If professional development feels like a task rather than an opportunity, it might be time to shake things up. Garth Sheriff CPA, CA and Principal of Sheriff Consulting shares eight exciting approaches to professional learning.
Many people attribute their success to their memorable learning experiences. Garth Sheriff CPA, CA is one of those people. His unique career path led him to become a professional development course designer and speaker in 2011.
“What I learned in my journey was that I needed to understand why I was doing something in order to truly enjoy it,” says Garth.
He explains that he had this realization through professional learning.
“Being open to new professional learning experiences paid off for me in the long-run.”
He believes that with the major changes facing the accounting profession and the variety of learning opportunities available, now is a great time to consider how you can approach learning in a way that’s exciting for you.
From his unique perspective, Garth offers eight inspiring approaches to professional learning.
1. Ask yourself: What’s my biggest challenge right now?
Your biggest challenge today may give you an indication of what your professional development (PD) focus could be, Garth suggests.
Considering your current struggles could be a good starting point, as there may be PD courses on how to address those specific challenges. For example, if you feel stretched for time, there may be a webinar related to time management that interests you. Or, if your challenges are related to major topics in the profession, such as data analytics, blockchain, or machine learning, there may be courses that can give you knowledge and confidence in those areas.
2. Be aware of your current mindset
There is a big difference between feeling you have to learn something and wanting to learn something, says Garth.
He explains that when you view learning as a benefit to you rather than a requirement, it becomes enjoyable. “There is so much creativity that comes from learning,” says Garth.
He suggests being aware of your mindset towards learning and then shifting your thoughts if needed.
If you’re interested in working on your mindset, check out this free online event: Jumpstart 2021: Cultivating a Future-Ready Mindset.
3. Decide on what you want to learn and why
Garth recommends having a value proposition for yourself when it comes to professional learning— in other words, knowing what’s in it for you.
It helps to know the skills you want to attain or enhance for your future aspirations. Having a clear goal for yourself can make the learning process easier and more enjoyable.
He suggests asking yourself: what is the skillset I need to work on for my future?
“That’s how I found the excitement and engagement in learning,” says Garth.
4. Create your own personalized learning plan
“PD requires some planning,” says Garth.
You can start by asking yourself what knowledge or skills you need in the short term and long term.
“If you plan to make career moves, you have to be nimble, curious, and creative,” he suggests.
This is where CPA Build©, a new online career reflection and future readiness program, can be useful. The program provides a guide to create or update your personalized learning plan.
5. Choose learning formats that you find entertaining
“Learning can be really fun!” says Garth, and that fun can be heightened through choosing a learning format that resonates with you.
Garth explains that over the past few years, he’s met hundreds of CPAs though the online PD courses that he teaches. “Some CPAs may have felt more engaged in this format while some may look forward to in-person learning again.”
Garth explains there are now many options, including apps such as Clubhouse or TikTok, which are used by many professionals for teaching and learning.
Through the profession, there are several learning format options that have the benefit of being free, like Peer-to-Peer Forums or free seminars.
Garth’s preference is to listen to podcasts that are related to his professional interests, and CPA Alberta has him covered there, too: the Straight from the CPAs Mouth series from the CPA Education Foundation’s Hesje CPA Knowledge Centre is one option for CPAs and members of the public alike.
6. Look for the ‘treasure’ in your learning experience
Garth advises going into PD courses with the intention of taking away at least one idea that you can apply in your work.
“Even if you learn one thing, it will be well worth the time,” he says, adding that the ‘treasure’ in the experience is often found in memorable stories.
What he loves most about learning is the unexpected results that often come with it.
“You never know when things will come together in an idea or some sort of change for the better.”
7. Break up the time commitment
Time can often be a roadblock to new learning experiences. So, Garth suggests breaking up the time commitment into smaller parts, if possible.
He also reiterates choosing topics that are interesting to you and that you want to learn about. This way, you can combine the goal of completing the course and learning with curiosity.
8. Discuss life-long learning with others
“The conversation about learning is easier than it’s ever been,” says Garth. “People seem more open and curious about learning.”
In his experience, he finds that people are interested in how to deal with change and become more adaptable.
He encourages all professionals to have these conversations with others as they can lead to amazing things.
Excited to continue your professional learning this season? Check out our upcoming professional development opportunities!
Want to hear more from Garth?
Check out these on-demand seminars:
