The Data Warrior

To Train or Not to Train – Is That Still a Question?

For years I have been an advocate for training, of all kinds. In my recent post for DataRebels, I dicuss the pros and cons of getting trained along with reasons peopleoften give for not investing in professional training.

Sadly, for decades now, I have seen way too many people and organizations give professional training, and certification, short shrift

.Much to their detriment in the end.

This has always baffled me because I have always found value in attending training classes, workshops, seminar, technical conferences, and the like. Even if the class was not great, the contacts I made were always invaluable.I find I learn best working directly with an experienced professional who has “been there and done that”. Or, putting it another way, I like to learn from other people’s mistakes! For me nothing replaces the ability to be interactive and ask questions of a qualified instructor.

The reasons people have given me for NOT taking a training class are basic (i.e., typical):

1. It costs too much (i.e., no budget)

2. I can’t take time away from the daily job (or I can’t afford to have my team out of the office that long)

3. “It’s really not that hard – we can figure it out ourselves reading books and blogs”

Check out how I combat these attitudes by reading the rest of the post at To Train or Not to Train.

Enjoy (and get thee trained!)

Kent

The Data Warrior