The Importance of Continuous Education, Career Development and Embracing Change

Iron rusts from disuse; water loses its purity from stagnation...even so does inaction sap the vigor of the mind

Leonardo Da Vinci (Leo).

As a valedictorian giving a speech will, I open this article with a wise saying from a notable historical figure; only mine is in English and not Latin.

Leo accurately pointed out a part of nature that life imitates. This week we go off this saying as we discuss why investing in your professional growth pays off.

Luckily we find ourselves in unprecedented times where learning has been greatly revolutionized, and access to education is possible (and sometimes even free) the minute you have access to the internet.

Technology is indeed a two-edged sword; to stand back and let the rise of its increasing functionality render you redundant is not a good look for you. Imagine being replaced by a machine in the same job you have done for 10+ years. The world is constantly changing, and the job market is right on its heels. As technology and automation disrupt industries, staying updated with trends and the latest skills is becoming increasingly vital to remain competitive.

The only way we can stay ahead of the fourth industrial revolution is to embrace it. As the famous saying goes, "If you can't beat them, just join them". We embrace this revolution by continuously learning and not relying on skills that would only be relevant in the past and maybe in the present but definitely not in the future.

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Continuously learning not only speaks volumes about your dynamism but also:

● Keeps you relevant and marketable- You demonstrate your commitment to growth and development by acquiring new skills.

● Allows you to become more versatile, like a plant that can thrive in every condition. You become capable of taking on new challenges and opportunities.

● Makes your career future-proof- industries are rapidly revolving and staying ahead of the curve keeps you in demand.

● Exposes you to new ideas and approaches- exposure gives you a fresh perspective and enhances your creativity and innovation.

● Empowers you. Cersei Lannister, of the famed TV show Game of Thrones, said, "Power is Power", but I agree with Littlefinger too when he said, "Knowledge is power"- I mean, two legends can co-exist. Learning new things can be intimidating but Knowing boosts your confidence and self-esteem.

Maybe that is why Ghanaians call very confident people "too known".

Being Successful is a state of mind; however, successfully embracing this inevitable change is a destination we all need to aspire to. How?

● A growth mindset is a must-have. Some people believe intelligence can't be cultivated, so they will take what they were given at birth. Carol Dweck begs to differ. People who have a growth mindset believe that with effort and persistence, their skills and intelligence can be improved. They welcome difficulties, persevere in the face of adversity, learn from criticism, and find inspiration in the achievement of others. Simply put, this mindset means that you believe in your ability to become better through hard work and help from others.

● Stay up to date with the latest emerging technologies and develop related skills. This way, you remain relevant.

● Be open-minded and willing to adapt to new technologies and ways of working. Agility is not a vehicle but buckle your seatbelt because it will drive you a long way.

● Embrace Diversity of Thought. Diversity of thought and perspective can lead to more creative and innovative solutions.

● Develop soft skills; they are becoming increasingly important because they are not replicable. The distinctive features that make us human are what distinguish people from machines.

Now, let's talk about how to go about continuous learning in a way that develops your career.

● Identify your career goals and the skills you need to achieve them. Then, seek out learning opportunities that align with those goals. There are many ways to learn, as prior mentioned, learning has been re-defined. Everything exists on the internet.

● Make a conscious effort with it: If you want to make a pot of really good jollof, you put time and energy into it. I don’t believe it is much different when you want to make a good career for yourself. Set time aside to hone whatever skill or acquire the best of whatever knowledge you think is necessary to advance your career.

● There is an African proverb that goes something along the lines of “what an old person can see sitting a young person may not see even if he stands atop a mountain”- This speaks to experience. Find someone who has had experience with the path you want to follow. Ask them questions and learn from their mistakes and achievements.

● No one knows everything, but everyone knows something. This makes it important to network and collaborate. Build relationships with people who share your interests and goals; this way you can expand your professional circle, identify new career opportunities, and learn new ideas and approaches.

● Make a commitment to practice and apply what you learn. Don't just learn for the sake of learning. Apply your new knowledge and skills in your job and take on new projects that allow you to use them.

To conclude, the point at which learning and development come to an end is absolutely bound to our imagination, and technology is only here to augment our capabilities. Embracing this change is to our benefit. It's not easy, but it is worth it.