Learn personal development
George Bernard Shaw once said, Progress is impossible without change.
Choosing to grow and learn your whole life instead of just during your school years can help you create a life you love.
Learn more about what personal development is, how to choose a learning path that works best for you, and what kinds of career options may be suitable for professionals who excel in this area.
What is personal development?
Personal development is the ongoing pursuit of improving one's life by developing new skills and knowledge. It might be physical, mental, or emotional development, and the primary aim is improving one's wellbeing by achieving personal goals and reaching one's potential. This looks different for everyone, but at its core, it's about developing a mindset of growth.
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Choosing the right personal development program for you
One part of personal development involves learning through courses and experiences. Here are a few different pathways that can help you reach your goals:
Courses
Single courses and course series around personal development can be anything you're interested in learning more about but often involve developing specific soft skills. For example, edX offers courses in happiness, mindfulness, and resilience, as well as a variety of professional development options.
Certifications
Certifications can give you new skills for your professional life or to support career shifts. For instance, a certification in project management or Agile could help you step into a leadership role. Certifications in specific subjects like blockchain or digital marketing may provide new pathways for career roles.
Executive education programs
Executive education programs focus on providing new skills to professionals with leadership and career experience. For example, you might learn how artificial intelligence will impact your business or build knowledge in strategic management.
Degrees
A degree program can offer personal development by allowing you to train for your ideal career or make a mid-career switch. Those just starting out in the workforce may finish a bachelor's program in their desired field, while someone with experience might finish an advanced degree program.
Jobs in personal development
In addition to working on your own, you can also pursue a job helping others with their own personal development. If you enjoy this field yourself, here are some career options in personal development, with each role's required education as well as salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
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