional. It includes short courses, microlearning, traineeships, and microcredentials, among other things. While some might still prefer to pursue a postgraduate degree, other learner groups can utilise numerous accessible resources to contribute to their CPG.
But, why is lifelong learning so vital in today’s time?
According to Kara McGann, in her capacity as the Head of Skills and Social Policy at the Irish Business and Employers Confederation (Ibec), this shift is due to a host of factors. Rapid technological progression, the brisk pace of business operations, shifting jobs and careers, and enhanced life expectancy resulting in extended careers are among the key reasons.
“New regulations, intensified global competition and reduced innovation cycles imply a reduced life span of knowledge and an increase in the learning curve,” McGann explains. “As talent is the foundation of competitive edge, it’s essential to develop a flexible workforce capable of adapting swiftly. Lifelong learning fosters organisational flexibility.”
There are numerous commitments in life – work, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, spending quality time with loved ones, keeping the house tidy, endless chores – does lifelong learning need to be another?
“CPG might be easier to manage during an individual’s 20s, but in their 30s, responsibilities like childcare, increased career demands, having a partner, and other caregiving duties might pose challenges,” suggests McGann.
Time has a knack for becoming limited, but Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is not necessarily required to be formalised or restricted to a classroom environment. Various alternatives can encompass microlearning, online learning at your own pace, or practical learning on the job. If a teammate is on leave or unwell, there could be chances to stand in their position temporarily, or for a recent graduate to partake in an interdisciplinary project inside their company. It’s also highly useful to learn from fellow colleagues.
Irrespective of its structure, it should be tailored to the learners’ mindset and what they find most effective. “Presently, we are in an age of numerous sources of learning and plentiful reasons for acquiring knowledge. Enlightening oneself for the sheer love of it is crucial and always valid for some individuals, while others learn with the objective to boost their skills or retrain for a specific role or field,” affirms McGann.
He adds, “It’s a stimulating time for learning, and the surge of online options has been a boon for those with limited time and individuals with disabilities who aren’t required to handle the practicalities of physically reaching a classroom.”
In today’s times, several employers bear the cost of further education for their graduates by either covering some or all of their tuition fees, granting chances to improve skills at work or providing for educational leave. For contemporary graduates, organisations that endorse and stimulate CPD shine as employers, while companies that fail to facilitate further learning options simply lose their allure.
“Lifelong learning bears countless rewards,” McGann points out. “They range from refined professional competence, remaining current in your area, and building adaptability to uncertain situations. It enables you to acquire new capabilities, skills and resilience, adopt new outlooks, lower stress and anxiety, and experience a sense of achievement and direction. Above all, remaining inquisitive is rewarding in its own right.”
Assorted means to learn online
Jean O’Brien, founder and digital consultant at Digital Charity Lab, shares about her work in CPD. Digital Charity Lab is a social enterprise established to develop digital competencies in charities and not-for-profit organisations. The initiative provides them with free or cost-effective learning resources such as online courses, training events, downloadable guides, and an online forum for mutual assistance. The organisation was fortunate to receive funding from Social Entrepreneurs Ireland.
“- Can you share some significant advancements/trends that your clients ought to keep abreast of?
The digital environment holds incredible potential for communication, campaigns, and fundraising efforts, but it is also subject to quick shifts. It’s critical for those involved in digital charity to understand where they can get the most return on investment and how to create engaging content that will draw attention in the densely populated online landscape.
In particular, social media platforms are constantly evolving, necessitating that charitable organisations stay on their toes and focus their resources only on those channels that are effective in yielding trackable backing.
– Given the evolving algorithms, emergence of more social media platforms, and continuous controversies around existing platforms (such as Twitter/X), how does CPD aid your clients in staying informed about developments?
Among the most beneficial forms of continuous professional development is peer-to-peer learning fostered by online communities, social gatherings, and various events. Sharing concepts with peers also involved in similar work can be both productive and enjoyable.
The Digital Charity Lab offers an online community, accessible via our website. I personally take part in several international communities such as the Digital Charities Slack, and the Ecampaigning Forum list. Joining these communities is enlightening, as members are actively engaged in cutting-edge tasks and are incredibly open to sharing their learnings.
– With the dynamic nature of the digital sphere, keeping up is a constant challenge. How can professionals stay updated?
Although it’s a difficult task, it’s absolutely essential for professionals to engage in continuous development given the fast-paced changes in the digital world. For instance, when Facebook’s fundraising tools were abruptly discontinued in the EU earlier this year, charities had to swiftly adapt and find alternative solutions.
The most effective approach to stay updated, considering the often-restrictive training budgets of charities, is to invest in cost-effective, short-term courses focusing on technical and strategic abilities and actively participate in online communities to exchange knowledge with peers in the field.
I must add, despite the frequent technological changes, some skills remain core. These include designing an effective online user journey, conducting split testing for online content, and employing a storytelling approach for your cause. These techniques remain relevant, irrespective of the platform in use.
– Could you share some insight on the training services you provide and their structure?”
The Digital Charity Lab offers a blend of in-person activities – including hands-on exercises, with opportunities for feedback on campaigns – and online courses that can be completed at the learner’s pace. Alongside this, numerous writing guides are accessible on its website. The intention is to empower individuals to manage their learning according to their work commitments, without creating additional pressure.
In response to the struggles many charities face in hiring digital fundraisers due to a long-standing lack of investment in building digital fundraising skills, the Lab recommends greater recognition by non-profits of the value of Continuing Professional Development (CPD). CPD not only enhances staff morale and satisfaction but it can also boost the organisation’s digital results. Moreover, the newly acquired skills can then be disseminated amongst the team members.
Different CPD options include:
-Postgrad degrees: These provide a reliable method for gaining a specialism, potentially steering your career in your desired route. They prove to be especially beneficial for those with a non-specific degree and can typically be accomplished in one or two years.
-Microcredentials: This is a short commitment option that enables learners to specialize in a particular skill. These courses are often provided online and can be completed at your convenience. Over time, credit from numerous microcredentials can add up to a full postgrad degree.
-Informal learning: As not all occupations necessitate certification, many look to organizations like Coursera and Alison.com to learn specific skills at low or no cost. These platforms offer a plethora of online courses from institutions across the globe.
Microlearning is a highly concentrated method of learning that involves concise and targeted educational material, generally lasting less than 10 minutes. Examples of such learning resources can be viewed on platforms such as YouTube, GoHighBrow.com (a site offering a new, five-minute lesson on one of 300+ selected subjects directly to your inbox each day), or KhanAcademy, which offers over 7,000 complimentary online video presentations and lectures on an array of subjects.
Using her employee benefits at Amazon to ascend in her career is Rosemary Grace, a Quality Assurance Specialist, who has been with the company since 2006. Grace recounts being one of the first individuals in Ireland to earn an Amazon career choice qualification, an achievement partly due to Amazon footing majority of her tuition fees. This allowed her to continue working whilst simultaneously furthering her education.
Prior to joining Amazon, Grace held a diploma in travel and tourism. Through Amazon’s support, she subsequently secured a diploma from the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT).
It’s clear to see that Grace demonstrates immense passion for her line of work in supply chain management. She articulates its integral role in our lives, citing its influence in the tea we enjoy, the soap we use, the clothes we wear, and even the digital calls we participate in, attributing these everyday experiences to a sophisticated supply chain.
Her current role allows her to explore facets of psychology, technology, and sustainability. Instances such as severe snowfall or a global pandemic which result in panic buying, further underline the critical role of the supply chain.
Grace claims her studies in subject areas including supply chain management, transport, and logistics at MTU have significantly promoted her analytical skills. These skills help her to track the competition, understand the main players and the elements involved in her line of work.
The courses also did wonders for her leadership abilities, a necessary skill for effectively communicating with stakeholders in supply chain management. All of this was accomplished whilst raising her son, who was an infant when she began her journey with Amazon.
Now at 19, he is a University College Cork student, focusing his studies on business information systems – a subject he developed a passion for after hearing me discuss these topics throughout his childhood.
The significance of long-term professional development (CPD) in my own line of work is not to be understated. Throughout my journey, I have come to value the necessity of continually keeping abreast of new information and skillsets. For instance, my most recent accomplishment, a fintech risk management diploma, has significantly broadened my understanding of the supply chain.
I would always advocate for individuals to maximise on the professional aid offered at Amazon. Admittedly, if one doesn’t work for Amazon, a multitude of other employers also back CPD, often covering the majority, if not all, of your costs. They encourage your learning which, in return, enhances your employability.
For those employees who qualify, Amazon pledges to cover up to 95% of tuition and other fees, reimbursing books and nationally accepted course costs up to a total of €12,000 over a four-year period.
The company imposes no obligation on participants to remain with Amazon or reimburse the fees once their training has been completed.
Furthermore, Amazon collaboratively works with educational institutions to offer flexible schedule alternatives to students to ensure a balance between their jobs and learning.