Following these 1 and 2 posts, I decided to talk about why taking a course is always a good idea. While mine and my husband’s opinion differ when it comes to going to university, taking a course is a different story. I’ve always been keen on taking courses as a way of complementing my education and, ever since we moved to New York, M as well.
I started doing courses during my first year of college. I took a photography, art history and history of design class. After that, I took yet another practice of design and so on. It always felt natural to me to enroll in different courses and learn as much as I can. Coming to New York, taking a course became about learning new techniques and, also, making friends. Which I did. Both! I did several continuing education courses at SVA – School of Visual Arts. And I’m planning on doing a lot more come early 2017 at a different school. For the past two years, M has been constantly taking course after course, mainly to improve his skills as a tennis coach. He feels like he’s been growing a lot more and several opportunities rise when you take these chances and invest a bit in your education.
Here are 5 reasons why taking a course is always a good idea:
#1 Continuing education
Even though education is not only found in courses, learning something new or reinforcing something you might already know is always great. There’s no way you can evolve in your career and as a person if you don’t learn. And it’s always a humbling experience to admit you can always know more.
#2 Personal growth
There’s something quite fulfilling about doing courses after you’ve passed the age of. Especially when you move to a new country, it’s a great way to try and make new friends, network and socialize. You’re not only investing in your skills but in yourself.
#3 Learn something new
If the above do not apply, at least you can do it to learn something new. Learning a new skill past a certain age might seem silly, but taking a course can help you master something you’ve always wanted to. Whether it’s cooking, drawing, programming or mastering the art of calligraphy.
#4 Consolidate your knowledge
Most of the courses I’ve done while in New York have had this purpose. I didn’t necessarily learnt something new, but rather deepened my knowledge about something I had already known – like HTML and CSS, business plans or blogging for beginners.
#5 Get out of your comfort zone
While some people might go and jump off a plane, I’d rather take a course. It’s important to put yourself out there and admit that there’s something you don’t know how to do, or could do better. I don’t mean to get philosophical, but life is a learning process on its own. But taking a course, allows you to master something and maybe find out that you’re supposed to be doing that all along. Get out of your comfort zone and do it!