For some of us, college was just a few years ago. For others, it may have been a little longer. But, despite the fact that we are now in the working world, we shouldn’t leave education behind for good.
Yes, you heard me correctly. It’s important for everyone to keep learning so we can be the best young professionals we can be. Why? For one, if you don’t keep learning or educating yourself about the newest and best practices, you probably won’t be super awesome at your job for long. As marketing professionals, we need to adapt to new technology and learn how to utilize them to their fullest potential. Plus, continuing education looks good when you’re looking for a new job. Who wouldn’t want to hire someone that’s constantly learning and willing to challenge themselves?
Now that I’ve convinced you that you should be always learning, here are some great resources to help you continue your education.
1. Take classes.
While not everyone wants to go back to class, some people thrive in that environment. There are a couple of options in Madison that allow you to grow professionally in a classroom setting, such as:
- Madison Area Technical College. They have a TON of options for continuing education, including noncredit classes and programs.
- UW-Madison Continuing Studies. Although not as extensive as Madison Area Technical College, they do have a relatively large collection of courses for those interested in leadership and management skills or learning a new language.
2. Learn online.
This route is for all of you who want to learn on your own time (and maybe in your pajamas).
- Lynda.com. Holy crap, do they have a video for everything. I’ve used Lynda.com for everything from Photoshop refreshers to learning Google Adwords to understanding SEO best practices. This involves a paid subscription, but check with your employer to see if they have one available for you to use.
- YouTube. Don’t underestimate the power of YouTube videos. There are hours of exceptional free content, including tutorial videos or tips from industry professionals. Here are some channels you may be interested in:
3. Tap into your community.
Not everything you learn needs to come from a book or video. Sometimes you need something different—and more hands-on—to keep learning. Here are a few ideas:
- Ad 2 Madison. Yes, we’re gonna toot our own horn for a minute. We provide educational events to keep you up-to-date on what you want and need to know. For example, come to our November event to learn about content marketing. We also have opportunities for experiential learning through joining our public service committee.
- Social Media Breakfast. These are monthly events with great speakers that talk about important industry topics. Plus, you get to network AND eat breakfast. (Click here for networking tips.)
- AAF Madison. They frequently host luncheons with industry-recognized speakers presenting valuable content.
- Mentors. Sometimes it’s worth it to find someone who has spent more time in the industry than you, or who has the career path you want. Connect with these people and learn from them!
So, there you have it. Now, go forth and LEARN!
