Sharing my knowledge and experiences as a professional has been fulfilling since I started this article series with you. By now, I hope you have a clue of what tech is all about. As I explained in the last article, you’ve likely identified the role that excites you and the gaps you’re eager to fill as you go further into the tech world.
This article will be focused on learning, which, as you know, simply means an ongoing process of acquiring knowledge. It is also dynamic, involving not only the retention of information but also the development of critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Also, learning can occur in both structured and unstructured learning environments. It helps to increase curiosity and creativity levels as it further offers the ability to connect new ideas with already existing knowledge. The tech industry is evolving daily and obviously continuous learning is needed to stay relevant and updated.
Fortunately, there are many learning resources at your disposal and I am here to open them up to you. I will go over coding boot camps, online learning resources, self-study resources, and how to pick the most effective learning style for you in this article. In addition, I will discuss the value of learning and different learning approaches with both physical and virtual examples. Finally, to get you ready for the next article, I'll walk you through the things to think about when selecting a learning method.
Importance Of Learning
Moving forward, understanding the value of learning is essential, as it can inspire you to invest more time and effort in your growth. To motivate you on this journey, here are a few key reasons why learning is so important:
Career Opportunities
Learning broadens your career possibilities, enabling you to take on new challenges and roles. Consider John Doe, a marketing coordinator who begins learning about web development. This dual expertise allows him to switch careers and collaborate effectively with both design and tech teams, enhancing his career opportunities and positioning him for promotions or roles in tech.
Flexibility
Learning helps us to be flexible enough, especially in changing environments. For John Doe, his new web development skills lead him to explore various content management systems and search engine optimization strategies. As his company pivots to enhancing its online presence, John seamlessly transitions into contributing to website updates that improve speed, and performance, and ultimately make it possible for him to achieve his company goals.
Efficiency
Continuous learning enables you to be more efficient in everyday tasks. As John Doe sharpens his web development skills, he also learns how to implement effective web analytics tools and optimize server performance. This not only boosts his productivity but also leads to quicker data-driven decisions within the company.
Collaboration
Learning improves collaboration by enhancing how people connect and share ideas. As John Doe grows in his web development skills, he becomes better at facilitating discussions between front-end designers and back-end developers making teamwork smoother and more productive for him.
Various Methods Of Learning
Various methods can be used and you can choose the method that suits you based on the resources available to you and some other factors which will be discussed in the following paragraph. Here are some of the methods of learning tech with some examples:
Self-Learning (Online Tutorials and Courses)
This method empowers individuals to learn at their own pace using a variety of online resources allowing learners to choose topics that interest them and tailor their study schedules. If you are the type of person with an extremely busy schedule or you value flexibility, this learning method is the best for you.
Platforms and institutions where you can self-learn include Alison, edX, YouTube, Coursera, Udemy, and so on. Additionally, this learning method encourages self-motivation and independent research skills.
Coding Bootcamps
Coding boot camps are in-depth learning programs and the focus is usually on the development of practical skills. The main purpose of boot camps is to prepare individuals for a career path in the industry and a major factor why boot camp is usually highly recommended is the certainty of learning, collaboration, and more easy access to internship opportunities.
If you have the required time and finances, if you value learning in a structured environment, if you value teamwork and collaboration, then boot camp is the best learning method for you.
Formal Education (University Degrees)
Formal education is a structured system of learning that is well-planned and intentional. It is usually done through schools, colleges, or universities. Earning a degree is typically a summary of one’s learning journey as a learner and that is why formal learning of tech-related courses in a well-organized academic structured environment can be considered
Also, Formal education includes diploma courses and shorter programs that focus on practical skills in specific fields. It is worth mentioning that diploma and degree courses grant us the opportunity to gain world-renowned and recognized certifications and this always gives you an edge when considering to take on a well-defined career path in the industry.
Workshops
Workshops are hands-on sessions for learning. Do you love applying new skills? Then workshops are definitely for you because they give you the opportunity to apply new skills, ask questions, receive feedback, and collaborate with peers within the industry. Workshops are usually organized and conducted by experts in the industry and they further help participants to gain more knowledge in their field of learning while teaching them to also apply everything they have learned in their work or personal projects through tasks and assignments as the occasion might serve.
Mentorship and Peer Learning
Learning from experienced professionals or peers enhances understanding and provides networking opportunities. Also, this method of learning can be integrated into every other method of learning. Whether you choose to self-learn, go to a boot camp, get a formal degree or diploma, or attend workshops, it is important that you network with seniors and peers in the industries.
Getting mentioned by a senior professional and leaning alongside a group of people increases your motivation, gives you access to insight and opportunities, helps you resolve issues faster, helps you make the right carer decision and so many benefits. Head on to places like ADPList and LinkedIn to connect with seniors and peers in the industries.
Choosing the Best Learning Path
Every learning method comes with its requirements, advantages, and disadvantages, and choosing wisely can have a big impact on your career. Here are important things to think about:
Assess Your Current Circumstances: Before taking up a learning method, you should always consider your current situation. This means considering your financial status, available time, career goals, immediate environment, or problems that require solutions around you. For example, If you're on a tight budget, free online resources or community workshops might be your best bet. You can check some free online resources listed under the self-learning section. However, if you have access to the required finances and time, coding boot camps or specialized degrees/diploma programs might offer a more structured approach.
Consider Internet Connectivity: The strength and cost of an Internet connection is a major determinant of your learning method. If you have reliable, high-speed internet, then you have seamless access to various online courses and virtual workshop sessions allowing you to learn from professionals and mentors globally. However, if your internet connection isn’t so strong, then you might need to work with physical walk-in classes, local meetups, or physical boot camps. These methods will actually offer you a structured and goal-achieving environment plus a real-time interaction with tutors and professionals to support your learning progress effectively.
Availability of Online Resources: Furthermore, be sure to explore the availability and quality of online resources specific to your interests before adopting any learning method. If certain resources don’t align with your language preferences, learning format (more on this at the next point), or setting, consider exploring other options that might also be useful in learning your desired skill.
Learning Style Preference: Your learning style is a factor you cannot afford to rule out on this journey. Think about how you learn best. Do you prefer video content, text content, hands-on practice, or working alongside others? Selecting a method that suits your style can make learning more enjoyable and help you learn and remember the concepts you have learned more effectively.
Conclusion
Finally, think about the many learning opportunities and tools available to you, as well as the crucial role that continuous learning plays in forming your career. Making wise choices regarding your learning path puts you in a position to develop, and eventually prosper in the ever-changing tech industry.
Here is a little extra for you today: Continually embrace challenges and proactively seek opportunities for continuous learning to excel.
