Here's how you can prioritize continuing education as a mid-career professional in Strategic Communications.

As a mid-career professional in Strategic Communications, I prioritize continuing education by first identifying key areas for growth, such as digital marketing or crisis management. I’d seek out relevant workshops, webinars, and online courses that fit my schedule and learning style. Networking with industry peers can provide insights into emerging trends and valuable resources. I’d also consider obtaining certifications that bolster my credentials and enhance my skill set. Setting aside dedicated time each week for learning ensures I stay updated. Finally, applying new knowledge to real-world projects reinforces what I’ve learned and keeps my skills sharp.

Para priorizar la formación continua en Comunicaciones Estratégicas a mitad de carrera, es clave identificar áreas de desarrollo clave, como análisis de datos o gestión de crisis, y establecer un plan de aprendizaje estructurado. Participa en cursos, certificaciones, webinars y conferencias, además de unirte a redes profesionales. Mantente actualizado con lecturas especializadas y busca roles desafiantes que expandan tus habilidades. La retroalimentación y el desarrollo de soft skills como liderazgo y negociación también son esenciales. Asegúrate de reflexionar regularmente sobre tu progreso y ajustar tu formación según tus metas profesionales.

Even before assessing needs, the question you should be asking is, "Will I commit?" Whether you pay to join a course or program, use online tools like LinkedIn Learning or something similar, or have resources at your disposal through your company, none of it will do you any good if you're not committed to completion and follow-through. Earning badges and checkmarks for your social profile isn't enough. You've got to be prepared for a sustained and long-term effort. Are you willing to read newsletters every day? Can you actively participate in a learning community? Are you seeking out thought leaders and following them? Etc. Commit first, with the intent to spend 15-30 minutes every day to stay up to date. Embrace the learner's mindset.

To prioritize continuing education as a mid-career professional in Strategic Communications, set aside time for short courses or certifications that align with industry trends. For example, if you’re focusing on digital strategy, taking a course in data analytics can sharpen your skills and keep you competitive. Engaging in webinars or attending industry events also helps stay updated without overwhelming your schedule. Prioritizing growth shows your adaptability and commitment to staying ahead in a fast-evolving field.

As marketers, we're usually great about setting goals and tracking results at work, but we don't always make time to do it for ourselves! Without clear goals, we can still grow, but not necessarily to our full potential or our desired direction. Don't overthink it. Set a 5min timer for your initial planning and a repeating calendar check in to keep yourself on track.

I feel that continuing to learn expands knowledge and brings in the confidence that impacts the quality of work. I am doing it myself. In this transitional phase of switching jobs, I am interested to understand more about subjects that will position me better in my job, like, data analytics, understanding how AI works, leveraging the power of Linkedin qualitatively etc. But, in this excitement of getting to learn more, I do pause and reflect to ensure that my learning is actionable

There’s nothing like a deadline so why don’t you have deadline? I repeat… There’s nothing like a deadline so why don’t you have deadline?

If there is will to pursue continuous learning, time management is never a challenge. In my opinion in mid career- we tend to settle and don't evolve

Time managing the continuous education process for a seasoned professional is not an easy task I am facing right now. The only option is to address work and/or studies in a distant or hybrid format. Most postgraduate university programs have distance learning options you should take advantage of. Also, it is crucial to allocate time for your family, partner, and yourself since a one-year program will put an enormous strain on your resources and relationships, even in a distant learning form. Be wise and plan everything, including your free time. Also, try to choose a longer but part-time learning path when possible. It will give you more chances to achieve your ambitious goals while staying healthy, sane, and connected with your family.

What’s that clever anecdote of a conversation between a CEO and a CFO? The CFO says to the CEO: “What if we invest all this money in upskilling our employees and they leave?” The CEO says to the CFO: “What if we save the money, don’t invest in our people and they stay?” Surely if you’re doing the right enablement programs: then “a stitch in time saves nine” Otherwise prepare to be asked the question: “If you can’t find the time to invest in yourself, then why should I?”

One thing I would do is to choose wisely. There are so many options out there for someone who wants to continue with education in strategic communication. I would prefer a flexible program that will allow me to study at my own time considering the time I have. Choosing the right platform or institute that's known for delivering quality. A practical based course will be great for me. I would also choose a course that is relevant in strategic communication such as digital marketing.

From my personal experience, I prioritise continuous learning through flexible, self-paced courses like those on LinkedIn Learning and Udemy. I prefer combining video, audio, and hands-on learning in a relaxed environment. While certifications aren’t my current focus, I value practical knowledge I can apply immediately. Working internationally highlights the importance of cultural nuances, learning new languages, and adapting strategies. For me, upgrading in strategic communication is a blend of technical skills, cultural exposure, and self-awareness. How about you? ??

I would also add that you are designing a future state of yourself so you can deliver future state outcomes. So why don’t you also consider the future state of your market, role, department or career. Of course short term training is sometimes required but also try to see what your industry is going to look like 3 years from now… Prepare to be where the ball is going to land, not where the ball is now

Instead of hopping on every trending buzzword or certification, reflect on the areas where upskilling will complement your existing knowledge. I had a client who spent hours learning SEO only to realize his strength was in content strategy. Once he focused on advanced communication techniques, his career took off! The key is to align your learning with both your strengths and the demands of your industry. A personalized approach will ensure you're not overwhelmed by the vast array of courses but instead, are sharpening the skills that truly matter. If this resonates, follow the podcast- Communicate101: speaking writing tips. It has lots to add value to your communication skills.

Delve into all possible ways of identifying all the available resources within your fold, to leverage, and choose the essential method wisely to prioritize continuing education. Begin by tapping into the resources within your organization, as many employers support ongoing learning through tuition assistance or dedicated time off. Additionally, your colleagues can serve as valuable learning partners—consider establishing peer learning groups to share insights and foster collective growth. Seek out mentors within or outside the organization who can provide guidance and help you navigate your educational path. Utilizing internal and external resources strategically ensures that you stay competitive in this fast-evolving industry.

As a communication coach, I always emphasize that continuing education isn’t about finding more hours in the day but leveraging the resources you already have at hand. Think of your time as flexible pockets. Use them wisely. Podcasts during morning walks, short industry courses online, or even collaborating with peers on emerging trends can make a world of difference. One of my favorite tactics? Speed learning. I once crammed a whole 'how to master canva' course over one weekend binge-watching sessions – Netflix style! When you're in Communications, it’s all about squeezing knowledge into every possible gap. Your brain’s a sponge, and continuing education is your water.

There are other positive side effects from this approach: - you now are a member of a skills community. What are those sayings about find the others, build your tribe and it takes a village? - you can use this moment to gain a mentor and spend time with people more experienced and more senior than you - You’ll be able to move from theory into practice way faster by spending time with people who have battle scars but also have the cheat codes I have other side effects… but aren’t these enough? Go on: build your tribe / find the others… but also give back and pay it forward

There are lessons inherent in every aspect of our work — opportunities to learn a new skill, trick, discovery, strategy. It’s all in how we approach things. So try a piece of tech to complete a task you’ve done a thousand times the traditional way. Listen to podcasts when planning a campaign to jumpstart ideation. Join free webinars and attend presentations that appear unrelated to your day-to-day tasks to be exposed to how others apply innovative tools and tactics to their work. Adopt a mentor or coach when working on a project outside your comfort zone. Take advantage of opportunities to learn on the job. Pick up skills from direct reports. When stuck, tune in to LinkedIn learning. So many ways to keep your mid-career skills current.

I remember the words of one of my communication skills workshop participant's - he's a mid level manager- he felt this gave a new lease to his career! Like it was one of those “Why didn’t I do this sooner?” moments. You know that feeling when you’re stuck in a rut mid-career, and everyone else seems to be learning new tricks? Yeah, we've all been there. I always say- You don’t need to commit to full-time studies. Podcasts, skill-building workshops, or even just reading on your commute can make a huge difference. The key is to find something you enjoy and carve out time – even if it's just 20 minutes a day. Trust me, it adds up!