A few years ago, while working on my master’s degree in history, I was able to attend several professional conferences and workshops as a writer, speaker, and also as a listener. I learned about parts of history that I did not study, new methods of research and writing, and how to combine multiple disciplines to more broadly portray history.  And I got to participate in those conversations by sharing my own work while experiencing others. More than a speaker, more than an attendee, it was a collaboration. 

Over the last few months, I discovered conferences and in a similar vein, continuing educational opportunities were both easier and harder to attend. In-person? Not so much. But I hear about at least one new virtual learning opportunity every day. I joined three new professional groups over the last 12 months, one for more general business learning, one specific to editing, and one specific to writing. Through these groups I have met new people and learned new skills vital to my success as an editor and copywriter. Supplemented with books and online resource sites, I’ve been able to expand my skill set far faster than if I had done it all on my own. I’ve attended webinars, courses, and workshops as well which has given me opportunities to network and share my business and skills with others. 

There is a professional organization for everyone. No joke. If you’re new to a profession, this is a great way to meet people outside of your office, find mentors, hear cautionary tales, and network for your next career move. Many professional organizations offer not only networking opportunities for its membership, but training courses as well, allowing you to fill in some gaps in your professional knowledge, which makes you a more valuable employee.

Like professional organization meetings and training, continuing educational opportunities come in many shapes. If your profession requires continuing education credits, a professional organization can help you find the courses that apply to you and help you get signed up. Many might also offer discounts for members. Continuing ed can include anything from specific skills, trends or new professional standards, and even ways to improve your workplace.  

No matter your profession, we all should continue to get better and challenge ourselves. We should not be content to sit and go stale. Whether to be better employees, leaders, or humans, I want to inspire each of you to find a conference (virtual or in person) in 2021 and reacquaint yourself with other members of your profession. Join a group, sign up for a workshop or training, professional or maybe something you’ve always wanted to learn. Expand your brain! If you’re still working from home, maybe use that commute time you save every week and apply it toward an online webinar or course you’ve always been too busy to take. 

I for one am very excited about some upcoming professional courses I recently added to my calendar. They include topics like time management and getting the most out of track changes in Word. Cheers to learning new things in 2021!