If you’ve haven’t been paying attention, the coronavirus pandemic changed a lot of things. Work from home orders forced a new virtual landscape, you probably heard of Zoom for the first time, and you probably saw a little bit more of your home office than you’d like to admit.
The Pandemic Reinforced the Ease and Importance of Learning
But the pandemic has also created some benefit. You’ve learned that people can work from home. You’ve learned how to use virtualization technology or cloud applications. You’ve learned that maybe in a few months, you might be able to put your home office to good use.
If you were proactive, you may have learned a few new skills along the way as well. Wit no commute, you may have been able to sit down and read about new tactics or signed up for Skillshare. You might have completed your CPE credits, or you may have read a few books.
Constant learning is one of the most important skills for a business leader, and the pandemic probably showed you a few new places to do so. From Massive Open Online Colleges to sites like MasterClass, Skillshare, and LinkedIn Learning, it’s easier than ever to pick up new skills.
But it’s been like this for a while. In the 90s, you could take classes with a VHS player. Podcasts can give you insights from business leaders. Even YouTube can teach you a thing or two you didn’t know. Following our blog on the many types of professional skillset and the importance of becoming a decisive finance leader, we would today like to explore some of the reasons to look at virtual learning.
Why Embrace Virtual Learning?
In a recent AICPA Article discussing the reasons to embrace virtual learning, author Michael McKenzie Grant, MFA, Director, Learning Design and Development, Association of International Certified Professional Accountants explored some of the many reasons that you should, noting the following three:
It’s Convenient and Accessible
Through the power of mobile devices and the internet, you can learn when, where and how you want. Have ten minutes to learn about cybersecurity while dinner is in the oven? No problem — there’s a webcast for that.
Pair this with podcasts or audiobooks—easily downloaded and available for your drive, and you can learn without even trying.
Learn on Your Terms
The beauty of virtual learning is that it allows you to digest chunks of information at your speed. Science has shown that people learn better when information is given to them in multiple segments. You can still work toward that certificate program that takes hours to complete.
But walk away after an allotted amount of time and come back later. The exact break time needed varies by person, so know the limits of your attention span and do what’s best for you.
Attend without Attending
You’ve noticed in the past couple months that you don’t need to be in the office to be working. The same goes for conferences. Virtual learning allows you to participate in conferences when traveling isn’t possible. For example, the AICPA has offered virtual attendance at many conferences for the past decade, giving you the flexibility to learn at the office, the local coffee shop or at home.
Building Yourself for the Future: New Roles Need New Skills
As the finance department continues to expand into new roles, you need the skills to succeed in it. Whether it’s becoming more decisive, being able to hold your own in discussions with other departments, or taking steps to move up the ladder, we’re here to help. Get to know more about the Controllers Council and follow us for all the latest.
