Stay stimulated and curious! Here are 5 ways to continue learning post-grad to feed your personal and professional interests.
For many, school has been a constant for 13, 15, 17+ years! And whether you were the most studious student out there, or going to class just wasn’t your thing, there is SO much out there to learn.
While it can be difficult to transition away from the structure and consistency of high school and college, post-grad provides countless opportunities to continue learning – particularly about the things you are actually interested in.
Even if you loved your major, I’m sure you took classes that weren’t quite up your alley. But post-grad, you are continuing to explore yourself and your interests a bit more freely, so really embrace that! From improving technical skills for work to learning how to sew as a hobby, take the time to feed your curiosity and continue learning even after college.
Here are 5 ways to continue learning post-grad for both personal and professional development!
1. CLASSES
From master classes to online courses, there are so many resources out there to learn more about skills and topics you’re interested in. For instance, if you have a job in marketing, taking classes and getting certificates for digital marketing or social media management can really give you an edge in you current role, and for future job search purposes. Not to mention, if there’s an area in your field that you want to learn more about but don’t have the chance to touch on in your day-to-day job, taking courses is a great way to expand your knowledge and follow your interests. But remember, there are thousands of classes out there that go beyond your professional life! Take fitness classes, art classes, acting classes, or music classes! Feeding your hunger for growth through these more personal and creative outlets is important for your balanced life.
2. PODCASTS
I’ve been super into podcasts lately! It’s actually been a New Year’s resolution of mine to listen to more podcasts. While some are not necessarily considered “educational”, you can certainly find ones that fuel your interests. For instance, there’s industry-specific podcasts, business podcasts, personal development podcasts, finance podcasts, psych podcasts – the lists goes on forever. Whatever you’re interested in and want to learn more about, I bet there’s a podcast out there for you. It’s a great learning tool alternative that you can engage with while doing errands, driving, doing chores, etc.
3. YOUTUBE
YouTube isn’t dead! There are SO many videos and channels to watch that can help you in your personal and professional development journey. Like podcasts, there is literally a video out there on any topic you can think of. Learn more about UX design, watch a Ted Talk, find a crash course video on the Civil War, learn how to knit, and cook alongside professional chefs. Truly, there is so much to learn. And again, learning doesn’t just mean improving a technical skill for work or learning about a historical event – it also means discovering new hobbies, working on interpersonal skills, exploring new industries and career paths, trying a new recipe, practicing a dance or musical instrument, or even simply finding inspiration through other people.
4. CLUBS
Join clubs! Or create one! From sports clubs, cooking clubs, and book clubs, to professional/industry specific clubs, affinity clubs, and arts clubs, there are so many clubs to be a part of. Not only will you be taking part in an activity you enjoy, but the community you create and embrace is invaluable. You’ll make connections, learn more about the activity/subject the club is based around, AND learn from the people in the club.
5. INTENTIONAL & MINDFUL SOCIAL MEDIA
Emphasis on “intentional” and “mindful”! Social media tends to have somewhat of a bad rep, even though pretty much everyone and their mom engages with it. But let’s talk about how it can actually be a really neat and accessible learning tool! Firstly, follow accounts that serve you, your interests, and personal and professional goals. Perhaps this may include inspirational figures and brands, cooking pages, or accounts related to podcasts, communities, blogs, or YouTube channels you’re interested in. You can also easily search for topics of interest and get short-form content about anything you can think of! Learn how to cook a steak, learn hacks for acing job interviews, improve your skincare routine, and deep dive into what a Roth IRA is! But be sure to take everything with a grain of salt and use critical thinking skills to deduce what content is truthful, valid, and created with proper intensions. There is A LOT out there to get consumed by, so it may be best not to depend solely on this educational tool, and instead use it to complement other methods.
