Most people associate learning with formal education at school, college, university. Generally speaking, it is true that a formal education and the resulting qualifications are important. But knowledge can be acquired, and skill sets developed anywhere – learning is unavoidable and happens all the time. However, lifelong learning or continuous learning is about creating and maintaining a positive attitude to learning both for personal and professional development. Although qualifications may get you an interview, actually getting the job can take a lot more.
Continuous learning can enhance our understanding of the world around us, provide us with more and better opportunities and improve our quality of life. For example, learning in whatever context:
There are several things that are vital in supporting your personal development. Among them it is organising your time or overcoming barriers to learn new skill. Great importance lies in getting out of the comfort zone and learning from the competition.
Voluntary work can also provide an excellent opportunity for learning and developing new skills, as being an active member of a local group or society.
Continuous learning keeps the mind fertile, introduces new ideas and expands your ability to get things done and contribute more.
Most great leaders are naturally curious about the world around them, and how things work, so an inclination toward constant learning is somewhat natural to them. They have a motivation.
For business, continuous learning refers to a planned and on-going development and improvement of job skills and knowledge in order to perform most effectively, and to adapt to changes. Constant learning requires a dedication to staying up to date on the research, information and technology in your field, and identifying and pursuing areas for development and training that will enhance job performance.
Economy is shifting increasingly towards short-term and part-time contracts with more flexible work-patterns whilst old industries are shifting abroad. We need to adapt to changes going on in the work-world and make more of ourselves by stepping out of our comfort zones and ideas of how we believe our life is going. Continuous learning can bring us new set of transferable skills which are sought after by employers.
Continuous learning is at heart of the crisis voluntary work. Individuals are usually not used to the crisis circumstances, so their ability and willingness to learn new things is crutial for coping with stressful and critical situations.
This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
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