What do you guys do to upgrade yourself after entering the workforce

[ywhtptgtfo]

After working for 2 years, I feel that intellectual stagnation is a very real threat especially if one grows too comfortable with the job. While on-the-job learning can still be considerable, it may not be enough for one to break the barrier and ascend to the next level (i.e. employee --> team leader -> manager or developer/engineer -> architect).

Since time is precious outside of work, what do you guys do to help your professional knowledge base grow?

Personally, I often take a technical book with me when I ride the exercise bike or go to the little boy's room. If I can get through one chapter a week, it's an achievement.

 

[El_Machinae]

I often struggle with this. In my current position, I just need to be an active learner, and people will recognise that I 'know my stuff'. BUT, when it comes to the next position, you'd be surprised how much certifications matter.

So, hunt down related certifications and get them under your belt

 

[SS-18 ICBM]

It would mainly consist of keeping up with the literature and learning from others in the department. Other than that, I sought out positions that taught me new techniques and specializations. Last time was immunology and microscopy, now it's cancer and protein-protein interaction assays.

 

[civver_764]

I struggle more with thinking that I need to upgrade myself.

 

[ywhtptgtfo]

I often struggle with this. In my current position, I just need to be an active learner, and people will recognise that I 'know my stuff'. BUT, when it comes to the next position, you'd be surprised how much certifications matter.

So, hunt down related certifications and get them under your belt

Yes, that seems like a good idea since certificates define a definite goal on what precise topics need to be covered.

It would mainly consist of keeping up with the literature and learning from others in the department. Other than that, I sought out positions that taught me new techniques and specializations. Last time was immunology and microscopy, now it's cancer and protein-protein interaction assays.

Academia is far nastier than the industry. I'd imagine in order to keep up, one needs to at least read or skim through the 10 newest articles found in PubMed related to the subject on a daily basis. That is in addition to keeping tabs on the publications of friends, rivals, and collaborators.

Thankfully I am not in academia at the moment so I no longer need to deal with that constant headache.

 

[Samez]

Did you ever check if there is some kind of employee development program in your company? There might be some programs like Kaizen/Kanban/Muda/6 Sigma or other quality/project tools. I just had a 6 Sigma training last week and if you like to you can go quite deep into statistics with that.
These tools do have the advantage to be applicable in nearly any field (from fast food restaurant to academia). But it is also often just fancy (Japanese) names for normal things...

 

[ywhtptgtfo]

Did you ever check if there is some kind of employee development program in your company? There might be some programs like Kaizen/Kanban/Muda/6 Sigma or other quality/project tools. I just had a 6 Sigma training last week and if you like to you can go quite deep into statistics with that.
These tools do have the advantage to be applicable in nearly any field (from fast food restaurant to academia). But it is also often just fancy (Japanese) names for normal things...

We do have something remotely similar. The occasional workshop. A list of web videos on various subjects (thanks for reminding me of that). There's a monthly initiative about Cloud computing. Then there's a sponsored 40 hour free-form education requirement - I've spent that reading books.

But speaking of statistics, I am definitely interested in expanding in that direction since it has a great number of uses across different industries. I am probably going to look into ghosting some stats courses in Coursera.

 

[Oruc]

After working for 2 years, I feel that intellectual stagnation is a very real threat especially if one grows too comfortable with the job. While on-the-job learning can still be considerable, it may not be enough for one to break the barrier and ascend to the next level (i.e. employee --> team leader -> manager or developer/engineer -> architect).

Since time is precious outside of work, what do you guys do to help your professional knowledge base grow?

Personally, I often take a technical book with me when I ride the exercise bike or go to the little boy's room. If I can get through one chapter a week, it's an achievement.

Well I started doing driving lessons, passed the test and passed the test work wants you to do before you can drive for them. Now I sometimes drive at work.
I don't think it's quite the same thing.

 

[El_Machinae]

Yes, that seems like a good idea since certificates define a definite goal on what precise topics need to be covered.

I spend a ridiculous amount of my downtime learning (mainly via podcasts), but I find that I have very little to show for it except for the respect of my colleagues. The certifications will matter later.

 

[ywhtptgtfo]

I spend a ridiculous amount of my downtime learning (mainly via podcasts), but I find that I have very little to show for it except for the respect of my colleagues. The certifications will matter later.

What's your occupation?

 

[El_Machinae]

Medical neuroscience

 

[illram]

Upgrade your wardrobe.

 

[ywhtptgtfo]

Medical neuroscience

Academia or industry?

 

[Samez]

In addition to my last post:
How about learning another language? You can easily adjust money and time spent and it is possible to get certificates but it is not required.

 

[Cheezy the Wiz]

After working for 2 years, I feel that intellectual stagnation is a very real threat especially if one grows too comfortable with the job. While on-the-job learning can still be considerable, it may not be enough for one to break the barrier and ascend to the next level (i.e. employee --> team leader -> manager or developer/engineer -> architect).

Since time is precious outside of work, what do you guys do to help your professional knowledge base grow?

Personally, I often take a technical book with me when I ride the exercise bike or go to the little boy's room. If I can get through one chapter a week, it's an achievement.

Learn my boss' job.

 

[El_Machinae]

Academia or industry?

Academia. There's remarkably little neuroscience done at the industrial level, and industry mostly taps academia when they need something done.

 

[ywhtptgtfo]

Academia. There's remarkably little neuroscience done at the industrial level, and industry mostly taps academia when they need something done.

Tough. That explains why you are spending so much time learning at leisure since that's a survival requirement.

 

[ywhtptgtfo]

Learn my boss' job.

I prefer not to be my boss, TYVM. Administrative roles are a chore and I am a rule bender instead of a rule follower.

 

[El_Machinae]

Tough. That explains why you are spending so much time learning at leisure since that's a survival requirement.

Did you just crap on me?

 

[ywhtptgtfo]

Did you just crap on me?

No, I am just saying that's the culture in academia, which is more competitive in many other places. The difference between reading an important paper one week later than others can potentially lead to missed opportunities.