The only thing constant in life is change. By choosing to resist these changes, a person chooses to remain in stagnation while the world passes them by. The same can be said for those who make no motion to adapt to the times and the demands of the industry that they belong to.
Educators aren’t the only ones who should take on the pursuit of lifelong learning; every single person in power who has the ability to make decisions for others should do so as well. This includes professionals such as policymakers, public and civil servants, community leaders, and even those in influential businesses.
Why professionals shouldn’t stop learning
If the people in power fail to elevate their knowledge at every step of the way, then they might create life-altering decisions that can not only be detrimental to their constituents but also their credibility as policymakers or governing bodies in the industry.
It is a professional’s job to make sure that their capabilities and knowledge are always top-notch because that is vital to creating well-informed decisions that can respond to their industry’s constantly evolving needs.
Those who fail to adapt to the needs of the people they serve can be putting them in harm’s way. This is very true in fields such as the government or non-profit organizations that create society’s policies. If the policies enforced don’t benefit anyone, then it serves no purpose.
Steps to take for continuing education
There are many ways that you can continue your education beyond the limits of your bachelor’s or postgraduate degree. Sometimes, certifications from various initiatives implemented by the government or non-profit organizations can be more helpful in building your career than a four-year course could.
SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) is a national movement that aims to give Singaporeans opportunities to grow their skill sets and hone their potential to succeed in life. This initiative takes the individual contributions of its members into propelling the nation’s economy towards the future.
It also works to create a more inclusive society for everyone by equipping the individuals with the knowledge they need to understand the intricacies of mankind. These can all seem overwhelming, especially if you don’t know where to begin your lifelong learning journey.
Fortunately, there are plenty of SSG courses that you can enroll in. There are courses under urban solutions, entrepreneurship, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, tech-enabled services, data analytics, and digital media that you can take to continue your education.
These courses are under the SSG-funded Certificates of Competency, aiming to provide industry-relevant training to curious minds. The knowledge that people gain from these courses can be used to further their careers and equip them with skills to continue adapting to their market demands.
The importance of lifelong learning to society
Lifelong learning is defined as self-initiated education that is used for personal or professional growth and development. Many individuals partake in lifelong learning to gain valuable knowledge about social inclusion, active citizenship, self-sustainability and broaden their employment opportunities.
Those who pursue continuing education are often products of lifelong learning, and they help foster a culture that celebrates the pursuit of knowledge. These people also understand how much technology is changing the industry they belong to, and therefore, are searching for ways to be on par with them.
If you choose to pursue lifelong learning, you will need to have a more open and positive attitude towards learning both personally and professionally. This is not something that can be forced upon you because this choice needs to be done deliberately and voluntarily.
Lifelong learning has the ability to shape the minds of those who choose to partake in it, which, in turn, can create well-informed, empathetic, and meticulous individuals in society. The world can positively benefit from people striving to better themselves instead of spreading negativity towards others.
This lifelong learning process isn’t limited to those in academe or the professional setting, but also mundane things such as hobbies or pastimes. Learning doesn’t just improve your career skills, but it can also enhance the quality of your life and those around you.
It’s up to you if you want to pursue further education for personal growth or professional development. Learning never harmed anyone, but resisting the opportunities when they present themselves can. Those who choose to remain in the dark when they can be enlightened are stubborn and foolish.
