Here's how you can conquer obstacles and barriers to continuing education as an HR professional.
Continuing education is a vital aspect of career growth for Human Resources (HR) professionals. It keeps you abreast of the latest industry trends, legal requirements, and management techniques. However, pursuing further education can be riddled with challenges, from time constraints to financial barriers. This article will guide you through overcoming these obstacles, ensuring you can enhance your skills and stay competitive in the HR field.
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Vikas KumarMDI Gurgaon (International Relations) !! 17K+LinkedIN Connects!! Expertise-Internationalization & Executive Education…
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DS YadavHR / IR Professional (Freelance)
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Lindsey Garito, MBA, SPHR, SHRM-SCPSenior HR/People Leader ✦ Career Mentor ✦ Speaker ✦ WHRMA Board Member ✦ Future I/O Psychologist
Balancing work, life, and education can seem daunting, but effective time management is key. Start by assessing your weekly schedule to identify periods that can be dedicated to learning. Prioritize tasks and consider flexible learning options such as online courses or webinars that fit into your routine. Remember, even short, consistent study periods can accumulate into substantial gains in knowledge.
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DS Yadav
HR / IR Professional (Freelance)
Finish your important tasks on time so that they didn’t fall under the category of urgent. This way you can avoid firefighting situation in your life. If you don’t know how to do a task, don’t hesitate to seek help from seniors or colleagues.
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Muskan Rai
🚀HR Recruiter🌟| Passionate about People & Progress🌱| Expertise in Talent Acquisition, Employee Relations, & HR Operations 💼 | Let's Connect! 🤝 #HR #TalentManagement #growth🚀
To overcome challenges and impediments to continuing education as an HR professional, prioritize learning objectives, look for company support, make use of online courses, manage time effectively, apply for scholarships, use professional networks as a resource, maintain motivation, and balance workload.
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Muhammad Suhail
Dedicated and passionate banking professional with more than 31 years of experience in banking sector and aiming to contribute towards the fulfillment of organizational goals through my vast skill-set and experience
Define what you want to achieve in each aspect of your life – work, education, and personal life. Having clear goals will help you prioritize your tasks and allocate your time accordingly. Identify the most important tasks that need to be done each day and focus on completing them first. Use techniques like Eisenhower's Urgent/Important Principle to distinguish between tasks that are urgent, important, both, or neither. Use a planner, calendar, or digital tools to map out your time. Schedule specific times for work, studying, relaxation, and personal activities. Stick to your schedule as much as possible, but also be flexible enough to adapt to unexpected changes.
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Elí Sánchez
People Manager and Business Partner | HR • People Operations • Talent Management • Culture • Business Partner |
Remember that your professional development needs to be part of your work experience, so start by letting your manager know that you're looking for career advancement. The first place to look for learning opportunities is at work, and your work schedule needs to include time for learning. Also, find time after work to attend some courses, community meetings and networking events to expand your learning.
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Vikas Kumar
MDI Gurgaon (International Relations) !! 17K+LinkedIN Connects!! Expertise-Internationalization & Executive Education !! Doctoral Researcher !! HR Professional-HEI INDIA !!Staff Training @SGH Warsaw
Time to Unlearn and Learn new things !! Join the relevant industry specific Linkedin groups to have an update on emerging technologies in the domain, events and activities around you. Linkedin provide global platforms of joining webinar and events available without affecting workplace activities and in different time zones.
Cost is a significant barrier to continuing education. However, many employers value upskilling and may offer tuition assistance or reimbursement programs. Explore scholarships and grants specifically for HR professionals. Additionally, consider cost-effective options like MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) or free online resources to minimize expenses while maximizing learning.
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Lindsey Garito, MBA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP
Senior HR/People Leader ✦ Career Mentor ✦ Speaker ✦ WHRMA Board Member ✦ Future I/O Psychologist
There are so many ways to learn and various free resources to take advantage of during periods where you may not have the budget or financial resources to dedicate to education and professional development. These include podcasts, webinars, and articles from reputable professional organizations and journals. Some courses and LinkedIn Learning are available for nominal costs. When the time is right for you, start budgeting and investing in your education and development.
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Rohan Dickinson
VP of Revenue @ 𝘼𝙙𝙬𝙖𝙮 📲 𝘼𝙪𝙩𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙎𝙤𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙍𝙚𝙘𝙧𝙪𝙞𝙩𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙈𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜
I'd suggest the above are ineffective compared to on the job learnings. That's when it becomes REAL. On the job learning should be supported by mentorship, development projects, peer to peer forums, experiential programmes and strong line management which involves coaching, check-ins and celebrations (big and the small). This sets one up for success.
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Elí Sánchez
People Manager and Business Partner | HR • People Operations • Talent Management • Culture • Business Partner |
If you work for a company where talent development is part of the company's DNA, you probably have access to a learning library and training resources, so start there. There are also so many free resources out there where you can find insightful content. Start by searching for blogs, podcasts, and LinkedIn posts from industry leaders so you can always find free resources that offer a different or new approach that will motivate you to keep searching for the topic you want to master.
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Muhammad Suhail
Dedicated and passionate banking professional with more than 31 years of experience in banking sector and aiming to contribute towards the fulfillment of organizational goals through my vast skill-set and experience
Many educational institutions offer scholarships, grants, and financial aid packages to help students cover the cost of tuition and other expenses. Research these options and apply for any that you qualify for. Some employers offer tuition reimbursement or assistance programs to support their employees' continuing education efforts. Check with your employer to see if they offer any such benefits and take advantage of them if available. There are numerous online platforms that offer free or low-cost courses on a wide range of subjects. MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) like Coursera, edX, and Khan Academy provide access to high-quality educational content at affordable prices.
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Ramana Prakash
Senior Human Resources Generalist @ east Consult | MBA in HR| Talent Management | Employee relation| Recruitment & Onboarding| Strategic HR| L&D| Performance management| Exit Interview| Posh
Addressing financial barriers as an HR professional pursuing continuing education involves thoughtful financial planning. Begin by assessing your current financial situation, including income, expenses, and any existing financial commitments. Create a budget that allocates funds specifically for education and professional development expenses, such as course fees, books, or certification exams. Explore cost-effective learning options, such as online courses or free resources, to make the most of your budget. Additionally, consider tapping into employer-sponsored tuition reimbursement programs or scholarships to offset costs.
Selecting the right program is crucial. Evaluate courses based on how they align with your career goals and current job demands. Look for accredited programs that offer the most value, such as those providing certifications or specialized knowledge. Speak with peers or mentors in HR who can provide insights into the most beneficial programs for your professional development.
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Vikas Kumar
MDI Gurgaon (International Relations) !! 17K+LinkedIN Connects!! Expertise-Internationalization & Executive Education !! Doctoral Researcher !! HR Professional-HEI INDIA !!Staff Training @SGH Warsaw
Upskilling is important and choose courses wisely to take you to next level in organisational hierarchy. The courses are available on technology, business management and leadership/personality development. Add some good skills to your portfolio deafferenting you from others during the promotion process.
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Muhammad Suhail
Dedicated and passionate banking professional with more than 31 years of experience in banking sector and aiming to contribute towards the fulfillment of organizational goals through my vast skill-set and experience
Consider how the course content aligns with your long-term career aspirations. Look for programs that offer courses or specializations directly related to your field of interest or desired career path. Evaluate whether the skills and knowledge gained from the program will help you advance in your chosen profession. Research the reputation and accreditation of the institution offering the course. Look for programs that are recognized and respected within your industry. Accreditation from relevant professional bodies or associations can add credibility to the program and enhance its value in the job market. Review the curriculum and course descriptions to ensure they cover topics that are relevant and applicable to your current job role
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Dr. Dario Pavlovic
Organization Manager & Developer | Ph.D. in I/OP | Business Analyst | Qualitative Researcher | Group Dynamics & Leadership | Workplace Conflict | Development Manager | Talent Management | Change Management LION
Make continuing education a priority and schedule it into your calendar: keep learning, frequent updates are necessary more than ever before.
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Ravesha Malhotra
Solution/Product Consultant at McKinsey & Company
Choosing the right program is crucial for overcoming barriers to continuing education in HR. Evaluate courses based on how they align with your career goals and job demands. Opt for accredited programs that offer certifications or specialized knowledge. Consult peers or mentors in HR for insights into beneficial programs for your professional development. #HRDevelopment #CareerGrowth #ContinuousLearning #ProfessionalDevelopment #HRCommunity #AccreditedPrograms
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Hendra Carlos
HR & GA Manager
In working, of course, you have to choose a specialist path or a generalist path, where this makes you more focused on learning and practicing knowledge in our respective jobs so that we are known to be experts in our field and become superior employees in the company.
Embrace technology to bypass educational hurdles. Online platforms offer a plethora of tools for remote learning, from webinars to virtual classrooms. These technologies not only provide flexibility but also allow you to connect with a global network of HR professionals and educators, enriching your learning experience with diverse perspectives and practices.
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Vikas Kumar
MDI Gurgaon (International Relations) !! 17K+LinkedIN Connects!! Expertise-Internationalization & Executive Education !! Doctoral Researcher !! HR Professional-HEI INDIA !!Staff Training @SGH Warsaw
Edtech platforms like Linkedin and others offering value for money courses. From Beginners to the Expertise level (no cost to the minimal cost). Individual based on time availability now the employees can go for regulatory approved degree programs through online mode ( MDI Gurgaon offering online MBA an AICTE approved degree).
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Muhammad Suhail
Dedicated and passionate banking professional with more than 31 years of experience in banking sector and aiming to contribute towards the fulfillment of organizational goals through my vast skill-set and experience
Take advantage of online learning platforms like Coursera, Udemy, Khan Academy, and edX, which offer a wide range of courses and tutorials on various subjects. These platforms often provide flexibility in scheduling and allow you to learn at your own pace. Many educational institutions now offer virtual classrooms and online courses, allowing students to participate in lectures, discussions, and assignments remotely. This can be especially beneficial for individuals who are unable to attend traditional classes due to geographical constraints or scheduling conflicts. Explore interactive learning tools such as simulations, virtual labs, and educational games, which can make learning more engaging and hands-on.
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Rohan Dickinson
VP of Revenue @ 𝘼𝙙𝙬𝙖𝙮 📲 𝘼𝙪𝙩𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙎𝙤𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙍𝙚𝙘𝙧𝙪𝙞𝙩𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙈𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜
As an ex-L&D practitioner I'd say soley tech-enabled learning will stifle growth. On the job learning is where practical learnings, failures and succeses are experienced. This can then be applied again and again thereafter with a continous improvement mindset. Complimenting both tech enabled learning and on the job learning is key. Cherry on top is adding in mentorship, and cultures which enable for people to feel driven to learn and develop themselves.
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Dr. Dario Pavlovic
Organization Manager & Developer | Ph.D. in I/OP | Business Analyst | Qualitative Researcher | Group Dynamics & Leadership | Workplace Conflict | Development Manager | Talent Management | Change Management LION
Building a network and connecting with other HR professionals to share knowledge, resources, and best practices. Embrace technology and leverage digital tools and platforms to access education and stay updated on industry trends.
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Ravesha Malhotra
Solution/Product Consultant at McKinsey & Company
Embracing technology in HR education is transformative. Online platforms offer webinars and virtual classrooms that provide flexibility and access to global networks. This connectivity enriches learning with diverse perspectives and best practices, empowering HR professionals to overcome educational hurdles and stay ahead in a dynamic field. Let's leverage these tools to foster continuous growth and innovation. #HRTech #EdTech #RemoteLearning #HRCommunity #ContinuousLearning #ProfessionalDevelopment
You might face internal resistance, whether it's fear of failure or questioning the return on investment of further education. Combat this by setting clear, achievable goals and reminding yourself of the long-term benefits to your career. Engage with supportive colleagues or online communities that encourage professional growth to maintain motivation.
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Muhammad Suhail
Dedicated and passionate banking professional with more than 31 years of experience in banking sector and aiming to contribute towards the fulfillment of organizational goals through my vast skill-set and experience
Take time to clarify your personal and professional goals. Consider how further education aligns with these goals and how it could contribute to your long-term success and fulfillment. Conduct thorough research on the potential benefits of further education, such as increased job opportunities, higher earning potential, and enhanced skills and knowledge. Look for success stories or testimonials from others who have pursued similar paths. Understand that fear of failure is a natural response to stepping outside your comfort zone. Instead of letting fear hold you back, reframe failure as an opportunity for growth and learning. Embrace a growth mindset and focus on the progress you can make through persistence and resilience.
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Dr. Dario Pavlovic
Organization Manager & Developer | Ph.D. in I/OP | Business Analyst | Qualitative Researcher | Group Dynamics & Leadership | Workplace Conflict | Development Manager | Talent Management | Change Management LION
Communicate your education needs to your organization and negotiate growth opportunities. Growth is sometimes the only recipe for overcoming resistance.
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Adachukwu Okoh
Lawyer| I help Founders with their handbooks on a budget💡| Young professionals(esp.Moms) advocate| I say words that value you
Setting clear and achievable goals are important. Make sure you are not taking a course because you are seeing someone else do it but it aligns with what you care about. Time has shown that if you keep honing your craft, you will shine too in that niche. AI wasn’t so big years ago but right now it’s changing the world ,imagine if Sam Altman went off to medical school because he heard Ben Carson conducted life changing surgery’s. Everyone has their place so invest in education that is deliberate.
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Ravesha Malhotra
Solution/Product Consultant at McKinsey & Company
Overcoming internal resistance to continuing education in HR is key. Address fears by setting clear, achievable goals and focusing on the long-term career benefits. Engage with supportive colleagues or online communities that encourage professional growth to stay motivated. Remember, the investment in yourself pays the highest dividends. #HRDevelopment #CareerGrowth #ContinuousLearning #ProfessionalDevelopment #HRCommunity #StayMotivated #OvercomeFear
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Zlatina Dimitrova
Payroll Specialist at Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria, HR Directorate
Set clear and achievable goals that are in align with your professional ambitions. If you are aware of what your professional path want to be you're more wiling to stick to your plan.
Adopt a mindset of continuous learning. Education doesn't end with a degree or certificate; it's an ongoing process that involves staying updated with HR journals, blogs, and podcasts. Participate in professional networks and attend HR conferences or workshops to keep learning informally. This approach ensures you're always expanding your expertise and adapting to the evolving landscape of HR.
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Rohan Dickinson
VP of Revenue @ 𝘼𝙙𝙬𝙖𝙮 📲 𝘼𝙪𝙩𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙎𝙤𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙍𝙚𝙘𝙧𝙪𝙞𝙩𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙈𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜
I'd argue that continuous learning needs to also happen from a non HR environment too. Learning from IT and/or Commercial teams will allow HR to pick up on best practices which can be transferable into a HR environment. Soft skills are also extremely hard to master irrelevant of function. These skills e.g. communication, leadership, negotiation can have profound effects on a teams output regardless of whether HR or not.
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Lindsey Garito, MBA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP
Senior HR/People Leader ✦ Career Mentor ✦ Speaker ✦ WHRMA Board Member ✦ Future I/O Psychologist
Being a lifelong learner is key to your success. This ensures you continue to develop new skills, stay on top of evolving business and technology trends, and remain agile in your career. It is inevitable that the skills and knowledge we initially develop at the start of our career will need to grow and change over time.
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Hendra Carlos
HR & GA Manager
One of the most effective methods of learning is teaching knowledge to knowledge seekers. Therefore, read a lot, listen and practice positively so that we can give our knowledge to others and make others smart. It is guaranteed that our knowledge will continue to increase, not decrease.
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Marie COCHET
Chargée de missions RH - EIFFAGE Métal
Effectivement, l’apprentissage ne s’arrête jamais, des la naissance et jusqu’à notre mort nous apprendrons des choses et nous développerons petit à petit nos pensées, notre mentalité et notre esprit. Le temps passe, les nouvelles technologies fleurissent, il faut rester en veille, il faut se renseigner et être à l’affût des nouveautés ! Il nous faut continuer à nous developper personnellement et professionnellement et cela sans arret, c’est la clé du succès, la clé du savoir et de la sagesse. Ne nous arrêtons pas d’apprendre.
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Zlatina Dimitrova
Payroll Specialist at Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria, HR Directorate
Continue develop your skills is essential in order to keep growing. Be sure you stay up to bade with the best practices in the field. Spend time reading articles, listen to podcasts and get involved in thoughtful discussions.
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Arturo Arvea
Co-Founder & CEO VIVE Beneficios
Do not hesitate to ask for mentoring and learn sharing processes to superiors and skilled professionals. They are willing to share back what someone provided to them. But one thing is fundamental for obtaining such guidance and mentoring: make sure you have done your homework. In other words: do not expect to sit back just for taking the class. Make your prework investigation, bring second or third level questions and they will share their knowledge generously.
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Mona AlHebsi FCIPD, PMP, PCC
🌟LinkedIn’s Top Human Resources Voice 📢 | Award-Winning HR Thought Leader🏅| Author ✍🏻 | Emiratization Advocate 🇦🇪 | Career Coach & Counsellor 🤝
To overcome obstacles in continuing education as an HR professional, prioritize time management by scheduling dedicated study periods. Seek employer support, as many companies offer tuition assistance or flexible hours for education. Leverage online courses for convenience and accessibility. Network with peers to share resources and motivation. Stay organized with a clear plan and set realistic goals. Additionally, maintain a growth mindset to stay motivated and resilient. By integrating these strategies, you can effectively navigate and conquer barriers to your professional development.
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Jason Tee (郑仲竣)
HRBP, GrowthOps | Top Voice | 25,000 Followers | Talent & Culture | Prioritizing People's Experience
To conquer obstacles and barriers to continuing education as an HR professional, consider time management, financial planning, and finding flexible learning options. Additionally, seek employer support, leverage online resources, and prioritize courses that align with career goals. Staying motivated, setting clear objectives, and building a support network can also enhance your ability to continue your education successfully.
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Hayley Jenkins
Executive Leader in People & Culture | LinkedIn Top Voice | Writer & Speaker on HR Innovation | Champion of Inclusive Leadership & Talent Development | Strategic Advisor to C-Suite | Driving Organisational Excellence
forming study groups or learning partnerships within your organization. Collaborating with colleagues who have similar educational goals can provide mutual support, accountability, and a shared pool of resources. This approach not only helps in managing time more effectively but also enriches the learning experience through diverse perspectives and peer discussions. Plus, learning together can make the process more enjoyable and less isolating, ultimately fostering a culture of continuous improvement within your workplace
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Rohan Dickinson
VP of Revenue @ 𝘼𝙙𝙬𝙖𝙮 📲 𝘼𝙪𝙩𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙎𝙤𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙍𝙚𝙘𝙧𝙪𝙞𝙩𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙈𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜
To truly develop yourself takes either a person to be self driven and or a Manager/Leader to support someone to do so. Supporting someone involves transparency, candidacy, encouragement and clear milestones from which to check-in on success measures. This takes a big time investment but can supercharge organisations output.
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