After finishing university or college, the last thing you want to think about is more self-improvement. However, if you want to remain highly employable and current in your knowledge, it's a necessity. There are so many options available for professional development that finding the ones that are relevant and useful can be difficult. Sure, there are the standard conferences and university courses, but why not seek something a little different in your professional development journey.

Book clubs

Reading books on your industry may seem like an obvious option. However, a valuable way to turn reading a book into a development activity is to ask your colleagues to join you! Whether with work friends or college buddies, there is real opportunity for learning when you include the opinions of others.

Peruse the bestsellers list in your industry as well as the top business and leadership books, which are valuable for pretty much anyone to read. Then invite some people to read the book with you and meet for lunch to discuss. It's a great way to not only learn something new but to network and develop relationships.

Professional certifications

If there is a reputable professional certification in your industry, you should begin the process to obtain it as quickly as possible after graduation. Knowledge is still fresh, so this is the best time to take any required examinations before you start to forget everything you learned in your studies. Many careers in various fields'like accounting, for example'require designations for higher positions, and they can be valuable assets to have on a resum├® no matter the level of employment. Additionally, many of the boards that administer these certifications offer professional development, courses, and networking opportunities to continue your learning after you receive your designation.

Online courses

There are many places to learn new things online; the world is at your fingertips. (If you can dream it, you can probably find a YouTube video to teach it.) However, there are many reputable institutions such as Stanford University that are offering free online courses in everything from stocks and bonds to coding. Learning new things especially outside your area of expertise is a smart way to broaden your skills and increase your employability.

Take every opportunity that comes your way at work to learn something new. If you're given the opportunity to attend a conference or other event in your industry, take it! Peruse blogs and online forums in your industry regularly and see what's new and exciting. At some point, if you feel the investment may be worth it, considering a graduate degree or additional higher education programs could pay off as well.

Continuing to acquire knowledge will help you not only develop as a professional but grow as a person and develop a love of learning.

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