Businesses nationwide have seen a 12 percent increase in learning and development (L&D) spending in 2012, according to a recent survey by marketing firm Bersin by Deloitte. Considering the dramatic changes nearly every industry is undergoing, this increased need for L&D makes sense. Companies need employees who are capable of handling change; they need people who understand how to learn.

No matter if you work in education or healthcare, business or religion, technology has changed the way people work. The world has evolved into a global marketplace where borders between continents, competitors and customers no longer exist. New technologies will continue to emerge and, as a result, further transform the way industries operate. To stay ahead in the rapidly shifting business world, it’s important to:

1. Accept change.

It’s easy to resist change when old methods still work. Don’t stubbornly prescribe to the “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” rule. Instead, be a champion of change. After all, you don’t have to fix anything; you just need to make it better. By accepting change you’ll eventually become the one who initiates it.

2. Be agile.

In the business world, to be agile is to be acute, flexible, and coordinated in regards to developing trends. Know what’s happening in your industry by reading trade journals and websites. Push for your company to adapt to new trends as quickly as possible. Company decision-makers will learn to call and rely on your insight.

3. Seek training.

Take classes, attend workshops and conferences, go on retreats, watch webinars – do anything that will help you grow and hone your skills. Training can be costly, so make sure your manager knows exactly what you’ll learn and how you’ll implement it. Research conference sessions before you go and decide which ones will be most useful to your position and your company. When you return, share what you’ve learned with others. Incorporate new knowledge into your work.

4. Collaborate.

Offer to work with departments other than your own on their projects. Not only will colleagues appreciate your help, but it will also give you a better understanding of how your company functions as a whole. Collaboration will spur new ideas that you can bring back to your own department.

5. Adopt a learning mindset.

More than anything, it is critical to understand the importance of continuous learning. At first, the notion of the non-stop pursuit of knowledge may seem overwhelming. Lifelong learning isn’t completing one doctoral program and immediately enrolling in another; it’s learning new skills in order to anticipate and meet your company’s needs.

Established in 1912, Saint Joseph’s College began offering distance education programs to adult learners in 1976. The College now offers more than 30 online graduate and undergraduate programs in accounting, business, education, healthcare, nursing and theology. Approximately 3,200 people throughout the U.S. are currently active in these programs. Visit online.sjcme.edu to learn more.

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