Ever since my school days, I always found myself struggling in exams. Even after spending hours together on studying a topic, I ended up scoring average in my written exams. I had tried various methods to score well, but all in vain. Ever since my EMBA classes started last year, I realised that the course demanded a slightly different way of learning. It required me to study not to write exams, but to “apply” what I studied. The biggest learning for me in my Executive MBA has been learning the knack of learning. I found gold in this way of learning.
Motivated by this, I started having more conversations with my cohorts on this topic. These conversations made me realise the key to learning and upgrading your skills is the ILAS way. Irrespective of whether you are a student trying to learn a new topic, or a professional trying to get ahead in the career, this method should help.
Identify
The first task for any student trying to learn something is to be able to identify the subject/topic, or a competency that you want to learn. Unless we clearly know what is that we need to learn, nothing will happen. I realised the value of this step in the induction program of my MBA class. When the academic director presented the course curriculum, it dawned to me that it is such a list that will be the first step towards learning. If you don’t have such a list, do one now.
Learn
The next important thing is to actually learn. Never has it been so easy to access learning materials. With online learning portals and social networks gaining traction, online courses, tutorials and experts have become highly accessible. Even if you cannot find the material, you can easily find an expert who will be most willing to help.
Apply
The next important step is to actually apply what we have learnt. This is the only way competencies can be upgraded. Skills & techniques can be honed when we apply what we know in doing something. But the common question I get during such conversations is where can I apply the learning? Work place will not and cannot provide opportunities to apply every thing we learn. In such cases, we need to create opportunities where we can apply. Looking for opportunities to contribute in small projects, internship opportunities, contributing back to alma mater, volunteering for a start up, social projects etc. should help one apply what he/she has learnt.
Showcase
The last and the most important thing is to showcase what you have learnt and applied. This will help potential employers, hiring managers, peers to recognise your expertise in this topic. LinkedIn is an extremely good portal for showcasing your competencies. Most people miss this step and wonder why inspite of putting so much efforts they are not able to get that break.
Only when you do all these four steps, you get to put that check mark against that learning list you have made. Let me know your thoughts on this and also, share how do you learn? Happy ILASing!!!
Views expressed in this post are personal, does not necessarily reflect the views of my employer.