Ever since I can remember, I have always loved learning. From Pre-K to college, I excitedly went to school every day because I knew my educational possibilities were endless. The value of learning is immeasurable to me and I take advantage of every opportunity. Upon graduating college in May, I couldn’t help feeling sad that college was now my past; I knew I would miss my days of learning.
After graduation, I arrived to Paycom and quickly realized that my professional learning had just begun. Education opportunities abound here and I learn something new every single day, particularly through our training program. Paycom understands the importance of phenomenal training and this made me realize that good training is essential in achieving one’s professional goals.
Here are four ways training will help you obtain the career you want:
1. Attend training often to remain at the top of your game.
As a professional in any field, you must stay up-to-date on the latest news, events and happenings in your line of work. Training offers you countless opportunities to keep yourself at the top of your professional game. In order to develop your career, participating in training is necessary. For example, one of the trainings I recently attended at Paycom is called Value Proposition. This taught me our company’s history, products and vision. Paycom’s vision for its employees is to help them create goals to elevate their work individually and as a company. I encourage everyone to find a company that has a clear vision and trains you to find your piece in its puzzle.
2. Initial training and technical training are both necessary and advantageous; however, it is continued learning that is the key to true growth.
Learning specific skills required for your job is an absolute must, but great training goes beyond basic PowerPoint presentations and seminars. Great training should help you on a deeper level with identifying your strengths and weaknesses in order to better yourself and your work. I would recommend forming close relationships with your trainers because they can help you with matters such as time management and work-life balance. When trainers help you in and out of the office, you truly grow into a better employee.
3. Leaders who understand the importance of quality training will help you develop as a professional and as a leader.
Gerald Goodridge, Paycom’s training team lead, says that Paycom is unique because, “Our leadership understands that people are our number one appreciable asset and therefore greatly invests in the trainings provided to employees.” Company leaders who know the importance of training will make amazing learning opportunities readily available to its employees. They genuinely want to see and help you grow in your career. When your company devotes time, energy and money to provide quality training, it is imperative that you take advantage of it as an opportunity for growth.
4. Good training encourages positive company culture and brings people together.
One of the many amazing training programs I have received at Paycom is Outreach. This is a yearly, two-hour training filled with fun group-building exercises such as Legos, world scramblers and an intensely competitive game of Jenga. Training sessions like these provide a perfect opportunity to promote a positive and cohesive company culture. Attending this type of training promotes different perspectives and awards you the opportunity to meet other employees in your company.
In order to have the career you want, commit to being a lifelong learner. You have to be willing to take advantage of growth opportunities, learn new things and be open to different ideas. Training should not simply be limited to onboarding and new hire training, but rather should serve as a continual resource that enriches your career in many different ways. It enables you to continue learning inside and outside of the office to be the best employee and the best person that you can be.
