The Art of Self-Taught Skills: Why Learning Outside the Classroom is Just as Important

Chat to students
1

University is full of opportunities to learn, but not all of them happen inside the classroom. In today’s world, being self-taught in certain areas can be just as valuable as the formal education you’re getting from your degree. Whether it’s coding, graphic design, photography, or learning a new language, taking the initiative to develop new skills on your own can give you a huge edge in your future career.

One of the most exciting parts about learning outside of the classroom is that you’re in control. You get to choose what you learn, how you learn, and how fast you progress. There are countless resources available—free online courses, YouTube tutorials, blogs, and forums—so no matter what you’re interested in, there’s likely a wealth of information out there to help you get started.

For example, if you’re interested in coding, platforms like Codecademy or freeCodeCamp offer step-by-step tutorials that are designed for beginners. If photography is more your style, websites like Skillshare or Udemy provide affordable courses that cover everything from the basics to advanced techniques. And if you’re keen to learn a new language, apps like Duolingo or Memrise make it easy to practice on the go.

So why is self-taught learning so important? For one, it shows future employers that you’re proactive and adaptable. Being able to teach yourself new skills is an incredibly valuable trait in today’s fast-paced work environment, where technologies and industries are constantly evolving. It also demonstrates a passion for learning—something that will set you apart from other candidates who might only have formal qualifications.

Another benefit is that self-taught skills can help you discover new interests and career paths. Maybe you start learning graphic design as a hobby, but eventually realize it’s something you want to pursue professionally. Or maybe you pick up coding and find that it complements your degree in unexpected ways. The more you explore new skills, the more doors you open for yourself in terms of future opportunities.

So, if you haven’t already, now’s the time to dive into self-taught learning. Whether it’s a hobby or a skill related to your degree, taking the initiative to learn something new can be incredibly rewarding—and who knows where it might take you!

7 Likes
2

I’ve been thinking a lot about picking up a new skill outside of my studies, and this really makes me want to dive in! I’ve always wanted to try coding, but it feels a bit intimidating to start. How did you choose what skill to focus on first, and do you have any tips for staying motivated when you’re learning something on your own?

2 Likes
3

The best thing about being self-taught is that you can curate your learning experience however you want. I taught myself how to code and front end development through games and game like projects. I learned, honed my skills and had so much fun. Enjoying what you’re doing is a natural source of motivation

2 Likes
4

Yes! Self-taught skills are vital for career growth, offering control over what and how you learn. How can students effectively integrate self-directed learning into their academic journey to enhance their employability?

2 Likes
5

That is so true! I’m always thinking about learning coding by myself but I found it difficult to do so. Do you have any recommended resources or website that could aid us in the journey of self-learning?

2 Likes
6

I totally get how coding can feel intimidating at first, but it’s a great skill to dive into! When I started, I picked something that sparked my curiosity and felt relevant to my goals. For you, coding is a fantastic choice because it opens so many doors. To stay motivated, set small, achievable goals and celebrate the progress you make along the way. It’s also helpful to work on personal projects or problems that interest you—this keeps the learning practical and exciting!

1 Like
7

The key to balancing self-directed learning with academic responsibilities is to find connections between what you’re learning on your own and your coursework. For example, if you’re learning coding, try applying it to solve problems in your studies, or even get involved in projects outside of class. It’s also helpful to set aside specific times in your schedule, like an hour or two a week, for focused self-learning. This helps you stay consistent without feeling overwhelmed.

2 Likes
8

There are tons of great resources out there! For coding, websites like Codecademy, freeCodeCamp, and Coursera are fantastic places to start. They offer structured lessons that guide you step-by-step, and you can learn at your own pace. You can also check out YouTube channels like CS50’s or The Coding Train, which have free tutorials for beginners.

2 Likes