Life After Graduation: How to Be a Lifelong Learner
“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” – William Butler Yeats (1865-1939)
When your final papers have been submitted, your exams graded, and you’ve walked off the commencement stage with a brand-new diploma in hand, you might be wondering what comes next.
Perhaps you have a job or internship already lined up and are eager to start the next stage of your career. Maybe you’re going to take some time off to travel or volunteer. Or perhaps, like many, you’re not entirely sure what your next step is.
No matter your post-graduation plans, education does not end once you’ve left the classroom and closed your textbooks. Lifelong learning is a journey that will sustain you far beyond graduation, helping you keep your skills relevant and your mind open to fresh ways of thinking.
The ongoing and self-motivated pursuit of knowledge is not always easy, however, and there will likely be plenty of distractions along the way. So, here are a few tips to help you continue your education long after you’ve earned your degree.
- Stay curious: Cultivate a sense of wonder and fascination with the world around you. Ask questions, seek new experiences and perspectives, and do your best not to become rigid in your thinking.
- Set goals: Define specific, achievable goals to keep yourself motivated and focused. Learn a new language, pursue a professional certification or master a specific new skill.
- Make time for learning: Life’s responsibilities can feel endless, but strong lifelong learners find a way to prioritize their education. Even if it’s just one or two hours a week, carve out a dedicated time and space for learning.
- Seek out diverse perspectives: Self-education means never becoming complacent or smug about one’s knowledge. Be open to unexpected experiences and fresh ideas that challenge your preconceived notions.
- Use tech: Take advantage of online courses, videos, podcasts, forums and other digital resources to access a wide range of learning opportunities and communities.
- Put yourself out there: Reading books, articles and research papers can help you broaden your knowledge, but you should also seek a social element to your learning. Join professional associations, attend conferences and workshops, and network with other learners and experts in your field.
- Reflect on your learning: The examined life is a life worth living. Take time to reflect on what you’ve learned, how it’s impacted you and how far you’ve come, as you define your future learning goals.
- Celebrate your progress: Be sure to acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. This can give you the motivation and focus you need to continue your lifelong learning journey.
Embarking on a journey of continuous education is about much more than simply acquiring knowledge; it means embracing a philosophy that transforms how you engage with the world around you.
Lifelong learning is a key that unlocks opportunities and new possibilities far beyond the classroom. Self-education is a worthwhile pursuit which can enrich every aspect of your life. With the tips above, you’ll be ready to embrace new skills and ways of thinking, wherever your journey takes you.