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Current students
Some employers will provide opportunities for you to continue your learning at work, in a couple of different forms. The first is formalised training or professional development programs, usually found in large organisations and offered by the human resources department. Depending on your position, you may be required to undergo certain training (for example, if your place of work begins using a new software package, or a workplace where staff are required to complete Occupational Health and Safety training in order to begin their work there).
The other avenue can be where the employer is facilitating training or learning that has been initiated as a response to either
a) your needs in developing as a professional or
b) the needs of the organisation.
Ideally it will be both at once, but this is not always the case. For example, you may want to expand your web design skills, as this is something you’d like to do more at work. Your boss may decide that right now, he or she would like you to focus on you developing bookkeeping skills, in order to assist a colleague during the busy times.
Ultimately, the decision regarding your ongoing training will rest with your direct supervisor or boss. You may need to negotiate with them regarding further training, as it is only ever going to happen in ways that will benefit the organisation in some way. It is up to you to present these benefits, so that the supervisor can see the advantage in investing in your skills. Make it easy for them to say yes!
Of course, there is one further kind of learning at work, and that is simply through the daily tasks and activities of your job that make up each day. Early in your career, it is great to have a job that provides a steep learning curve. The more you learn early on, the easier it is to build your career from this platform.
