Experts point out that starting a new education and investing in oneself with the new academic year positively contribute to an individual's development. Dr. Lecturer Mert Akcanbaş from the Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, emphasized sustainability in the process of investing in oneself, stating, “Since no professional or personal development is gained instantly, people must progress towards their goals with patience and self-discipline.”
Dr. Lecturer Mert Akcanbaş from Üsküdar Üniversitesi, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, provided information on the effects of investing in oneself and starting a new education on an individual's development.
Dr. Lecturer Mert Akcanbaş stated that these types of trainings generally have two kinds of effects on people, and continued as follows:
“The first of these is professional development, which involves an individual updating themselves in their profession, following innovations, or specializing in a field related to their profession. On the other hand, the second effect, personal development, can be defined as an individual's efforts to nourish their self and achieve self-realization in areas such as sports, foreign languages, literature, and art.”
Emphasizing the importance of setting goals before starting a new education, Akcanbaş stated that individuals should determine their purpose before training to ensure their time, resources, and efforts are not wasted.
When Setting Educational Goals, Individuals Should Know Their Strengths and Weaknesses
Akcanbaş stated the following regarding the desired goal of personal development:
“Individuals aiming for professional development should first determine in which areas they want to develop themselves based on their work-life experiences and estimate their potential gains after the training.
On the other hand, a person aiming for personal development needs to find what kind of endeavor will bring them closer to their self-realization goal in life. However, it is also important for people to know their strengths and weaknesses and consider their limits (capacities) when setting goals for both professional and personal development.”
What to Consider When Choosing a New Training Program or Course?
Dr. Lecturer Mert Akcanbaş also expressed what should be considered when choosing a training program or course, stating the following:
“The marginal contribution that the chosen training will make to both professional and personal development is the most important factor to consider. For optimal marginal contribution, the qualifications of the trainers, the reputation of the institution offering the training, and the type of certification to be issued at the end of the training are important elements.”
Academic Achievement is Effective in Decision Making
Akcanbaş also pointed out which factors are influential in decision-making, saying, “The academic success and work of the instructors, the institution where the training is provided, the duration of the training, the training fee, and the type of certification influence participants' decisions.”
Akcanbaş also drew attention to the most common challenges encountered when investing in oneself, stating, “Generally, financial resources and time constraints can be listed as the difficulties participants face.”
Suggestions to Overcome Challenges…
Akcanbaş also offered suggestions to overcome challenges, explaining:
“Since we live in an era globalized in terms of information with the internet, there are many training alternatives that people can use to overcome time and financial resource problems that pose difficulties for them. Individuals who genuinely want to receive education can greatly benefit by following university events, lifelong learning activities, and participating in social communities established in relevant fields to access correct information.”
Truly Wanting, Motivating Ourselves, and Being Patient are Very Important
Mert Akcanbaş emphasized sustainability in the process of investing in oneself, stating, “Truly wanting to gain knowledge about professional or personal development, motivating ourselves, and being patient constitute the three most important factors for sustainability. Since no professional or personal development is gained instantly, people must progress towards their goals with patience and self-discipline.” He concluded his words.