Do you want to become a more successful owner-operator? Do you want to grow and expand your existing business? If you’re looking to bring your truck driving career to the next level or maybe expand your business in the future, there are ways to gain new skills and knowledge while on the road.
College Courses
Truck drivers don’t need a college degree, which can save you tens of thousands of dollars and put you financially ahead of many of your college graduate friends. However, if you are interested in furthering your knowledge or career then taking college courses might be beneficial to you. Most community colleges and four-year universities offer online courses.
If earning an associate's or bachelor’s degree is something that you really want to do, look into reputable colleges that offer online courses or degrees. If you’re interested in growing your business or becoming a better owner-operator then maybe a few select courses in areas such as accounting or business management might help you develop new skillsets. College courses can be expensive. Luckily many schools offer alternatives to traditional courses.
Continuing Education or Professional Courses
Many community colleges, universities, and even local town adult education programs offer a variety of continuing education or professional courses or workshops aimed at helping you learn and develop new skill sets. These courses are often available online or completed over a weekend at the school.
Determine knowledge areas that you might be lacking or rusty and research courses or workshops that might help you develop those knowledge areas and skills for a minimum price and time commitment.
Industry Conferences and Meetings
Industry conferences are great events to learn about the latest technology and trends, attend educational seminars, and network with other like-minded individuals. Attending events like the Mid-America Trucking Show can be beneficial.
Industry Associations
Get involved with a trucking association. Many associations offer a range of membership benefits that will help you as a driver and business owner. Take advantage of their webinars and forums to learn from other owner-operators.
If you're looking for a challenge, get involved in other areas of the association, such as a leadership position or join the policy committee and advocate for the trucking industry at your local and national level. Not only will you learn valuable skills, but you will be helping thousands of others in your industry.
Free Online Courses
Many top colleges and universities are now opening their doors and releasing free online courses for anyone across the world. All you need is the internet and the desire to learn. You won’t earn a degree at the end of these courses, but you might learn something new and exciting.
Coursera and EDx are two sites that offer free online courses taught by top university professors from schools like Harvard and Stanford ranging in topics from computer programming to medicine to art. Additionally, MIT has created online courses and materials that are very similar to the courses taught in the classrooms on campus.
Learn a New Language
The workforce is increasingly becoming globalized and being able to speak a second language can not only increase your chance of scoring a client but also increase your pay. Speaking multiple languages might even help you decrease your chance of developing Alzheimer’s and dementia and improve your English skills! Rosetta Stone and Duolingo are both great and fun ways to learn a new language while on the road.
Furthering your career or education while constantly being on the road can be difficult. With the internet and new software and apps being developed on a daily basis, learning new skills and knowledge can be easy. Being a lifelong learner will not only help you further your career, but it can keep you healthy and smart for years to come.
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