Every year at this time, our office is a hub of booth-packing activity as our HR team prepares to join our technical staff at career fairs across the country. I’ve attended a few myself in recent years, which usually makes me miss college. While I definitely don’t miss everything (mac and cheese dinners, late-night study sessions, no gas money), I do miss the excitement of exploring career possibilities and feeding off the energy of learning something new.
I am married to a teacher/coach and raising a couple of teens, so education is often at the forefront of our discussions. Learning is central to our continued growth. I still feel energized after tossing ideas back and forth at professional events. But daily demands can push learning to the back burner.
At Mead & Hunt, we are currently supporting learning in a number of ways:
- Our Mead & Hunt Cares scholarship is currently accepting applications for children of our employees.
- One of our recent Mead & Hunt Cares grant winners is leading local school kids through Terrace Town, an activity designed to teach kids how to plan cities and model buildings.
- Our next Exploring Leadership class is about to begin, during which participants will commit to learning about leadership traits and practices.
- Our internal Leadership Academy is in full swing which is a year-long intensive program to further develop our current and future leaders.
- We have employees going back to school to further their opportunities.
- Employees are conducting #LearnSomethingNew hangouts all year, teaching a fun skill or hobby to coworkers in a 30-minute session.
- Our Foresight + Innovation + Technology team is conducting shark-tank style events at our offices to grow inspiration for creative thinking.
- Assessments and workshops such as communication and coaching styles are being offered to provide personal development opportunities; this information also helps us work together better.
Learning also comes in small bites – reading an article, watching an inspirational video, conducting a brainstorming session – which can sometimes be the easiest way to focus on growth for busy professionals. If you’re reading or watching anything that’s inspired your learning lately, tell us about it!
