I am back in University. In mid life? At my age? I can't believe it...

It was brilliant! I stumbled across someone at a seminar a few month back. We chatted briefly about how they were not satisfied with their career, and decided to take a few college courses to update their skills, and course adjust their career path. It was a brilliant idea, as I reflected on my own career, and feeling that I was overdue for some updating.

What did I do? 

I looked up several university course offerings, and decided I wanted to further enhance my skills and know-how in Digital Marketing. UofT had EXACTLY the program... a Digital Marketing Certification program, run in the evenings 6-9pm for most lectures, or online. This was perfect for me, and I jumped in with both feet.

Wow - after almost 20 years of having completed my full time University degrees, this was an envigorating experience. I took a full load - which was quite heavy and intense... but rewarding!

Being on the forefront of Marketing for most of my career, I was already up to speed on most of the material - but it was a great option to study the latest in the field, and to ensure I covered all the bases. In work life, you often dig into what you need to learn about... but might miss other areas that are quite important - once you know about them. The certification program gave me that opportunity - to see the field from a broad perspective, and to meet so many people from all different walks of life, career, backgrounds, and industries.

This week, I just completed my first exam. I must admit that it was challenging. But it is also such a great feeling to study hard, write to your best ability, and come out satisfied that you gave it your all.

Another amazing aspect of this experience, is the sense of accomplishment - and that sense of achievement - but following through with an interesting thought, or daydream. Putting yourself back in a structured learning environment - for me - was positively inspiring. It actually made me feel youthful, thinking forward to how I could apply these new learnings in my work - and what direction I want my career to follow.

Best of all - I am just happy that I followed through, and made it happen. That is what life is about, taking risks, taking actions, and never looking back with regret, that you didn't follow through on something.

If there is anything to learn from this posting... it is to follow through on a sneaking desire you have had for a while. Take a risk - make a small part of your dream happen. Even if it does not work out... you are far better off having done it ... than the 99% of the population who only "wish" that they would have taken an action to move their dreams forward.

Two more exams to go - wish me luck!  :-)