Like nearly every other professional, communications professionals need to partake in continuing education in order to grow their careers and remain qualified in their field. There are countless education-furthering resources out there that, together, provide very solid additional learning for professionals at any stage in their careers. The following are among the best options.
Related Resource: Top 20 Best Online Communications Degree Programs
Certifications
Going back to school to get additional degrees is often not practical or necessary. However, obtaining certifications in a number of specific topics or technologies can be highly beneficial. Software and hardware manufacturers commonly offer certification courses for their products. These certifications are helpful for everyone in this field but especially anyone working in technical or digital communication. Major professional organizations for communication professionals also offer certification programs that can increase value to an employer. These certifications can be in specific subjects such as business communication or global communication. Relevant certifications of all kinds can be listed on a resume to increase the likelihood of landing a job as well as help communication professionals reach better performance levels at their current jobs.
Additional Degrees
In some cases, additional degrees may be the right continuing educational choice for a career. This can include advanced degrees in communications as well as additional degrees in other subjects that could expand a communications-based career such as business or marketing. To advance into some jobs or roles, an advanced degree might be necessary. This could be to get a promotion within an employee’s current organization or while looking outside their current company to advance their career. Online degrees, hybrid online and in-person programs and other options for non-traditional students are available. Some employers might also pay some of the cost of a degree as an investment in their employees’ potential.
Seminars and Conferences
Seminars and conferences are great resources for continuing to learn about communication topics. These can be discovered through an employer, a professional organization or entirely by the individual. Most professional organizations host or maintain a list of industry-related events that provide educational opportunities to their members. These events commonly host speakers and provide panels that teach communication professionals about various topics related to their profession. These events also allow for networking, which is key for growing a career. This is because networked connections in the industry can provide advice and mentorship that are excellent sources of information.
Online Resources
There are countless resources online to choose from that qualify as continuing education. This includes blogs, webinars, web content articles, technology sites and other resources that can help communication professionals learn more about their chosen field. Be sure to utilize a wide variety of online resources to gain different insights and a broad array of information. Online resources are especially valuable for professionals specializing or working in digital communication due to continued digital innovation, as Forbes notes. Because online materials update much faster than traditional materials, they are one of the best resources for always receiving the most cutting-edge and up-to-date information.
Continuing to learn new techniques, technologies and information about a chosen field is an integral part of every career. Students and graduates should utilize a variety of options to get ahead, especially professional organizations as they provide access to significant additional education opportunities. Communications professionals should use these resources to partake in continuing education throughout their careers.