This post is sponsored by etrainu
During the first few years of my career, I didn’t do much additional training. I had my media degree and although I would have loved to more learning, I was still paying off my HECS debt so adding more to my university loan at that stage didn’t exactly appeal.
More to the point, I simply had very little time in those years, working unpredictable and sporadic hours, so really couldn’t commit to additional schooling. Plus, I was already learning a lot on the job.
It was only when I began working more reasonable hours that I was able to commit to courses once again. There’s an increasing number of online courses available nowadays – some of which provide official accreditation and others which are more for personal interest, self-development, or business growth.
I love that information that was previously available only through expensive and often inaccessible training resources is increasingly becoming available online. For example, although it doesn’t provide tailored advice, a huge number of health and lifestyle bloggers out there share their personal experiences, knowledge, skills and learning with their readers. All claims should be investigated before taking as hard evidence but it is refreshing and eye-opening to gauge others’ responses to similar health and lifestyle concerns.
There’s a growing number of courses available – a good thing!
There’s also a growing number of e-courses on business, blogging, spirituality, wellbeing… You name it. A lot of the savvy minds behind these courses are creating highly engaging and effective content. (The best way to cut through the clutter and ensure you’re getting the real deal online is through word of mouth – which is exactly what the digital world is all about nowadays. Trusted referrals via social media or word of mouth via your friends and peers is a great way to ensure you know what you’re going to get before you purchase).
I am absolutely loving the availability of content and courses, and in fact the only thing holding me back is that I have to stop myself from taking on too much at once. (It’s highly advisable – and more effective - to do one course at a time – take it from my experience of trying to attempt several at once! And failing).
Get the most value for your career out of an e-course
The best way to get the most value career-wise out of an e-course is to ensure its accredited, if you’re doing it so that you can increase your skills and employability. Courses for personal interests are brilliant, but when it comes to your career it’s also a great idea to ensure that you’re continually learning within your chosen field. This will ensure you’re continually staying up-to-date with the latest trends, skills and research in relation to your job.
I work in the field of media and PR, and I’m constantly learning new things. I read newsletters, research, marketing and social media blogs daily, and I maintain contacts within the industry to share knowledge and new trends. Working in this field, in order to compete you need to be one step ahead of everyone else and constantly anticipating upcoming trends. I would suggest that it’s the same for many fields. Even if it’s not, would it hurt to be a thought-leader and expert in your industry? Definitely not.
Find the most relevant course for your needs
If you’re a high-level executive, and looking to build on your professional skills, university courses could be your best option. If you’re looking for a very specific course, tailored to an industry that you either currently work within or are planning a career in, do some research but there are plenty of choices out there. Online business training course Etrainu, for example, provides a mix of accredited and non-accredited courses, tailored training in hospitality, retail, business, construction, compliance and sports.
A Google search, phone call with a careers expert and ask-and-check around your peer network or via your colleagues will bring you valuable options.
Have you continued to learn throughout your career, and if so how has it helped you?