5 Ways to Flex Your Learning Muscle

Do you know a new grad looking for their first full-time job? Suggest they highlight how they’re open to learning. Recruiters, Hiring Managers, and Team Leads consider this competency table stakes.

But here’s what your favorite Business School professor forgot to mention: Willingness to learn isn’t just for entry-level jobs. It’s always in demand. That’s because in an ever-changing world, your capacity to adapt and grow—especially as business environments shift—is valuable at every career stage.

You might be thinking, No problem—I’ve got a growth mindset. That’s positive, however, a growth mindset doesn’t mean much if what you learn stays on the shelf. For instance, we’ve all met the know-it-all who goes down rabbit holes researching new ideas and compiling data. Impact doesn’t reside in assembling information—impact happens by sharing what you’ve learned to make your co-workers’ lives a little easier.

When it comes to demonstrating learning on your online profile, LinkedIn news editor Andrew Seaman summed it up by saying, “Don’t just say what you did. Show how well you did it.”

Be Willing, Curious, and Enthusiastic

Henry Winkler recently gave the perfect Why for ongoing learning. He encouraged the graduating class of Georgetown, “Be the most you can be. Because there are hurts to be healed, needs to be met, and if you are not the most you can be, something will remain undone forever.”

Winkler’s statement is moving, but the thought of pursuing endless certifications can feel like a burden. Traditional thinking is that learning is limited to classroom environments, and who has that kind of time? But what if you could shake up your growth mindset by seeing classroom-style learning as only one way to get it done?

Applied learning isn’t about speed, perfection, or getting the highest score. Instead, you’re learning well by practicing marketable people skills like being open-minded, curious, and enthusiastic. So, articulate your How by telling how you’re teachable, willing to try nine ways before way #10 works, and partner when knowledge gaps occur. Those relatable characteristics make you more than What you accomplish.

Blast Through Learning Blocks

In the June series, Spice Up Your Skillset, we’re talking about ways you can bring people skills to life on your LinkedIn profile as well as interview conversations.

Here are five common limitations that may hinder your learning. Let’s walk through each and turn them around with achievable answers so you have a pocketful of success stories.

1. If time constraints are a problem: Shake up your daily video feed by adding thoughtful content. Don’t downplay a Short. It only takes 60 seconds to learn an idea that will shift your perspective.
2. If fear of failure stops you: Don’t try to solve problems alone. Instead, proactively ask others for input. A co-worker may have the hack you need, so build on their knowledge.
3. If you worry you’ll look dumb: Discover your type of learning style. This self-knowledge will inform the ideal environment for you.
4. If you’re concerned you’re behind: Paper your pro tips. Instead of forcing yourself to remember everything, document ideas like your favorite AI prompts. You never know when you’ll have a chance to share those prompts.
5. If you’re not sure what to learn next: Find an inspiring Summer read. If you’re looking for an awesome comeback story, I recommend Facing Fear: Step Out in Faith and Rise Above What’s Holding You Back. Nik Wallenda shares the riveting story of how his family high-wire troupe recovered from a catastrophic accident.

You’ll never know it all, but that’s not a fail. Instead, it’s a sign that you’re always evolving because hey—who wants to be the stagnant person telling the same old stories? So, find ways to fuel your personal growth and enjoy learning. Spice up your skillset by transforming head knowledge to everyday know-how by discovering, expanding, and updating what you know anytime, anywhere.