When we look back on the spring of 2020, few will debate the enormity of the change that has taken place. It is pretty clear that things will never be the same as they were only three months ago. As the world changes, we have to adjust and prepare for the new future.

Back at the beginning of March, the transition started when parents all over the world were suddenly thrown into the role of being their own children’s teacher. Homeschooling was followed by online training classes and virtual CEUs as manufacturers were eager to get in front of designers and architects, trying to add value with education. 

We have collectively realized that it is our industry who will help re-define life post-pandemic. In that sense, coffee chats and panel discussions have been some of the most insightful, inspiring experiences of our quarantine time. To hear the energy and innovative ideas of people who are both new to the industry, and the more seasoned who have lived through past difficult times, educates all of us. Even before quarantine, the microlearning trend had started to change both corporate training and education in general. The pace of life has become so fast, so of course, our learning follows suit. 

Higher education is also changing things up by working with companies to do their corporate training for them. Rutgers in New Jersey works with companies like Prudential, TD Ameritrade, Johnson + Johnson and Merck to help “reinvent your organization” by “combining organizational strategy with top notch skills....to ensure your competitive advantage.” It changes the dynamic of an individual going for a degree and provides better economic pay off for the college or university.

If you have time to pursue a class or two on your own, take a look into Harvard’s 31 free classes.