Learning is a key driver of career development. After all, it is through constantly developing your human capital, which comprises your knowledge, skills and disposition, that you may cope with the rapidly changing contexts of work and enhance your value propositions to your current and future employers (or clients); thereby, contributing to your career advancement and employability.
You must, therefore, become a ‘perpetual student’ by embracing learning as a lifelong endeavour. Yet, your lifelong learning journey need not be restricted to formal education or training but may consist of other forms of learning experiences. In other words, you may embark on life-wide learning across your personal and professional life.
What is Life-wide Learning?
Life-wide learning is one aspect of lifelong learning that encompasses formal, non-formal and informal learning activities:
Formal learning refers to structured learning activities that are usually provided by education and training institutions and will lead to certification. This form of learning is intentional from the learner’s perspective. For example, you may choose to enrol in an MBA programme to deepen your managerial knowledge.
Non-formal learning denotes structured learning activities that are not provided by education and training institutions. This form of learning is intentional from the learner’s perspective but usually does not lead to certifications. For instance, you may be invited to attend a briefing by your human resource manager to understand more about a new leave management software.
Informal learning can be defined as unstructured learning activities arising from our daily life associated with work, family or leisure and will not lead to certification. While this form of learning can be intentional, it is mostly incidental and random, such as reading an autobiography or encountering a non-routine problem at work.
Here are some other examples of the three (3) dimensions of life-wide learning that you may choose to implement for advancing your career:
Formal Learning
Participate in company-sponsored training programmes
Source for and self-enrol in training and educational programmes offered by external institutions
Non-formal Learning
Seek coaching from experienced colleagues
Receive mentorship from established colleagues or industry professionals
Attend company-sponsored lunch-and-learn sessions
Participate in industry conferences
Join webinars offered by reputable individuals or organisations
Job shadowing colleagues in different roles or departments
Informal Learning
Engage in informal conversations with colleagues and friends over coffee or a meal
Participate in the company's task force, committee and cross-functional project
Seek out work roles with new challenges or broader responsibilities
Volunteer with professional societies, trade associations or community organisations
Author publications like articles or whitepaper
Use and engage with others on social media platforms (e.g., LinkedIn)
Key Takeaway
Remember, embracing life-wide learning is not just a strategy but a mindset that can significantly impact your career. By recognising the value of diverse learning experiences, you empower yourself to adapt, grow, and thrive in this ever-evolving world of work.
As you consider how you can integrate life-wide learning into your career development plan, take a moment to assess your current learning practices and identify areas that can improve your human capital, foster your agency and expand your horizons.
So, why wait? Start your life-wide learning journey today and unlock the endless possibilities for career growth and success.
About the Author
Darren is a learning strategist and career practitioner passionate about helping individuals, teams, and organisations unlock their full potential and achieve peak performance. As the Founder of WiP, he offers bespoke learning solutions for organisations to enhance and sustain their competitive edge. Together with his team of consultants, Darren also provides training programmes to help individuals develop their career capital, learning ability, and power skills for professional growth.
Click here to connect with Darren on LinkedIn!