Forget the NASDAQ - the only certainty in investment is YOU

Warren Buffet is one of the most influential voices in the world of investing today, amassing millions of dollars through years of shrewd investment decisions.

But in 2019, Mr Buffet gave a piece of advice that goes far beyond the realms of stock market fluctuations. He said: "By far the best investment you can make is in yourself."

We live in an age of exponential change. Workplace practices and norms have evolved at a tremendous pace over recent years, and will only continue to do so. If employees don’t develop themselves at the same time there will only be one unfortunate outcome - they’ll get left behind. And if employees get left behind, so do companies.

This is why continuous professional development has become a priority for many HR departments across the UK. I’m fortunate enough to be supported by my employer as I undertake a CIM Diploma in Professional Marketing at The University of Wolverhampton - something which is really helping me to expand my strategic marketing knowledge.

But while firms can support their staff to develop their skills, I’m a firm believer that continuous development has to come from the individual. No one will push your career forward more than you will.

This means thinking seriously about what you really want to learn about, being honest about the skills you could improve, asking for support from your employer when you need it, actually taking the plunge and enrolling on a new course, and most importantly, committing yourself to working hard once you start studying.

As one gets older - and has to deal with family commitments, work commitments, or just becoming more sleepy(!) - it can be easy to stop wanting to learn new things. But education doesn’t, and shouldn’t, come to an end once you leave school, college or university.

Education is a lifelong commitment, and not only will an individual who has taken the time to develop themselves over the years find themselves a more valuable employee (with access to more interesting career opportunities), but they’ll also become a more well-rounded person, with a greater passion for their job.

Don’t delay - book on that course today!

By David Searle, Head of Marketing and Communications, Just Checking Limited. Student of the CIM Diploma Professional Marketing.