In a world where technology is changing constantly, experts urge that one way of keeping up with it is to have the ability to be willing to learn.

In fact, it’s believed that this is a crucial skill for surviving, improving, and achieving any kind of success in the career and life in general.

For instance, Mathias Nkeeto, an educator believes that to accomplish your dreams, one must be willing to learn, as this is one of the most valuable skills required by organisations nowadays.

He explains that one should put into consideration that when it comes to learning, it is a long-life process and the knowledge that one has, is never considered enough.

"The desire to learn is among the best characteristics a person can possess, especially when it comes to your career, and keeping in mind that there is always more to know is vital as well,” he says.

Jane Nakaayi, a counselor and educator at Riviera High School says as a person who wants to keep up to date issues especially in your professional area, they must be willing to learn no matter what.

When you are willing to learn in any given environment, Nakaayi says it means you are gaining knowledge and at the same time developing skills that will help you improve your work performance.

She goes on to mention that when it comes to the working environment, an employee who demonstrates a willingness to learn is typically always searching for new opportunities to stay ahead of modern trends.

In addition to this, she says such people are also ready to achieve professional goals and complete more challenging tasks.

"This means that your desire to know more signals that you as an individual, you are a hardworking, driven, and motivated fellow, which is important to your managers and supervisors,” he says. 

Importance

Mazen Halawyi, an entrepreneur in Kigali says when one is ready to acquire a new skill, this is important because it allows them to learn new things including abilities that may lead them to achieve their dreams.

He believes that with the knowledge gained in any specific area as added skills, one is also able to feel more confident in their work performance, which may motivate others to work hard too.

Besides, the entrepreneur says that your willingness to learn also gives you the ability to create.

He notes that this is so because the more things one learns, the more new ideas come to their mind, as well as open doors to you for career and business success in general.

Nkeeto says learning new things also helps one to deal with the unexpected regardless of the environment they are working in.

She adds that one of the most important characteristics you need to deal successfully with difficulties is to have a desire and willingness to learn as it will help you to find ways to solve the problems.

According to studies, being willing to learn is an essential prerequisite for career progression. To move forward, it’s important to train and develop your skills.

 But also, it’s recommended that learning about your business, and the industry in which it operates is important. Even if you stay in the same job, the tools and procedures you use will change over time.

Being open to new ways of working could help you learn how to do your job better.

How this should be done

When you’re willing to learn, you typically have the self-motivation and determination to teach yourself new skills, and for this reason, Nkeeto says one should first start by demonstrating your passion for gaining new skills.

He goes on to note that expressing a willingness to learn is one way of showing your supervisors that you are ready to learn new skills.

Another way of showing interest to learn Halawyi says, is by striving at enrolling for new short courses that can add value to your profession.

This, he believes is one way of proofing to your seniors that you are a capable candidate who can fit in any area provided  its within your scope of work.

On the other hand Halawyi goes on to add that another great way to demonstrate your willingness to learn is to volunteer to complete tasks outside of your role responsibilities.