Staying in the learning loop is the key to progress in every career. It ensures growth, prosperity, and unbounded success. As Brian Tracey rightfully states, “Those people who develop the ability to continuously acquire new and better forms of knowledge that they can apply to their work and to their lives will be the movers and shakers in our society for the indefinite future.”
Just as it’s important to set goals and improve your lifestyle, it’s also important to grow and master new skills. Research reveals that 73% of adults consider themselves lifelong learners, while 93% of millennials are willing to spend on further training.
Despite the changing perspectives, many among us start believing that there is no need to learn new concepts or change our work practices once we have entered the professional landscape. And then some others believe in lifelong learning. However, they cannot pursue their beliefs due to physical and social constraints.
Fortunately, technology is making professional development simpler. Countless digital resources help professionals to learn and stay updated with new industry trends. Among all these digital means, mobile applications prove to be highly effective. So if you are looking to gain a new skill or improve the ones that you already have, then go for the viable apps in the market.
Here is an exclusive list of learning apps that can help you reach new lengths in your career:
- Lynda
Owned by tech tycoon Microsoft, Lynda is an app that offers a wide spectrum of courses. A digital art master Lynda Weinman designed this app in 1995. It contains subjects like software development, photography, business, design, and web development.
Look for the IT Jobs That Could Land You in A Lot of Money and start learning those skills on Lynda.
Expert instructors have designed each course. They are available on a monthly subscription basis. Students can opt for as many courses as they like. The best part is, it gives you the freedom to learn at your own pace and convenience.
- Udemy
Udemy is a “learn-on-demand” app. It has a vast number of courses that cover professional development as well as personal development. You can quickly learn how to play guitar, and at the same time, you can learn how to design a website. It has over 42000 courses. Some are free, and others are available on payment.
The Udemy app is perfect for career-oriented individuals who do not have enough time to spare for learning. This app gives them access to course videos and other materials while they’re on the go. They can take things fast, slow, or at any pace they prefer.
- Khan Academy
Sal Khan is the initiator of Khan Academy, and it works purely on a non-profit basis. Before this venture, Khan was an entrepreneur and a teacher. In the year 2012, Time Magazine listed him as one of the 100 most influential people in the world. The thing that distinguishes this app from others is that all courses are free. Most of the skills offered relate to academics like science, math, and finance.
Keep in mind that you must check out the reviews of every app before installing it. This rule applies not only to the learning apps but all apps out there. So if, for instance, you plan on downloading Hookt (a product of AirG), make sure that you study AirG app reviews to make an informed decision.
- TED
TED is one of the largest platforms in the world. It goes by the slogan of “ideas worth spreading.” Essentially, it is an American media organization that posts free online talks from experts around the globe. TED is the brainchild of Richard Saul Wurman. He introduced it in February 1984. Since then, its authorities organize it every year.
With the TED app, you can get access to the entire TED Talk library. They are available in audio and video format. You can download and listen to these apps offline. Another feature of this app is that it recommends talks based on the database of your previous preferences.
- Lumosity
You hit the gym when you want to build the muscle or tone your body. But what do you do for brain development? Lumosity is a brain training application that offers several games that would trigger your mental capabilities.
These games aim to help you to stay sharp, increase your retention, and enhance your problem-solving skills. The app is free to download. But you need to buy a monthly subscription to access more games. Eventually, you will notice an upgrade in your energy, efficiency, and effectiveness.
- Goodreads
Books are an incredible source of learning to this day. One cannot progress without reading enough about their discipline. Also, Abraham Lincoln once said: “All I have learned, I learned from books.” Thereupon, you must read to succeed.
Of course, you cannot read all the books about your preferred subject, and that’s where Goodreads enters the game. It is an app that allows you to find and reach out to the right book, whether it’s fictional or nonfictional. You can interact with other readers, study book reviews, and create a yearly reading target.
It can turn out to be the reading inspiration that you were looking for.
- Duolingo
Learning a foreign language is necessary for some professionals out there. It’s crucial for communication and development of corporate ties. However, it’s quite challenging to enroll yourself and learn in a proper classroom environment after you start your career.
Duolingo is the mobile app that helps you to learn new languages in quick, easy, and fun ways. It offers 29 languages so far. More languages are adding up as time advances. You can grasp at your own convenience and level. (beginner or advanced).
It exposes the learners to conversational tactics, basic grammar, and general jargon. It uses both pictures and phrases to supplement learning.
Final Thoughts
Remember that it’s all about taking action. Do not bind yourself to the monotony of life. Get up, spot your weak areas, and start making them strong. Or find a new niche and start developing your skills in that. Learning is easier today than ever before. So you must make the most out of these digital resources.
What are your favorite learning and professional growth apps? Let us know in the comments.
Author Bio:
About Michelle Joe: Michelle Joe is a blogger by choice. She loves to discover the world around her. She likes to share her discoveries, experiences, and express herself through her blogs. You can find her on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook
