Expert Advice on Lifelong Learning and Career Development Without University

The world has changed, even in the education sector and job market. Over half of Indeed job postings (52%) didn't mention formal education requirements early last year. This means you could still get a job and have a thriving career even if you haven't gone to a university—continuous learning is key! 

But how do you promote lifelong learning and career development—even without formal education? Keep reading to get some expert advice from business leaders.

How To Boost Your Learning and Career Without Formal Education

Formal education requirements have gradually been declining in almost every industry. Nearly 95% of companies with skills-based recruitment predict on-the-job success more accurately than traditional hiring. Ultimately, having the right skill sets has become more critical in the workplace than ever!

This doesn't mean, however, that you shouldn't invest in knowledge and skills enhancement. It's crucial to grab every learning opportunity to promote professional development and career advancement. So, even without formal education, here's how to improve your learning and establish your career.

1. Master the art of self-study

The search for knowledge and the development of skills are no longer elusive in today's digital landscape. You don't need to go to a university as you can learn almost everything online in the comfort of your own home. The Internet is a vast source of data and information!

Samuel Charmetant, Founder at ArtMajeur by YourArt, however, emphasizes the value of self-study. "Mastering the art of self-study is all about making the most of the resources at your fingertips.” 

Charmetant continues, “From exploring online courses to leveraging social media, the opportunities to learn and grow are endless—you just need to take that first step!"

Charmetant suggests taking the following key steps for learning:

• Read learning materials: Books have always been a great source of knowledge. What better way to learn than to develop a knack for reading?
• Take online courses: The web is a goldmine of various courses for all niches—Think Coursera, Udemy, Skillshare, and edX. However, you've got to get the best out of online learning!
• Leverage social media: Use these channels for learning opportunities, especially LinkedIn, YouTube, and Facebook. These channels are not only for entertainment but also for education!
• Pursue micro-learning: The Internet offers tons of resources for learning in bits and pieces. Consider checking relevant blogs, insightful podcasts, and even free short courses! 

2. Grab the opportunity for OJT

Sure, the job market no longer favours candidates with formal education. However, hiring professionals pick those with relevant work experience. So, what better way to gain experience than to get related internships?

Grant Aldrich, Founder of Preppy, recommends taking on-the-job training. He claims this suits those who have no formal education but want to gain work experience.

Aldrich explains, "OJT is one of the best ways to gain real-world experience. Whether through internships or upskilling opportunities, hands-on learning lets you grow professionally while showing employers you're ready to hit the ground running."

As such, Aldrich suggests taking the crucial steps below:

• Get relevant training and certification. Consider the platforms mentioned above that offer online courses and completion certificates. If you struggle to find work experience, create your own opportunities! 
• Consider upskilling and reskilling. It's great to go beyond your field and expand your horizons. If you're a language trainer, for example, get the necessary training to learn Attic Greek and other old languages.

3. Develop and acquire skill sets

As cited, skillsets are essential in the workplace; however, workforce skills gaps are prevalent in many companies and organizations. In fact, 70% of business leaders face this problem, which negatively impacts their performance.

Lev Peker, CEO at CARiD, suggests investing in soft and hard skills. She believes this is the secret to promoting continuous learning and professional growth. 

Peker cites, “Whether it's improving communication and leadership or mastering digital marketing or AI development, building a diverse skill set prepares you to adapt and excel in any career path.”

Below are some of the in-demand in-demand industry skills:

• Soft skills—non-technical abilities vital for day-to-day interactions in the workplace

Communication skill is the ability to exchange ideas effectively by conveying messages clearly and understanding others. It's almost always the key to team engagement and workplace success.

Emotional quotient (EQ) is "a set of skills that help us recognize, understand, and manage our own emotions as well as recognize, understand, and influence the emotions of others," Harvard defined.

Leadership skill is about motivating and guiding team members to accomplish tasks towards shared goals. As only 40% of leaders rate their leadership as "very good" or "excellent," This skill is very much sought after in the workplace 

• Hard skills—technical abilities gained through formal education or informal training:

Digital skills: Digital transformation opens the doorway to online jobs. Consider digital marketing skills, such as search engine optimization (SEO), pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, email outreach, and social media management.

Tech jobs: The rapid technological evolution paves the way for tech-related jobs. Think of learning AI design, software development, IT support, and even cybersecurity to get hired and thrive in your career.

Content creatives: Creative jobs will always be relevant, but for digital consumption. Consider developing creative skills such as content writing, graphic design, and web development for competitive advantage.

4. Seek the power of mentorship

Seeking mentorship is a great way to learn in the workplace. These mentors have the experience and expertise to teach what you need to grow professionally. The right ones are willing to offer you career guidance and support.

Take it from Brooke Webber, Head of Marketing at Ninja Patches. 

Webber shares, “Learning from senior colleagues, your direct supervisor, or even industry leaders provides invaluable guidance and support to help you unlock your potential and achieve long-term success."

Webber suggests taking the following steps:

• Work with senior employees. Even if you don't have an educational background, you can still learn from your senior colleagues. Some are more than willing to share their knowledge and skills.
• Learn from your direct boss. Your immediate supervisor can be your go-to mentor who wants to see you grow and succeed in the workplace. This works by letting you deal with feedback—both the good and the bad!
• Reach out to industry leaders. It also helps to seek mentorship beyond the four walls of your office. But what better way to maximize your opportunities than to work with leaders in your niche?

5. Expand the horizon of your network

When it comes to employment, professional networking is key to career opportunities. Take the time to build your professional network that will help you connect with the right people. They can open doorways for job opportunities, even if you have no formal education. 

Learn from Jesse Hanson, Content Manager at Online Solitaire & World of Card Games. He's a testament as to how professional networking opens the doorways for career opportunities. 

Hanson mentions, "Professional networking is a game-changer for opening career opportunities. From building relationships with stakeholders to collaborating with industry peers, connecting with the right people can help you grow, learn, and discover new possibilities."

• Establish stakeholder relationships: Start building your network within the workplace and never burn bridges, even when you leave the organization. Whether working with your employees, customers, or external vendors, build good relationships with them.
• Join online communities: The Internet brings people of the same interests together—think online forums, social media groups, and discord channels. It's a great way to join some of these platforms, connect with people, and learn from each other.

• Collaborate with people in your niche: It's easy to treat some people in your chosen field as competitors. However, it's better to consider them as industry collaborators—share best practices and learn from each other. 

Final Words 

Formal education is still a major factor in recruitment; however, it isn't the ultimate panacea for employment success. As long as you've got the relevant knowledge and skillsets, you can still get a job and build a career for yourself!

However, consistent learning is key to professional growth and career success. Follow the expert advice above to boost learning and career without formal education. By doing so, you can succeed in your day-to-day job and thrive in your career!

Seeking job opportunities even without having gone to a university? NGTU offers a robust job search platform to help you find work and build your career. Sign up today to create an account!