People say knowledge is power, but the truth is that most of us aren’t as knowledgeable as we perhaps should be in our professions. It doesn’t mean that we aren’t intelligent people. It simply means there’s always room for improvement regarding knowledge. Nothing beats an over-abundance of information like a well-informed individual who puts it to work.
As the pandemic proved, we need well-trained nurses and medical professionals. A person who is knowledgeable about their field, and stands out from the rest, commands a greater value than their counterparts. For instance, nurses who went back to school and took online accelerated BSN programs had more significant growth opportunities in the healthcare profession.
A skilled professional with deep knowledge is always in demand. Moreover, they can command a higher salary than others who may be just as qualified but lack the same level of understanding and learning. So, let’s explore 10 tips for boosting your knowledge and your professional value.
1. Set goals to increase knowledge and skill in a particular area
The first step to becoming more knowledge is to set a goal as to why you want to become more knowledgeable. Do you want to advance your career? Do you want to become a better leader? Or do you want to earn more money? Be clear on why you want to increase your knowledge in the first place. It will help you stay focused and on track.
2. Plan your knowledge-building strategies
Next, you need to plan your strategies. Make a list of ways to improve your knowledge, and then prioritize them based on your schedule and preferences. For instance, determine if you want to return to school or obtain an online degree. Once you have a list of different strategies, it is essential to follow through rather than just let them sit as ideas on a piece of paper. The easiest way to do this is to take small self-development steps.
3. Read more and more often
The best way to gain knowledge is to read as much as possible. The best way to do this is to make reading a daily habit. Get in the habit of reading more than just news articles or social media posts. Make it a point to read books and blogs related to your field of work. Remember, learning happens in many ways – including informally.
4. Take classes and seminars
Another way to learn more about your field is to take classes or seminars. Perhaps a well-known expert in your area is hosting a meeting or webinar. If so, sign up and attend. Another option is to look into your company’s training programs. Many organizations offer free or low-cost training to their employees to help them learn more about their profession. If your company provides training, sign up.
5. Network with knowledgeable people
The most valuable people to network with are those who are knowledgeable. Whether they are people in your field or thought leaders, people with knowledge can help you advance. Be sure to make it a point to network with smart people regularly. You can meet like-minded individuals by joining professional associations and attending networking events. You can also network online by joining groups and online forums related to your profession.
6. Watch and learn from others who are good at what they do
As everyone knows, taking care of yourself and your profession is vital. Another excellent approach to learning is watching others who are good at what they do. Keep an eye out for people doing well in your field and discover what allows them to succeed. You can also watch online videos and TED Talks, which are full of knowledge.
7. Check out supplemental online courses and resources
Another way to boost your knowledge is to check out online courses. Many online institutions offer classes to help you learn more about your profession. With a bit of research, you’ll find plenty of online resources for your field. By subscribing, you can stay abreast of the latest and most recent information. While studying for a formal degree is usually a good idea, there are plenty of excellent resources online. So, how about taking one class for a few weeks to learn about a specific element of your work?
8. Be an expert interviewer
Want to learn more? Become an expert interviewer. Ask professionals and colleagues for 30 minutes to an hour of their time. Then, interview them on how they got where they are or particular aspects of their work. Practice practical listening skills. Then, learn how to ask open-ended interview questions to draw out information from the interviewee and ensure you cover the topics you want to cover.
9. Take the right quality courses
As you’ve learned, taking online courses is an excellent way to increase your knowledge in your field. However, the key is to take quality courses. First, make sure that the course is relevant to your area. For instance, if you want to move up the ladder in nursing, you want to take suitable classes for that to happen. Second, make sure that a well-regarded expert in the field teaches the course.
Further, look for courses where professors are not only looking at how things currently happen but also emerging topics and ideas. Finally, ensure that the program is convenient, and that you can complete it within a reasonable amount of time.
10. Practice by taking action
The best way to become an expert in anything is to do it. Sure, you have a busy life, but it always takes extra effort if you want to advance in your career. As a result, the best way to become knowledgeable, or do anything, is to take action. So, do it if you want to learn how to do something. If you’re going to learn a new career, sign up for classes that allow for a career change.
Join a management course if you’re going to learn how to manage people better. By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to boosting your knowledge and becoming a more valued professional.
