Self-Learning Revolution: Outpacing Formal Learning in the Corporate World

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times – as Dickens might have said if he were writing about the state of corporate learning. In a world where self-learning has emerged as a powerful trend, it’s time to reevaluate the role of formal learning in today’s business landscape. With the rise of eLearning platforms and the ubiquity of online resources, an increasing number of professionals are discovering that self-learning can be just as effective, if not more so, than traditional classroom-based training.

This blog post will explore the growing trend of self-learning, highlighting the key advantages it holds over formal learning methods, and demonstrate how even Fortune 500 employees can use self-learning to accelerate their career growth. We will discuss:

1. The shift from formal to self-learning

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The traditional model of corporate learning is changing. In the past, organizations relied heavily on formal training programs to develop their employees’ skills and knowledge. However, according to an L&D professional, ‘The rise of technology and the changing needs of the workforce have pushed organizations to implement more flexible and personalized learning solutions.’

Today, self-learning is becoming the preferred method for many professionals, as it allows them to learn at their own pace, focus on the specific areas they need to improve, and access a wealth of resources that may not be available in a traditional classroom setting.

2. The benefits of self-learning

Self-learning offers numerous advantages over formal learning methods, including:

• Flexibility: Employees can learn whenever and wherever they want, fitting their learning around their work and personal schedules.
• Cost-effectiveness: Organizations can save money on expensive training courses and materials by utilizing free or low-cost online resources.
• Personalization: Individuals can choose the learning resources and methods that work best for them, tailoring their learning experience to their needs and preferences.
• Efficiency: Self-learning allows individuals to focus on the specific skills they need to improve, reducing the time spent on irrelevant or unnecessary training.

3. Real-world examples of self-learning success

Many professionals have found success through self-learning. One example is a Fortune 500 software engineer who taught himself programming languages through online courses and tutorials, eventually landing a high-paying job without a formal computer science degree. Another example is a sales manager who improved her negotiation skills by reading books, watching videos, and participating in online forums, leading to a significant increase in her team’s sales performance.

4. Leveraging self-learning with Learnexus

While self-learning offers many benefits, it can be challenging to find the right resources and stay accountable to your learning goals. This is where Learnexus comes in. Learnexus is a freelancer marketplace for Learning & Development, connecting you with expert freelancers who specialize in various areas of L&D, including self-learning strategies and resources.

Our platform offers a 47% cost saving compared to traditional learning methods, and saves managers time and eliminates procurement issues with a single master services agreement. By partnering with Learnexus, you can ensure that your self-learning journey is well-supported, efficient, and tailored to your unique needs.