Comments on: Extending Learning Beyond Your Campus Years

By: Kobie Snyman

Kobie Snyman — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 12:23:00 +0000

So true Aurora! I also wrote a post on reading up on management even though you may not be a manager on my career blog!

By: Laura Lopez

Laura Lopez — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:16:00 +0000

This is why distance learning courses are such a good idea. Traditional degrees keep students so heavily immersed in college life that they are somewhat un-prepared for the real world. Even those students that balance work and school tend to get an on-campus job, which means that they continue to remain cloistered. They also often don’t have the time to hone other skills, and pursue other interests. Online degrees offered by accredited colleges allow you to complete your education and simultaneously build other skill-sets, keep a part-time job, read, broaden your horizons, etc.

By: Lena

Lena — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 15:49:00 +0000

I think it’s great that you’re offering readers ways to continue learning. It’s important to always keep your mind stimulated either by reading, or even playing word and number games. I know for older people this helps them stay sharp! It’s important to remember that college is not just for young adults but in fact there are many adults that are either starting up their education or continuing it, and frankly I think it’s great! I have a website that offers resources for adults going back to school, or starting school. It’s http://collegedegreestoday.com/ I hope you check it out and find it as informative as I found your article to be.

By: Aurora Meyer

Aurora Meyer — Tue, 24 May 2011 15:30:16 +0000

Balance is the key! As for the 42% who don’t read books after college, I don’t think the study asked if they balanced their checkbook or otherwise did calculations. I think that would have been a great addition to the study.
Aurora

By: Aurora Meyer

Aurora Meyer — Tue, 24 May 2011 15:28:38 +0000

Kirk,
I too am surprised by how much I learn every day. I often say if I stop learning new things and if my job stops being fun, I’ll know it’s time to bow out. You don’t have to be a walking encyclopedia (there is a difference between throwing around facts and using them in conversation) to be engaging.
Thanks for the encouragement!
Aurora

By: Aurora Meyer

Aurora Meyer — Tue, 24 May 2011 15:26:36 +0000

Avadhut,
Absolutely! There’s no shame in enrolling in an Excel course or another skill specific class. Many communities offer these through a continued learning program and many colleges and universities offer program specific classes for free.
Aurora

By: Aurora Meyer

Aurora Meyer — Tue, 24 May 2011 15:25:03 +0000

Marianne,
I absolutely agree reading and continuing to learn make you a well-rounded person with diverse interests which can lead to a better life outside work. It also allows you to meet new people, who share your interests. After college, it isn’t easy to meet people. I am personally a huge fan of the library. I love checking out a stack of books and reading through them. My favorite is this time of year, a good book, a hammock and some ice tea!
As for the 42% reference, if you click on the link in the above article, it will provide you with additional information.
Aurora

By: Kirk Baumann

Kirk Baumann — Tue, 24 May 2011 13:03:30 +0000

Learn every day. That’s one of the best pieces of advice that I have received over the years. Challenge yourself to learn one new thing each day. You’d be surprised at how easy this is. Continue to learn more about your industry, the people, politics, etc. If you do this, I can guarantee you’ll always have something to talk about with anyone!

Great article. Keep up the good work.

Kirk Baumann
http://www.campus-to-career.com
@kbaumann

By: Avadhut

Avadhut — Tue, 24 May 2011 09:46:38 +0000

Aurora,
Nice Post. I think, one more way is to join a short term program for skills enhancement. I have experienced this works as I join at least one program in my area to be updated.

Avadhut

By: Mariane

Mariane — Tue, 24 May 2011 05:29:27 +0000

Disagree with the point that uniform payment will people jobhop less, unless we talk flipping burgers (and probably even there) the content and the social envioronment and possibility to grow within ones chosen field is more important. Also, sure you can find interesting content online, but you have no one to discuss with, no one to guide you who know the subject better than you do (at least initially). I would go to a seminar any day and still read very very challenging books to stretch myself – blogosphere is all and well but cmon, how can you compare a post that took you one hour to write (or a few days depending on the subject) and a book that took you years of thorough research, agony and sweat to make sure everything was accurate and up to date and in line with past and current thinking?

By: Mariane

Mariane — Tue, 24 May 2011 05:17:17 +0000

Aurora,
to read – especially if one cast the net as wide as you wisely suggests here – get you to be a well rounded person which make for a more interesting life OUTSIDE work as well… which I hope is a goal as well…???!!! And online reading, as much as I find many interesting things there, love WIkipedia fx., I dont think anything can really take the place for a well researched book as a reference… having said that, a lot of motivational literature is great on Kindle, and by all means – use the public library!
thank you for the article
Mariane
p.s. could you get the reference on the 42% non/reading college edu from somewhere? all MY friends are reading, so where are they?

By: Aurora Meyer

Aurora Meyer — Sun, 22 May 2011 16:49:45 +0000

Shawn,
Agreed! It is easy to be set in your ways because they work for you, but not for everyone. Change doesn’t have to be bad. Adaption can mean getting better, or at least more competitive.
Aurora

By: shawn

shawn — Sun, 22 May 2011 03:01:50 +0000

“Individuals born from 1957 to 1964 held an average of 11 jobs from age 18 to age 44,” This quote surprised me a little but then I thought about all of the jobs I have held in my life and yeah, I guess I fall right around that number as well. Change in ones life and job seems to get harder as one ages, but you have to adapt with the times just to stay competitive with the young hires.

By: advanced computer technology

advanced computer technology — Sat, 21 May 2011 02:28:41 +0000

yes, i do agree with learning concept till we die. learning is a process. making someone become better n better n making he/she wiser decision maker.
i like the concept of balance here… reading & calculating. interesting.
so, when we didn’t read, we manage our finances, we do some calculations there right?
calculate our income, expenses, budget, taxes and so on.
can i say that it is a check n balance?

By: Aurora Meyer

Aurora Meyer — Fri, 20 May 2011 15:26:43 +0000

Abhishek,
Thanks for your comments! I agree that a lot of people are reading more online, however, I disagree that you can learn more online than you can in a book. For example, I still have and reference my textbook: Advertising and Integrated Brand Promotion © 2003 (the third edition). I also still strongly believe that the education received at higher learning institutions is very valuable today, as many employers require a Bachelors Degree (even in an unrelated field).
I don’t think job hopping is because of greed, I think it has more to do with a lack of job security for both the employee and the employer. Why would I spend 10 to 15 years at a company with no hope of a raise or promotion and no chance of a pension?
Aurora

By: Abhishek

Abhishek — Fri, 20 May 2011 12:11:40 +0000

I agree on the facts you have there. However, you missed out on the point that now people learn more online than they learn at school or from any book. The trend is changing, so one should now survey what % of students read blogs and not books. Job hopping is basically common because of the human greed and desire for money. Make a uniform pay scale system and see the hopping deplete.