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As the soil, however rich it may be, cannot be productive without cultivation, so the mind without culture can never produce good fruit. ~ Seneca |
Change is everywhere in the world, in all organizations. Individuals will need to change to keep pace. That means continuous learning and updating - an ongoing adjustment to your portfolio of skills and knowledge. Motivation can come from several benefits: increased job satisfaction, better prospects for work, personal satisfaction, and increased pay. Learning environments can include:
Training at your place of employment
Learning at home through audio/video tapes, Internet delivery or print materials
Day or evening courses in a community or educational institution
Before you invest your time and money, thoroughly investigate your options regarding quality and suitability to your needs. For some programs you may wish to ask about the people who graduated, what type of work they are doing and their salary ranges. Because of the wide array of programs and courses, you may benefit from consulting an educational specialist or a guidance/career/training counsellor.
Many students enroll in an academic institution without having a goal. They complete their education with no plans other than to get a degree or diploma. They take courses in what they love to learn and to increase their general knowledge. Then they are disappointed at graduation time to find that no employer wants to hire them because they dont have the knowledge or skills to be productive immediately on the job. Unfair as that sounds, that is the reality some students face. Enjoying your studies is excellent. Becoming better rounded is ideal. However, you need to think about the third component: your portfolio of talents, abilities, skills and knowledge that can help you to be selected for the work you want.
The initial question, then, is what do you want your university education to do for you? Consider your plans using the chart below so that you have your learning objectives on record.
Have you included both personal and career development points? Do you have a good balance so that you will enjoy your program? Three, four, or more years can be a long time when you have no passion or interest in what you are studying. You may want to take some time each year to reflect on your progress and whether or not your learning is in line with your overall goals.
The following Learning Plan Chart is designed to help you plan and record your learning objectives that can help you prepare for your future. Click on the text :
View it as a normal Web page and print it.
Lifelong Learning-
To continue to the next section, Step 3.4.2, click here.
