Do you have a desire to keep learning but feel constrained by the current demands of your job? Taking the time to continue your education while working a full-time job can undoubtedly be challenging at times. Between busy work schedules and hectic personal commitments, sometimes learning on the side can seem downright burdensome. Fortunately, there are many ways to continue your professional education without interfering with your schedule or breaking the bank!

Here are some of the best free ways you can continue learning throughout the course of your career.

Network with Leaders at Your Company

Believe it or not, many employees forget to look right in their own backyard when it comes to networking and job growth! Connecting with upper executives and leaders at your organization can lead you down some pretty incredible paths.

First, it will give you an opportunity to learn from individuals who were once in your shoes and who have advanced their careers. Connecting with them will give you valuable perspectives and insights, as well as potentially give you mentors who could impact the trajectory of your career at the company.

Connecting with leaders is a great way to generate referrals for promotions or advanced roles right within the company. This can give you a definite edge when applying to positions of greater responsibility.

Take Online Courses

With so many free online courses available, there’s never been a better time to grow your knowledge base – on your own time and schedule. Taking even just 30 minutes a week to engage in online videos and tutorials can equip you with numerous skills that can be applied to your career. Websites to explore for free courses include Udemy and Khan Academy, among many university platforms, such as Carnegie Mellon Open Learning Initiative. You’ll want to research some of these sites to find courses that align most with your industry and professional interests.

Subscribe to Industry Blogs and Newsletters

There are many ways to expose yourself to new things, especially now in the age of social media. Consider subscribing to two or three of the top blogs and newsletters in your industry so that you receive a regular flow of news and updates to your inbox and social media feeds each week. This will keep you informed about the latest trends and provide an easy outlet for you to acquire new information without having to invest a significant amount of time or money in the process.

Making a commitment to your professional education doesn’t have to be a chore. Following the tips outlined above will allow you to continue learning without feeling overly stressed or burdened. The more you can incorporate the above practices into your daily routine, the easier it will be to continually expand your knowledge while bringing your career to new heights.

Headquartered in Houston, TX, Carlton Staffing has remained committed to providing innovative staffing solutions to Houston, Dallas and Fort Worth companies for over 30 years. Contact us today to learn more about open positions in your area!