Taking Advantage of Continuing Education

With advances in technology, changing policy and regulations, and the growing need for sustainable development, the environmental consulting industry is a constant state of change. But to be effective and impactful, staying current isn’t optional – it’s essential. This is where professional continuing education becomes a game changer. Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, continuing education can be the difference between keeping up and leading the way.

That’s why it is so important to take advantage of opportunities to grow your professional knowledge. So, how do we make the most of continuing education? I was thinking about this recently, after attending a two-day course, Modern Contaminant Hydrology, offered by Midwest GeoSciences Group (which was excellent by the way). Here are a few strategies I followed that really helped:

Prepare with Intention. In the days leading up to the class, set a clear goal for what you want to learn. Review the course description and any materials provided ahead of time, and jot down a few questions you’d like to get answered – especially ones related to your current work. Keep that list handy during the course. If one of your questions isn’t addressed, that’s a great reason to speak up.

Engage. Show up ready to contribute. Ask questions, share your insight, and listen carefully to others. There’s often just as much to learn from your fellow participants as there is from the course content. Use breaks to connect – share contact information and exchange ideas. You never know where those connections might lead: future projects, collaborations, or even job opportunities.

Focus. Having your list of questions will help you stay focused, especially if the course dives into material that’s outside your current practice. If something doesn’t feel directly relevant, look for the big-picture takeaways. Stay engaged by thinking about how the concepts might apply to future work or future learning opportunities.

Review and Revisit. A few days after the class, take time to review the material. Summarize key takeaways in bullet points and keep them handy – you’ll be more likely to revisit and apply what you learned. Offering to present a summary to your team is also a great way to reinforce the knowledge and position yourself as a go-to resource in that area.

Whether you’re deepening your technical expertise or stepping into a new area, investing in your growth through continuing education is one of the smartest moves you can make. Just by signing up, you’ve already taken a big step. Now, lean in and take full advantage of the opportunity.