I am happy that I can make it easy and enjoyable for others to continue developing throughout their lives. As the programme coordinator of our ‘For the Curious’ range (courses for a general interested public), I make my own contribution towards this. And as the coordinator of some interdisciplinary post-academic programmes for professionals, I directly witness how that target group learns a lot in a short time while building a network that they will enjoy for years to come.
I develop myself by grasping everything that comes my way. Whether that is my work, my volunteering or board positions. I don’t turn away from anything, simply because I am curious, because I find it enjoyable and because I like helping people. Last year, I attended a personal training course on ‘Professional Profiling’, from which I currently still benefit daily.
For me, lifelong learning mainly means lifelong studying. I can't imagine ever stopping studying. At one time, one degree programme was not enough for me, so I followed a second one. And now I am working on my dissertation on 'Rock and Romantic Mourning'. I learn an awful lot from other people's publications and from study days and conferences. And I hope that others learn from me!
Every now and then, as a professional, you could do with a bit of maintenance.
In my view, lifelong learning is a given; a part of human nature. You learn in everyday life, just like how nature and culture have shaped us. Every now and then, as a professional, you could do with a bit of maintenance, either because it is required in your job or because you are curious to learn. In my opinion, the university owes this 'aftercare' to its former students: affordable, accredited training based on the latest research.
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