Related Articles
The start of a new year brings hope and enthusiasm about what the year may bring. Most people end the year making their resolutions or what they intend to achieve. Most of the time these are good intentions that are seldom carried out, leaving us disappointed at the end of the year. From my perspective, let’s try not to get too caught up on this, resolutions are like projects. Both need to have a clear objective that is specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound (y’know SMART). We also need to execute a series of actions that will get us there. We can’t let our resolutions to fate. We need to have our goal and do what is necessary to reach it. For instance, say, next year you want to lose weight (I hear this one is very popular). Let’s set our objective. How much weight? When do I want to weigh less? Is it achievable? That is, is it a healthy, possible weight goal? Once we have determined how much we want to lose there are a series of actions to take. Consult a specialist, change my diet, exercise, become more active, etc. I assure you, my dear reader, if you have a better diet and increase your physical activity you will have a positive impact on your weight, provided there are no medical conditions that prevent it.
Let’s think of another resolution, make more money. There are several ways to achieve this. You can work more, seek a position of greater responsibility, look for a better paying job, start your own business, etc. For any of the different ways of making it happen, there is one thing that you can do to improve your chance of success… get training. Some people advise you before a job interview to dress for the job you want. Well, my dear reader, I advise you to prepare for the job you want. The right qualification may land you that job you want.
To help you with your resolutions, most universities have some kind of continuing education department or executive training program. I know the university where I work does. CETYS University has a department of University Extension and Continuing Education to take care of these challenges. Continuing Ed. Departments are the constant link between academic and workforce development. They work for the development of new and current skills, and to deliver the necessary tools to take on everyday tasks more efficiently and effectively. This way, what was learned in school stays current and creates a scaffolding for new skills that will allow its students to grow professionally and be ready to take on greater responsibility and farther reach.
Continuing Education is very flexible as it does not only focus on technical and workforce training. Its programs are very broad and offer an array of options for quality of life improvement in topics such as health and nutrition, well-being, emotional health, and even interior design and decoration. They help bring your personal and professional life into balance.
Just before we finish here, I would like to invite you to stay active, current, and constant personal and professional development and learning. I would like to invite you to become a life-long learner. Don’t know where to begin? Check out www.cetys.mx/educon for options and give your first step.
Miguel Urriza
Dean of Extension and Continuing Education
CETYS Universidad, Campus Mexicali
