diff --git a/content/blog/education/how-to-keep-learning.md b/content/blog/education/how-to-keep-learning.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..32befcf --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/education/how-to-keep-learning.md @@ -0,0 +1,104 @@ +--- +title: How to keep learning forever and why self-improvement is important +description: After completing your studies, it can be challenging to continue learning while working. However, there are techniques to sustain a mindset of ongoing learning and improvement. This is the method I have adopted. +date: 2023-08-29 +tags: + - education + - learning + - self improvement +--- + +Today I came across this blogpost from Markus on feststelltaste. +It has inspired me to document my experience of learning whilst working full-time over the past four years (2019-2023) concurrently. +Furthermore, I wish to express my aspiration for ongoing and continuous learning in the future. + +I will confine myself to computer science in my examples as this is my area of expertise. + +## On the importance of Continuous Learning + +I believe that the need for lifelong learning can be summarized by these points: +1. **Knowledge is no state but a process** - Best Practices, scientific opinions and even Tools change over time. Your previous conviction, established by your university, regarding the optimal variant may no longer be a practical solution in the present day. In the context of software development - There are valid reasons why mainframe-based COBOL and FORTRAN programs are no longer the norm. +2. **Knowledge is power** - Developing a comprehensive understanding of the context is crucial in tackling problems and challenges with efficient and meaningful solutions. This requires both a deep understanding and a broad overview of the situation. At the same time, knowledge can be expanded both in depth and breadth at any time. On that topic, I feel that there is nothing more valuable than investing in your own education. + +## Fields of Knowledge building + +In my opinion, knowledge can be acquired through four areas, which I will cover below. +As knowledge acquisition and learning are influenced by both contextual factors and individual circumstances, this document will provide a comprehensive overview of the process, starting from the early stages of one's career to working in the industry. +The first two are the classical forms of (professional) knowledge gathering, whilst the latter ones are the more important since often overlooked in my opinion. + +### Formal Education + +In my view, pursuing a bachelor's degree (in computer science) is the simplest method of gaining a comprehensive foundational understanding. +Keeping true to my principle of doing what I enjoy for a living, I have added a specific Master's degree in IT-Security. +The specific subject area can be chosen based on personal interests and preferences. +This education provides a solid base to built upon, which I recommend to everyone interested in pursuing a carrier in this field. +Additionally, a doctorate can be pursued to obtain an extensive comprehension of a specific field by tackling a complex scientific research query. +However, it should be considered as a means to open doors for future career opportunities rather than a short-term educational pursuit. + +### Work based Experience and Qualification + +I was fortunate that my employer recognised the importance of ongoing education. +This established an opportunity within the organisation to consistently develop, expand one's expertise and specialise. +If you have the chance to select an employer who appreciates and compensates for the importance of consistent education, you should opt for it. +You will be paid for learning time that counts towards your working hours, and you will have access to easily attainable development opportunities. + +### Learning outside the Work context + +The importance of ongoing education beyond the workplace is undeniable. It may be necessary to avoid becoming an expert in a solitary niche for those with a limited field of activity. +Additionally, continuing education outside of work enables individuals to explore areas that are either of personal interest or complementary to their professional activity. +This allows them to broaden and deepen what they know. +This Field of Knowledge building is especially interesting, as it allows one to learn completely new things, as well as adding to existing knowledge and strengthening one's basic skills. + +### Private Projects and Passion based Learning +Private "pet" projects offer the best opportunity to learn, as they are driven by genuine interest and eager - two of the most essential elements for successful knowledge acquisition in my view. +These types of projects permit you to implement something in a technology/framework/language that was not approved by your supervisor or to devise a solution for a problem that has been bothering you for a while. +Exploring and designing solutions for the purpose of learning provides a great opportunity, even if the result is not entirely practical. + +## On what and how I choose to learn +In this chapter, I will explain how I expand my knowledge outside of work and through personal projects. + +### Continuous Learning in Everyday Life +What is most significant in this respect, and comparable to my inspiration from Markus' blog post, is the incorporation of short steady bursts of learning into your daily routine. +I integrate learning into my daily routine through two approaches: habits and regularly consuming content. +As for habits, I've adjusted to reading the news via several RSS feeds (This blog provides an RSS-Feed too) during the time between my alarm going off and arriving at my desk. +I consume feeds across various sectors, ranging from *politics* and *software engineering* to *IT-Security*, *Technology*, *DIY*, and *hacking*. +You can quickly read the news while awaiting the brewing of your coffee, or read an article about the latest 0-day on the tram on your way to work. +This serves more as an example, but the general rule of thumb is that multitasking does not work. +What indeed works is reading an interesting article whilst doing something else like walking on autopilot. +But be aware not to fill every free, idle minute with learning or consuming content - it should come as no surprise that this is counterproductive. +Additionally, I listen to podcasts covering similar topics, as well as some related to my hobbies. +This can be easily done while vacuuming, commuting by car or train, showering, cleaning, or exercising. +I also frequently listen to podcasts before going to bed if I am not currently reading an interesting book on a topic. +What matters in all of the above is that small increments add up to a bigger picture and accumulate to a significant input if habituated. +Another simple way to acquire knowledge is by swapping sitcoms and similar programmes for talks, conferences, or other educational material. +These can be just as enjoyable and entertaining while providing valuable takeaways. +I must confess, I manage to read too few books - another excellent method of gaining knowledge. +In my opinion, it is the best way to learn about entrepreneurship, management, negotiation, time management and so on. +I typically read during my holidays because it is a soothing alternative to digital screens. +Another, more interactive form of continuous learning is attending workshops, meetups, and conferences, something I neglected since the end of COVID. +By exchanging with other people, you can not only learn many new things but also network, meet friends, or even find your new entrepreneurial partner. + +### Personal "Pet"-Projects of Passion +All of the aforementioned methods are more or less passive ways of acquiring knowledge. +It is important to complement this with practice, as actively learning provides a much easier way to improve. +What I learned most from in the past were the projects I started out of interest and enthusiasm, often spontaneously (You can find an excerpt here.) +As previously mentioned, exploring a new field or technology can be an excellent way to gain knowledge. +In addition to tackling projects on your own, it can be worthwhile to learn from a partner, such as by participating in a Hackathon or pair programming. +Personally, I am able to greatly extend and build upon my knowledge by pursuing my passion for technology and experimenting with new hardware. +What truly counts in all the aforementioned scenarios is reserving a sufficient amount of your free and spare time in advance for contributing to your own projects, as well as exploring and hacking – otherwise, you will not progress and will gain no knowledge. +Exemplarily you can block a timeframe for Saturday morning in advance in your calendar to invest in programming whilst drinking several coffees and listening to music. +Nevertheless, time management is another extensive area that I have yet to master. + +### How to learn +But sometimes, learning how to learn is more important than what to learn. +It is extremely important to remain open to other people's input and shared information, always striving to improve your current knowledge. +Be receptive to new opinions and never stop questioning everything you have learned so far. +Just because you have years of experience in your field, doesn't mean the inexperienced can't know better. +When in doubt, you can only learn from them. +There is no need for false pride in admitting when we lack information. +It is crucial to recognise the limits of our knowledge and understand how to obtain the missing data by identifying the appropriate sources of assistance. +This is far more valuable than pretending to know everything. + +## What to avoid doing + +Do not be an expert beginner - this blogpost covers the problem of stopping to learn in great detail. \ No newline at end of file