Reflections for Learning at Work Week: How Training Built My Skills and Confidence

• by Anthony Orjally
• Advent IM Blog

Learning at work isn’t always easy – but it’s always worth it. As part of Learning at Work Week, I’ve been reflecting on the different types of training I’ve taken part in over the last couple of years. Some were engaging and inspiring. Others… less so. But each one gave me something useful, and that’s the real takeaway: whether it’s creative or technical, enjoyable or a bit dull, learning on the job has helped me grow more confident, capable, and well-rounded.

One of the most valuable training experiences I had was during my time as a SoundMinds UK intern. It was a perfect blend of learning and doing. The structure of the programme meant switching between solo tasks and collaborative projects, helping me build not only technical marketing skills but also the kind of adaptability that’s hard to teach. It made marketing feel accessible and gave me practical knowledge that I wouldn’t have picked up in a classroom alone.

When I started a new job, I took an Open University course in cybersecurity, enabling me to get a feel for the space I’d just entered. Honestly, the course wasn’t the most exciting – it was all video-based with no interaction, which made it tough to stay engaged with a subject I wasn’t naturally drawn to. Regardless, I managed to retain more than I expected. Bits of the course have come back to me in unexpected ways, like when colleagues mention certain terms or tools that now sound familiar. The only real disappointment was reaching the end and realising I had no certificate to show for it – unless I paid for one. That felt like a missed opportunity, especially when recognition can go a long way in validating what you’ve learned.

On the creative side, courses like Adobe Lightroom Essentials and Instagram Marketing stood out for all the right reasons. I’ve always been interested in design and editing, and these courses helped me turn that interest into real skills. With Adobe Lightroom, I learned how to take control of my photo edits, using tools I previously didn’t understand. The Instagram course, meanwhile, gave me clear, actionable advice that I used to launch and grow a page of my own. Not every suggestion was useful – some went a bit too far into gimmicky territory – but overall, the learning stuck because it was relevant, practical, and clearly explained.

Not every course hit the mark. An email marketing course I took felt a little too basic, and an Excel course I tried lacked the engagement and clarity needed to really drive the information home. In both cases, the lack of interactivity and personality in the delivery made it harder to stay focused. The contrast between those and the more effective instructor-led video courses was huge. When a trainer is visible, enthusiastic, and explains the “why” behind the “what”, it’s much easier to stay engaged and actually retain the information.

One of the more surprising standouts was a course on Midjourney, a tool for generating AI imagery. It was a bit of a departure from my usual work, but I was intrigued by the creative possibilities. The course demystified the process of writing effective prompts and helped me understand how different variables could change the outcomes. Without the training, I wouldn’t have known where to start.

Learning at work isn’t just about ticking boxes or finishing modules – it’s about giving people the tools to understand their role, contribute more confidently, and continue developing professionally. Even when the content doesn’t spark your passion, it’s often surprising what sticks and how it can feed into your day-to-day tasks.

One thing I do believe is that learning should come with recognition. A certificate might not sound like much, but after putting in the effort to complete a course, it’s frustrating to be left with nothing to show for it. Rewarding progress doesn’t just mark the end of a course – it motivates people to start the next one.

At its best, workplace learning supports not just individual development, but team success too. A confident, well-equipped employee is someone who can adapt, contribute, and help others grow as well. Whether it’s through formal training, self-led courses, or just the act of staying curious, learning at work makes a difference – and it deserves to be celebrated.

by Anthony Orjally, Marketing Executive