Careers that require lifelong learning for lifelong success

Lifelong learning has been a topic of conversation for some time, but today it is even more relevant and crucial. The world has been facing changes rapidly, and especially in the workplace, these changes continue to accelerate. Not too long ago, a bachelor’s degree was perceived as the “golden ticket” to getting by comfortably with long-term progression. It’s not that simple nowadays.

While a bachelor’s degree is still considered a minimum requirement for many jobs, with reports suggesting that 65% of all jobs in 2020 will require more than high school education, many entry-level and technology positions can be attained through industry certifications and undergraduate certificates.

Similarly, moving into senior management does not always require a master’s degree. Post-baccalaureate certificates and other short courses in data analytics, digital marketing, or leadership can be very effective tools for career progression.

Our society is now in what many call the Fourth Industrial Revolution, also referred to as Industry 4.0, where productivity is dependent on cyber-physical systems, ones that blend the divide between the physical and digital. With the economic demands of Industry 4.0 and the rising levels of automation in the workforce, education now means continual training and a dedication to lifelong learning to keep up. 

What has resulted in these developments are solutions such as micro-credential programmes, stackable credentials, and online courses. These short-term online education programmes not only provide qualifications, they are also highly credible, often offered by institutions of higher learning and established organisations alike.

Modern careers require professionals to keep learning no matter which stage they are currently at, and being content is a mindset that comes with risk. Considering how quickly industries, businesses, and technology evolves, failing to evolve alongside is how employees get left behind. Instilling the ability to be a lifelong learner yourself will ensure your talents remain agile, adaptable, and ready to fill the next organisational gap when necessary.

Lifelong learning paves the way for current and future success. In the simplest of terms, a lifelong learner is someone who keeps acquiring new skills and capabilities well past their formal education years. It involves not only studying new topics but also developing an open mind and positive attitude about the dynamic nature of an evolving world, and with this comes personal development alongside professional development. Qualifications will help with a career, but it’s curiosity and a growth mindset that invites future possibilities.

President Barack Obama would read for an hour a day while in office. Warren Buffet invested 80% of his time reading and thinking. Bill Gates reads a book a week and sets aside two weeks annually for reading vacations. Some of the most influential people in the world are lifelong learners, and with the resources available, anyone can be too. For those passionate about education and aspire to be lifelong learners, here are just a few high-paying, in-demand careers to start working towards pursuing today:

Computer Programmer

Technological advancements are made every day and computer programmers lead this revolution. Programmers are constantly learning as technology evolves, with new languages and frameworks introduced often.

Writer

Novelists, scriptwriters, playwrights, and essentially every kind of writer needs to pay close attention and incorporate details into their drafts. These details make stories come to life and require a substantial amount of research.

Biochemical engineer

Biochemical engineers are responsible for making medical breakthroughs that save lives. A master’s in the field is necessary and it’s an education that plays off with a salary range that exceeds almost US$100k annually. Throughout their careers, these engineers are given new information about medicine, illnesses, and technologies that will influence their decisions.

Educator

Educators are continually learning to teach, whether it be to children, teens or adults. Teachers are capable of broadening horizons by exploring and diversifying the subjects they teach, which in turn serves as an opportunity for them to be able to educate themselves.

Marketing Manager

These professionals are sought out by organisations to plan strategies based on trends, which are ever-changing. Technology plays a big role in impacting these changes and the ability to reach audiences in ways that are relevant and effective, is a skill many companies are willing to pay for.