Advocating for continuous learning and growth in early career development

Published on September 29, 2021   21 min

Other Talks in the Series: Early Career Development

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0:00
Good day everyone. I'm Dr. Kyra Leigh Sutton. I'm a faculty member at Rutgers University of New Jersey, in the United States. Welcome to "Advocating for Continuous Learning and Growth Early in your Career".
0:16
I began studying the transition of young adults into the workplace more than 12 years ago. Something significant to me is for young adults to remember, you have agency over your career. It means that your career choices matter and you should select the opportunities that give you the best chance to learn and grow. It also means that it is the responsibility of those like myself, who have transition from school to work to help the next generation. Overall, if we send young adults into the real world without specific evidence-based guidance, we fail you each time. This series is intended to fill that void and lessen the uncertainty young adults experience as they transition to their first permanent roles. Many young adults have benefited from courses or guidance, focus on how to get the job. In contrast, less emphasis is given to what happens during the first few years after you started working. This part of the series is focused on helping you perform on the job.
1:22
In a previous session, I explained the business case for hiring young adults. Specifically, I described seven skills that young adults contribute to the workforce. One of those skills was adaptability and willingness to learn. According to the Pew Research Center, 81 percent of adults between the ages of 18-29, identified themselves as lifelong learners. There are at least five advantages for young adults that are invested in learning. First, you will embrace learning curves when you start new roles. Secondly, continuous learning improves your self-awareness. As you are learning about the organization, you should consider if you're enjoying what you're learning. Do you find the field interesting? Do you like your job? The third reason continuous learning is advantageous, is because it prepares you for more complex roles, which can include leadership opportunities and taking on increasingly difficult job responsibilities. Continuous learning facilitates relationship-building. Because who is better to learn from than your manager, co-workers, and leaders in the organization. Finally, Digital Information World says, "Continuous learning helps you grow and adapt to unexpected changes, such as losing your job and modifications in work projects and tasks. By the end of this session,
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Advocating for continuous learning and growth in early career development

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