Is there a skill you would like to master? Is there a topic you would like to be considered an expert in? Perhaps you are just hungry for knowledge and have a very curious palate. Whatever your goal, today’s world has an enormous amount of resources to pull knowledge from. The access to information stretches globally. You can involve yourself to be more in touch with your topic of interest. Most experts are people who spend a significant amount of time engaging with their skillset, which allows their knowledge of that topic to grow over time. 

But what if you're not sure what way of learning is best for you? Not to worry: we've compiled a list of the unique benefits to pretty much every way of learning you can imagine. Read on and figure out what technique is best for you!

Reading

• Seek out new resources online or at the library to consider your area of interest in a different context.
• Learn how to examine scenarios and digest various subjects as they are explained in the literature.

YouTube videos

• Find clear examples to follow so you can learn by doing.
• Trick yourself into doing something productive by engaging with the material in a way that feels fun.

Podcasts

• If you’re too busy to focus entirely on something, multi-task by taking in information while you wash dishes or drive.
• Listen to interviews with experts in your field and learn from their example.

Discussion groups

• Workshop problems in person and learn how to approach a situation from different perspectives than those you might be used to.
• Share ideas to complement your understanding of a topic while also networking with other people who are interested in your field of choice.

 Workshops

• Hone your skills with personalized criticism from professionals and experts in your field.
• Gain hands-on experience with specific aspects of a given field that you might not be able to understand just by reading articles online.

Events/Showcases

• Engage with your community of choice in an inspiring real-world setting that lets you experience the fruits of others’ labor.
• Learn firsthand about aspects of your field that may not be addressed in formal education on the topic. 

 Internships

• Apply and exercise the skills you’ve learned about your field in a real-life setting.
• Earn resume credits that demonstrate your interest and experience in your field while also meeting people who can mentor you and help you succeed.

These are just a few ways to broaden your understanding of a given field, and they can all help you learn how to be a more well-rounded person. If you’re ready to take action and delve into your current passion instead of just talking a big game about how much you’d love to scuba dive (or write a novel or own a bookstore), these tips can help you figure out how to get started!