Colleges and universities are great institutions for people who want to learn a subject that they are interested in. It is obvious that the networking skills and organized track that studying in an institution gives is currently still unmatched.
However, times have changed with the advancement of technology over the past few years and the future of education includes Learning Outside of the Classroom.
Learning outside the classroom permits to learn in context, to learn by practical engagement, and to learn by personal discovery. I personally followed this path when I learned Finite Element Analysis after university.
I realized that it is possible to learn a lot outside of an institution and that we can learn to advance our knowledge after college and university.
In this article, I want to talk about the four inexpensive and efficient ways to continue your education in FEA outside of school.
Approach the Source and Find a Mentor
With LinkedIn you can find such a mentor in your contacts. Some people offer resources and help to beginners who want to learn more about FEA.
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Attend Webinars
Just like a seminar, a good webinar implies having a qualified tutor who can explain its content based on his own experience. A good FEA specialist having experience in the field and having a deep understanding of FEA can give you a general overview but also provide you with advanced concepts about FEA.
Unlike regular seminars, webinars are less costly in terms of a participation fee. Their organizers do not have to spend money on renting premises, keeping the price down, if not free.
Apply Your Skills
This is considered one of the best ways to continue learning outside of school because many employers will pay for your continual advancement in learning.
Use the internship and job websites to find opportunities and especially pay close attention to what is available in terms of learning for your improvement.