How to Continue Your Education Without Going Back to School
Have you wanted to add new skills to your resume, but feel it’s impossible to do without going back to school? With all the online resources we have today, it’s never been easier to continue your education without having to go back to the classroom.
We’ve put together six options for you to get a head start on increasing your skillset – from the comfort of your own home.
Check Out a New Podcast
Podcasts have become extremely popular over the past few years–and for a good reason! Although there are fun podcasts to enjoy for your own entertainment, and even ones to motivate you to do something, there are also podcasts that can teach you something! There are several history-related podcasts, finance podcasts, business-related podcasts, science podcasts, etc.
Depending on what you are looking to learn, surely you can find a podcast that works for you! The best part about podcasts? You can do them while doing something else. So, if you’re super busy and don’t have time to sit down and watch something–a podcast is a perfect alternative! I personally love to listen to podcasts while I’m driving, cleaning, or cooking!
Take a Class
If you think you don’t have time but are spending hours on your phone or watching TV on the weekends or after work–you have time, you just aren’t utilizing it. A great way to spend your extra time, though? Taking a new class.
There are so many classes that you can benefit from without having to entirely go back to college, such as language classes, art classes, etc. There are classes for just about everything you’re looking to learn, and they can look great on your resume!
Enroll in an Online Course
There are so many options for online courses – it every industry. And must of these courses are designed for you to take at home on your own time. So, if you are super busy one week, there’s no need to worry, because you can catch up the following week – or whenever you have the time! I’ve taken a few certificate program courses on Udemy that are great! You can save notes, worksheets, and tips to look back at, too!
The best advice we can offer here is to set a routine for yourself. Maybe get up an hour earlier, and spend time working on your course while drinking your coffee and eating your breakfast. If you wait until the end of the day, you’ll be less likely to log on – and your tiredness may affect how much information you retain.
Watch Ted Talks
If you’ve never watched a Ted Talk, you’re missing out! These talks are incredibly informative – and meant to stir your curiosity.
The talks cover a wide range of subjects such as technology, global issues, business, design, entertainment, science, religion, and so much more (seriously, hundreds of topics!). There is so much you can learn from Ted Talks, and if you get really into them, you can even attend live shows, nominate someone, or set up your own Ted Talk in your community!
Network
You don’t need us to tell you that networking is a great way for you to meet new people and discover new opportunities. But networking also offers a chance to learn. You can check out MeetUp.com for a list of events near you, or if networking events aren’t your cup of tea- you could also check out online options. There are numerous Facebook and LinkedIn groups in every industry, and they provide a great opportunity for you to meet new people and learn from them.
Reading
This one is obvious, but a lot of people don’t even think about picking up a new book to learn from it. Personally, I love reading and finding books that are equally entertaining as they are educational – it’s a win-win.
Whether you need to brush up on your history or math, learn how to start a business or market it, or even give yourself some motivation – there’s a book for you. There are also educational book clubs you could join or start!
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Continuing your education doesn’t have to be difficult, and it doesn’t have to be expensive! There are multiple options out there that will work for you if you take the time to look through them and explore.
Let us know what other ways you have continued your education without going back to school. Drop a comment below!
Alyson Pittman is a contributing writer for WBD and a JR marketing associate for Excite Creative Studios, an Atlanta-based creative agency.
Alyson graduated from Kennesaw State University with a Bachelors of Business Administration and a concentration in Marketing. She was in multiple organizations at KSU where she held leadership positions. As a part of the Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority, Alyson held the Social Coordinator position and planned/promoted large events.
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