The phrase “lifelong learner” resonates deeply with me. I love the idea of learning something new every day and building on what I already know. Learning is a big part of who I am – I’m naturally curious and always want to grow through education and new experiences.
After completing high school, my journey to higher education was not straightforward. I was in Jamaica, getting ready to migrate to the US, and although I got into college there, it would last only a year. However, I didn’t want to start college and my classes wouldn’t transfer nor did I want sit idle for a year, so I signed up for a computer language certification—FORTRAN (I’m dating myself, haha!).
When I finally came to the US, I faced several obstacles—including costs and residency requirements—and almost missed the start of the Fall semester. However, that didn’t stop me. Instead of enrolling in a four-year college, I enrolled in a community college that fit my budget at the time, while my residency requirements were being sorted out. ( I was classified as an international student as I was awaiting my permanent residence status which took 6 months.)
After two years at community college, I completed my Associate in Science degree in Pre-Engineering and transferred my credits to Wayne State University, where I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering. During my junior year in college, I obtained a co-op/student position at the company where I still work today, and upon graduating, I was offered a full-time position. I was excited to apply what I learned at school to the working world, but it was quite eye-opening. While I knew Ohm’s law and circuit theory, most of my real learning came from on-the-job experience and being mentored by senior and principal electrical engineers. I was eager to learn, and so I scheduled dedicated time with my lead engineer to sit with me and meticulously walked through design drawings to ensure I understood them and could eventually complete them on my own with minimal direction.
After a year of working full-time, I began to miss the classroom setting and decided to pursue a master’s degree. I obtained an MBA focusing on Management & Finance in 2 years.
Based on my educational journey, here are 3 intellectual goals that I’ve focused on to elevate my life—and could elevate yours as well:
- Obtain higher level education:
- Pursue a degree from an accredited institution
- Research and choose programs that align with your career goals and interests
- Understand admission requirements and prepare necessary documentation
- Explore financial aid options, scholarships, and grants to fund your education
- Attend vocational or trade school to gain practical skills
- Learn specific skills needed in your desired trade or field. (Electrician, Mechanic, etc.)
- Get hands-on experience through practical training and workshops
- Obtain certifications and licenses relevant to your chosen trade
- Learn entrepreneurship and business skills
- Develop a solid business plan and strategy
- Master marketing and sales techniques
- Study financial literacy and management
- Pursue a degree from an accredited institution
- Read books:
- If you want to learn anything in life, there’s a book out there to teach you.
- Read books across diverse genres to broaden your perspective
- Others have already achieved what you want to do and written about their experiences—learn from their journeys through their stories.
- Apply lessons from books to real-life situations
- If you want to learn anything in life, there’s a book out there to teach you.
- Learn a new language:
- Practice regularly with native speakers or language exchange partners
- This will allow you to Immerse yourself in a different culture through language learning
- Enhance your travel experiences and cultural understanding
- May open doors to new career opportunities and connections
- Practice regularly with native speakers or language exchange partners
Setting intellectual goals is a transformative journey that can elevate your life to extraordinary new heights. By carefully personalizing these goals to align with your unique aspirations and values, you create a powerful foundation for becoming your best self. Each step forward in your learning journey, whether big or small, contributes to your personal evolution. Use these three intellectual goals as a starting point and springboard for your own development, adapting them to fit your specific circumstances and dreams. Remember that growth is not a destination but a continuous journey – keep pushing forward, stay curious, and remain committed to expanding your horizons. Your intellectual pursuits will not only enrich your own life but may also inspire others around you to embark on their own journeys of growth and discovery.
