Between careers, family, friends and hobbies, there’s much to juggle – but that doesn’t mean you don’t think about your career trajectory and what you need to do to grow.
If leaving your job to enroll in an MBA or other long-term training program isn’t a possibility for you, don’t lose hope; there are many ways you can better yourself without spending years – and a lot of money – studying for a new degree or certification. We’ve rounded up a few ways you can upskill that are easily and affordable – so breathe a sigh of relief as you read on.
Make your commute productive
The daily commute is often a time when we are idle and let our minds wander while listening to music, playing games, or browsing social media. Instead, use the time to keep yourself updated with the latest developments in the world. Catch up on your daily dose of global headlines and industry news or read posts and articles by thought leaders – you might be surprised by how much new knowledge and insight you’re able to glean from a little bit of reading each day.
Learning on the go with podcasts
From finance and technology to ancient history and true crime, one would be hard-pressed to find a topic that podcasts do not cover. For the uninitiated, podcasts are themed, episodic audio files that can be downloaded or streamed, and are centered around a specific subject (science, sports, economics). These can be absorbed on-the-go, and can enrich listeners by providing them with relevant information and practical advice in a portable and digestible format. o. If you’re keen to increase your knowledge about certain topics, podcasts are a low-cost and low-effort way to expand your mind and ensure professional growth.
Learn On Your Own Time
If you’re interested in learning something that requires more than a book or a podcast, but don’t have the time or finances to enroll in a course at a university or career development center, try looking online. Many universities offer economical, short-term online classes that allow you to participate on your own time so long as you meet coursework deadlines. Other options include night classes aimed at professionals with 9-5 jobs. . If all this is a bit too intense for you, browse the app store for free and cheap educational apps that can assist with things like picking up a new language or skill.
Professional Qualifications
If you require new skills to enhance your performance at work, consider taking up professional courses offered by major industry organisations. These are intensive and usually held during office hours, lasting for a day or two. Though they usually come with a price tag, it will likely be less expensive than a university course, and it should include a certificate of value to signify that you have put in the requisite hours to pick up that skill – and if the skill is directly related to your day-to-day work, it’s possible your workplace will either pay for and pay toward the cost of attending to help you become a more adept and resourceful employee.
Keep these habits up and in no time, you’ll be able to pick up relevant skills, to apply to your job and to put on your résumé. Remember – motivate yourself to be forward-looking, but know your limits and don’t exhaust yourself!
