It’s no use denying that we live in un ultra-connected world, where mostly everything we do and know is contained by Google and the vastness of the internet. No one was able to predict at the beginning the ways in which the internet would expand over the years and how it would affect our lives, but the truth is it now offers more than we could ever hope for, in terms of information.
This leaves us no excuse but to use this readily available knowledge to our advantage and to grow professionally beyond our wildest dreams. However, its immensity can make it daunting to even know where to start. This is why, we’ve prepared a list of three ways in which you can use the internet to your professional advantage:
1. Enjoy the Myriad Comprehensive Classes Available Out There
Not only has the internet changed the way we interact with one another, but also the way we gain access to education. If before the internet you needed to go to the library for specific information or to a brick-and-mortar institution to attend classes, now you can simply browse the internet and explore what it has to offer.
Take Skillshare, for example. This is a free online platform that anyone can join, offering thousands of classes in tech, business, art, social media and much more. Courseraalso has an extensive database of free classes in almost any field of interest. However, considering these classes are video-based, you will want to have a high-speed internet connection that successfully sees you through your professional development experience. In Australia, for example, you can choose between the various NBN plans and enjoy fair pricing for all.
2. Join Online Communities that Share Your Unique Interests
You may have opened a small handmade business on Etsy or are looking to improve your skill set for your current job. The great news is that it’s never been this easy to get in touch with like-minded people who have the same goals as you and share your interests.
Use a simple hashtag or keyword to find these groups on Facebook,for example. Some of them may ask you a set of simple, relevant questions before they can let you join, but once you’re in you’ll be able to chat, join certain conversations or ask questions on issues you need a helping hand with. This is a rather easy, fun and interactive way to gain more knowledge under your professional belt.
3. Watch Eye-Opening, Motivational and Educational Videos
In a world so dispersed and hurried such as ours, it’s no wonder there are now so many educators on how to get a better grasp on life, become productive and stay focused. If you watch videos such as those of Tony Robbins, the School of Life or a couple of TED talks, you are bound to become a different person, more equipped and prepared for bigger challenges and better choices in your life.
Apart from these, you can also watch Youtube tutorials and how-to videos that can slowly, but surely kick your skill levels up a notch. Simply type in the theme you’re interested in and prepare for an avalanche of amazing videos.
These are only a few ways in which you can use the vastness of the internet to your own professional advantage. There are virtually boundless sources of information out there, you simply need to reach out for them.