Diversified Learning: Invest in Yourself with Company-Provided Resources (and not only!)

My daughter recently told me that I was becoming boring (duh!) because I only read business-related literature. In response, I decided to enrol in Yale's Introduction to Classical Music course on Coursera this week ??. While I'm not certain if this was exactly what she had in mind for me, it certainly provided a stimulating challenge for my brain!

These days, everyone is talking about learning - upskilling, reskilling, and developing new skills to stay competitive in today's work environment. However, it's not just about learning new skills related to your current job - it's also about diversifying your knowledge base and broadening your horizons.

Many companies offer a wide array of learning resources to their employees, ranging from mandatory trainings to optional courses and workshops on a variety of topics. While it may be tempting to simply complete the required trainings and move on, taking advantage of these additional resources can have significant benefits for your career and personal growth.

Diversified learning is about exploring topics that may not be directly related to your job (or even not related at all!) but can still support you developing a broader perspective on the world around you. For example, if you work in finance, you could take a course on sustainability, attend a workshop on current AI progress or learn more about Human Resources. Not only will this broaden your knowledge base, but it can also help you bring fresh perspectives and ideas to your work.

By investing in yourself and exploring a range of learning opportunities, you can build your curiosity muscle and develop a well-rounded perspective. This can help you collaborate more effectively with colleagues, connect with others in your professional network, and even open up new career opportunities! Imagine you are interviewing for an HR role in a supply chain company, despite having a background only in healthcare and banking, therefore supposedly not having insight of Supply Chain industry. However, your curiosity has motivated you to gain knowledge about supply chain management by enrolling in relevant courses earlier. This not only distinguishes you from other candidates but also helps you to instantly establish a connection with the potential employer.

Apart from learning about business-related subjects, it is crucial to explore other topics of interest as well. For instance, gaining knowledge about diverse art forms, cultures, and worldviews can enhance your creativity and innovation in the workplace. By delving into subjects that are not just professionally relevant but also personally intriguing, you can cultivate a sense of intellectual curiosity that can be advantageous in all aspects of your life.

So, the next time you see an email about a new training or learning opportunity at your company, don't dismiss it as irrelevant or a waste of time. Instead, consider it an investment in yourself and your future. Take advantage of the resources your company provides, not just to check off a box, but to truly learn and grow.

The world is constantly changing, and staying ahead of the curve means continually learning and growing. By embracing diversified learning and taking advantage of the resources available to you, you can build a strong foundation for success and stay competitive in today's rapidly evolving job market. So, keep calm, stay curious, and invest in yourself (with the help of your employer ??).