We've all heard the saying that knowledge is power; in today's world this could be no truer. Being able to increase your knowledge and have certifications and degrees to represent this are important. These not only show your level of knowledge but also your commitment to growing and becoming the best you can. As someone who frequently reviews resumes I look to see what types of education and certification the candidate has pursued and achieved.
One of the greatest benefits the military provides is the GI Bill. Being able to get your education paid for is rare and a smart thing to pursue. Given that some career fields are not as conducive to being able to pursue a degree at night due to deployments, shift work, etc., you still have the option to use it once you separate from the Military. During my years of service I saw so many active duty members not taking advantage of this amazing benefit.
Well, you certainly can gain a professional position as a result of knowledge, but more importantly, it positions you to be in charge of your future. You will be less reliant on others to inform you of what they believe is best for you. You will gain an intense amount of inner confidence and peace of mind as you continue to learn. Learning something new every day is not just a saying, it's a powerful way of life.
As adults, we need to be constantly learning from those who have taken the time to document what they know. Not only will you benefit from your increasing level of knowledge but you will be able to help anyone who comes in contact with you. People will look to you as an expert in some area, and this will help propel you to levels you never thought would exist in your future. There are many proven health benefits to exercising your mental abilities as well.
"In your thirst for knowledge, be sure not to drown in all the information." - Anthony D'Angelo
From a personal perspective my plan was to just get a job, specifically in the military, and that would give me all I needed to live a comfortable life. Fortunately for me, I was able to see my error in judgement. Shortly after entering the military, I started on my first degree, which ultimately led to three degrees and being accepted into a Ph.D. program (along with a laundry list of certifications).
Instead of allowing my past failures to define my future successes, I decided to figure out why I did so poorly in the early years of education. There were many reasons that led to the disappointing outcomes, but one of the leading causes was learning how to learn. While that may sound like an odd statement, there is a lot of value in it. I didn't know how to take the information as it was presented and make it work for how I could learn and apply it. Once I learned how to do that, I went from a 3.6 GPA on my first college degree to a 4.0 GPA on my master's degree. Had I allowed my past to influence my future, I would not have made the investments I did in education.
In recent interviews I did with Veterans on successfully transitioning, one of the common answers I received was you must shore up your education and do this proactively so that you are positioned for the best opportunities possible.
Landmark Life Coaching's Mission is to honorably and respectfully serve courageous groundbreakers and transitioning veterans to persevere in defining and executing their future by providing an atmosphere of comradery and trust that honors their dedication and commitment. This will empower our clients to feel whole, honored, respected and fulfilled in defining and living their life purpose.
Veterans Coach/Speaker/Writer Dwayne.paro@landmarklifecoaching.com