5 Reasons for Continuing Education

Written By: Jim Cozzie, CD-SV, RIT, Brand Manager, Turtle Wax

When considering continuing education, some associate that with traditional higher education such as earning an associate’s, bachelor’s, or graduate degree. While this isn’t wrong, other avenues allow you to fine-tune your particular craft. These may include earning a GED, professional certification, on-the-job training, military training, personal development, self-paced learning, voluntary services training, or industry associations and conferences. Depending on the program, it can take years to complete or last as little as hours. If you’re in doubt as to whether you should continue your education, consider these five benefits of doing so:

1. It can help you become an innovator. When you learn something new, you may also be introduced to new ways of thinking and new concepts. This can open the door to using a different approach to accomplish some of your current tasks. To be an innovator, you must think outside the box. Expanding your knowledge can help you become more creative. This will help you stand out from your competition, your peers, or help you climb the business ladder. Those who are always looking for new opportunities often are the best entrepreneurs.
2. It’s a natural way to grow your network. Continuing education can help with networking. The wider your connections, the more individuals you can help, and in turn be willing to help you. If you stay within your current network, you will meet individuals who share a common interest. Just like in the innovation consideration above, by working outside of your current network, you may also be introduced to new ways of thinking and concepts. Just remember, focus on quality connections versus quantity.
3. It can teach self-discipline. Going back to school may not sound exciting, but learning something new is a sacrifice you make now to better your future. During this process, you can identify your strengths and weaknesses. In turn, you can build on your strengths and work on your weaknesses. Dedicating time to learning something new requires commitment and self-discipline. Self-discipline gives you the ability to overcome obstacles in your life and help you reach your goals.
4. It sparks personal development and growth. Continuing your education often pushes you to reach your highest potential — especially for those who have already established themselves as a business or within a company. Personal development can focus on ways that you can better yourself and increase your skills. You should always set goals for yourself and design the best strategy to reach those goals. Challenge your mind and body, step outside your comfort zone, and watch yourself grow.
5. It can make career transitions easier. If life is leading you toward a different professional path, having further education will help you on your journey. If it’s time to hang up the polisher, don’t be caught without other opportunities on the horizon. Having a degree has become more of the norm when moving into a new career. Many professions require continued education because the training will be crucial to success. Without it, chances are slim you’ll qualify for a new position, especially one that requires a degree or certification.

To set yourself ahead of the competition, you should always consider furthering your education. The benefits of continuing your education almost always outweigh the risks. Although it may cost time and money, you can expect to be more qualified and improve your confidence. The investment in yourself could launch your career to the next level –– no matter where that is.

*This educational article was provided by Turtle Wax, an IDA Diamond Sponsor. It does not constitute an endorsement, guarantee, warranty, or recommendation by the IDA. The IDA makes no representation or warranties about any information contained herein.