My learning path

Learning

1/15/2021

Digitalization has accelerated during the pandemic. Society and the work environment are adapting to the trends in these unprecedented times. Realizing the consequences on the individual level is inevitable. Firmly taking the driving seat, rather than being driven to an uncertain destination, requires openness and willingness for changes.

I am an advocate of lifelong learning. My motivation is to actively shape my future within the possibilities offered to me, rather than awaiting decisions being made by others. One must forcefully abandon old patterns of thought and complacency to counteract the personal stagnation that might arise from the acquired knowledge and status. The latter can be precarious, as blind spots tend to develop, and self-perception about the worth in the job market can be overestimated.

When engaging in some learning project, there must be a certain level of interest in the subject. After an initial spark of interest, the apprehension of new, complex topics might be overwhelming. A feeling of personal unrest and helplessness might set in. These feelings are normal and should not be discouraging.

Overcoming obstacles and observing the progress will ultimately lead to satisfaction. Moreover, it is possible to find beauty in otherwise dull technology, and passion starts to develop. Well-written and fully understood programming code can indeed be a piece of art, in a way.

How do I decide which topics to tackle in the learning process? Through meditation and yoga, I calm my mind and activate my subconscious mind. Guidance emerges subtly; one has to listen inward. The next step is to put a plan in place and follow through with conviction and perseverance. Four years ago, I decided to combine clinical science with data science and databases, so I started to draw a plan of which courses I should take.

As a result, I have immersed myself in different IT segments. Some in great detail through certified courses, e.g., object-oriented programming with C#, data analysis with Python, and the Structured Query Language SQL for databases. Others include ubiquitous IT knowledge such as acquaintance with Cloud, Agile, and website development. I just started to explore how to erect a static website and place it in Microsoft's cloud solution Azure, for minimal cost.

Little steps that get me closer to where I want to be.

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