Traditional colleges and universities are considered a staple of modern education, but not everyone needs or wants to attend post-secondary educational institutions. Whether you choose not to attend college or want to keep pursuing education after you earn a degree, here are five easy ways you can further your education.
1. Online School Options
One of the first ways you might think of continuing to learn is by furthering your education online. There are many online education options, from online courses offered by traditional higher education institutions to full degrees offered by online universities. Online education options offer people the opportunity to be flexible and create their own personalized learning plans. They also allow people the freedom to learn about things that interest them.
2. Seek Out Internships And Apprenticeships
You can find internships and apprenticeships through your school or independently. These programs provide job training in the field so you can learn about the work you’re interested in and gain real-world experience in a supportive, educational environment. If you apply for an internship independently, you won’t be putting that experience toward any college credits, but you will be able to develop invaluable skills for your potential future career.
3. Enroll in Courses at Your Local Community College
You can also choose to further your education by attending a college, even if you’re not interested in earning a degree. You can check your local community college’s website for courses and other learning opportunities that may interest you or benefit your career. You don’t need to enroll in a degree program. You can choose to take a course in isolation or one course per semester or year. Most community colleges also offer programs such as coding boot camps, guest lecture series and resource library access.
4. Attend Lectures That Interest You
Furthering your education doesn’t necessarily need to involve seeking resources to help your job performance or enrolling in a program to earn an advanced degree. You can simply choose to learn more about things you find interesting. A fun way to do this is to seek out lecture series showcasing topics of interest to you. Lectures can be given in-person or online and are often archived so people can view them later. Check local schools, libraries and museums for educational lectures or events.
5. Ask Your Employer About Training And Learning Opportunities
Depending on your job, you may be interested in seeking training and learning opportunities through your employer. Employment-based learning opportunities come in many forms. You may have access to internal or external training. There may be mentorships or opportunities to attend workshops, seminars and conferences available to you. You can let your supervisor know of your interest and discuss your options with him or her.
There are many different ways you can choose to further your education. You can seek free options, enroll in individual courses or look for training specific to your career goals. Pursuing further education after completing your formal education gives you the freedom to choose what and how you learn and to do so at your own pace.
