By Morgan Pifer, Chamber Intern

Back-to-school season has begun! Are you looking for ways to further your own education? Continuing your education and balancing work may seem like a difficult task, but there are ways to achieve both professional and educational benefits.

Continued education is all about gaining new skills or knowledge about the field you are in or obtaining skills and knowledge for a new field. Education programs benefit both businesses and employees.

Businesses that encourage educational growth provide a workforce with “cross-functional” skilled employees. While employees may receive promotions, certifications, power in the job market, or become more valuable to their employer. Consider these options:

• Professional events & classes: Conferences, seminars, and workshops are great ways for employees and employers to connect and learn. They allow for groups to intermingle and share expertise on specific topics.
• Podcast & Audiobooks: Make learning fun through a podcast or audiobook. It’s inexpensive and information can be acquired in a quick and concise way, allowing you to multitask, travel, or sit back and enjoy.
• Certifications/Licenses: Certification programs help reinforce existing knowledge or may teach an employee something new. For others, licenses indicate the completion of expanded skills in an area of expertise.
• Post-Secondary School: Degree programs are a common form of continuing education, whether for personal growth or career, and can be a key element to advancement. Consider taking classes online or at a local school.

The Chamber uses Zingtrain, podcasts, conferences, and more, to further our education. What can you do today to further yours?

Pictured: Chamber Membership & Education Manager Kat Thompson attended her first year of the Institute for Organization Management (IOM) in July. See her update on page 15 of this month’s newsletter.

This article was published in the Venango Chamber’s September 2022 VenangoWorks! Newsletter.