You're juggling a full-time job in Interior Design. How can you find time for continuing education?

One time at work, I realized I couldn't keep up with the latest trends just by skimming magazines or websites. So, I turned to online courses. These gems are super flexible. You can dive into lessons on sustainable designs or the newest 3D rendering tools whenever you find a spare moment—be it during your metro ride or while sipping chai on a lazy Sunday. It’s like having a classroom at your fingertips!

Especially when you need to achieve a certain number of CEUs in a limited timeframe, online courses may be really necessary. I prefer learning in person whenever possible, but work schedules and renewal deadlines don't allow for a completely in person experience. In addition to required learning to maintain your credentials, online courses provide a low investment way for you to explore more obscure topics or products that you are unlikely to come across in your work life. In fact, most courses sponsored by manufactures (which give in depth training on specifying and using their product) are free, as they want to widen their audience.

Balancing a full-time job in interior design with continuing education requires strategic planning. Set clear goals, create a learning schedule, leverage online courses, and integrate new skills into your work. Prioritize short, impactful learning, stay organized, and communicate with your employer for potential support. This approach helps you manage both work and ongoing education effectively.

Time management is very important in staying abreast of industry shifts and trends. This is why I take advantage of "lunch and learn" webinars or CEUs. I book them on my calendar, take a few minutes to grab my prepped lunch (I make sure I'm ready the day before). Then I sit back, with my notebook, pen, and log in. This way I am getting the much needed class, and I am still eating, so I can jump back into whatever my afternoon holds for me.

In my experience, mastering the art of scheduling can make or break your educational goals. How do I manage? Well, it’s all about prioritizing and carving out little pockets of time. Wake up an hour early or dedicate a part of your weekend to learning. Keep a planner or use an app to track your daily tasks and make sure you're giving yourself enough time to absorb new knowledge, one small step at a time.

One thing I have found incredibly helpful is being part of learning communities. These are not just about sharing notes and resources; they're about growing together. Whether it's through LinkedIn groups, LinkedIn Collaborative Articles or informal WhatsApp chats, connecting with peers keeps you motivated and brings a wealth of perspectives right to your discussion table. Plus, it's always fun to learn from the experiences of fellow designers!

Ever tried learning through podcasts and audiobooks? They're a game-changer! I often play them while I'm stuck in traffic or doing some mundane task. There are loads of podcasts out there where design gurus talk about everything from color psychology to space planning. It’s a fantastic way to make your “me-time” more productive and enlightening without needing to look at a screen.

Attending workshops and seminars is like the cherry on the cake of learning. Yes, they require more time, but the direct interaction with industry leaders and hands-on experience you get is incomparable. Look out for events during evenings or weekends, and maybe nudge your boss for an extra day off as a professional development day. It’s worth it!

Industry conferences are perhaps the singular way that you can accumulate a large quantity and wide variety of classes over a few days. Many companies are quite happy to invest in your professional development by sponsoring your attendance, once you have communicated your interest (as a side note, do make sure to utilize your company's continuing education program, whatever it looks like). When attending one of these conferences, plan your class schedule well in advance as there is always a certain amount of chaos at the venue and classes may be spread out over a large convention center. Make sure also to find out what you need to provide to get credit for the courses so you aren't delayed in getting inside.

Here’s a fun part—self-directed projects! Why not take that dull corner of your home and turn it into your personal design experiment? It’s a practical way to test new ideas and hone your skills. Plus, it adds a splash of your latest learnings to your everyday space, keeping your creativity flowing.