Here's how you can maximize the value of continuing education courses for content strategists.

To maximize the value of continuing education courses for content strategists: Choose Relevant Courses: Select courses that align with your career goals and skill gaps. Apply Learnings Immediately: Implement new strategies and techniques in your projects. Engage Actively: Participate in discussions, ask questions, and network with peers. Combine with Practical Experience: Balance coursework with hands-on practice to solidify knowledge. Track Progress: Monitor your improvements and adjust learning plans as needed. These steps ensure you gain the most benefit from your continuing education efforts.

Learning can be very personal or it can be a team sport. It's important to consider whether you are pursuing learning to support personal goals or shared team/organizational goals. Another key factor is time. We overestimate our time budget before we engage, then struggle to stay committed. One of the most cited barriers to learning completion is not having enough time. How you source learning opportunities will help overcome this common barrier. Streamline. For example if you already need to meet personal learning objectives to maintain a certification then stick with providers who allow you to meet your two top goals to accelerate your path to completion. Lastly, count the cost. If your employer isn't paying, your magic word is "Free."

The less you are prompted to switch screens or log in to different platforms the more you can focus on continuing learning. Do your best to “Learn where you linger.” This can look like…Choosing learning providers who offer smartly designed and seamlessly integrated apps that allow you to learn without friction. For example: If you spend most of your time in slack, teams, salesforce, your inbox, or on a web browser, source learning opportunities that allow you to "learn where you linger." If you don't have to log out or context switch constantly, learning feels more natural and unforced.

Don't just be a passive listener! Ask questions, participate in discussions, and complete any exercises or challenges thrown your way. The more you put yourself out there, the deeper your understanding will be. Think of it like working out a muscle – the more you use it, the stronger it gets!

This isn't just about collecting business cards (although those can be helpful!). Strike up conversations with your fellow course-takers and instructors. You'll be surprised by the incredible knowledge and experience others bring to the table. Building these connections can lead to future collaborations, shared resources, and maybe even new job opportunities!