Why do people sell their Post graduate books?
Mike Morrison
Business and people-focused behaviour change specialist, focused on change and transformation in complex environments
In many professional disciplines like Human Resources, Management etc it is common for professionals to take qualifications. These qualifications may be essential to become registered with professional associations, institutions or just because they are expected in the job market place.
Many of us spend thousands on these courses over several years. They are a significant investment in both time and money. We often buy valuable resources such as books and other tools to help us throughout the course. But do we then neglect these resources?
When do we stop learning?
Much like passing your driving test, gaining a professional qualification is not the end of the learning, but the beginning.
So why, oh why do people sell their text books when they complete the education? It is not like school or initial university where the books are for the purpose of passing an exam. Books used on professional courses have applications in the work place too.
I am active on a range of social media networks, and more often than not the questions asked by people relatively new to the profession are answered in the very text books they are selling or have sold. Are people are becoming less self-sufficient in gaining knowledge or is it that people shut the door to learning when the course is done?
Levels of learning
In the UK it is unfortunate that our post grad qualifications are now categorised by “levels”, rather than stages. This often means that a person at a level 5 (degree), is reluctant to take a level 3 program, even though the CONTENT is different. Just because you are an excellent baker, does not mean you are an excellent chief. You need to go back to basics when switching disciplines. Why is it in the fields of things like HR and management that people assume their level is where they are for everything?.. Anyway I digress.
Books have value too
I have, and am constantly building my learning library. I currently have some 900+ management, leadership and HR based books. Somewhere, in one of them is the answer to a question I seek in my professional area.
What am I missing?
Why is it that people sell the very books that helped them? Do they believe that they now “know” it all and will no longer need to refer to them? Do they believe they will be “fed” the answer by others when they need it so no longer need research skills?
What do you think?
Now semi-retired, former Head of Organisational Development, Head of Workforce Development and Enterprise Adviser. Currently supporting various organisations and individuals with vital projects.
6 年I agree with Priya Moran - I have kept all my books from my MBA and other specialist studies and use them regularly. ?However, I’m also an avid follower of new developments so as to continue building on my previous studies with the latest research. ?Which is why I cannot understand why CIPD does not make clearer on its Member Benefits page how to access academic articles easily - I know this is a member benefit, and Mike, you have kindly circulated details previously of how members can access this benefit. ?To my mind it is vital in keeping up to date and being able to demonstrate the robust research base of proposals we might be putting forward. I would love to see CIPD make this a key feature of its landing page so it’s easy for everyone to ensure they are keeping up to date.
Global Head of Performance and Rewards - Expert in Organization Design, Performance Management, Compensation Benefits, Employee Wellness. International Business & Executive Coach
6 年Yes. These resources will definitely aid us during the implementation of the projects on the job. I kept my MBA books still with me for the same purpose.?
Retired HR Professional (2019). Parent Carer, Passionate about Fractional Working & Job Sharing for 35 years!
6 年I still have some of mine from 1980. Does anyone recognise these?!
Head of People & Culture at Circle Economy
6 年I've gone back to university 20 + years later. Here are a few of my recent "real" reads. Not so many books as the first time I studied; but then there were no e-books, podcasts, meet-ups, webinars, internet! Life-long learning has never been more accessible, enjoyable or easier!