It’s almost August, which means it’s back-to-school time for many families in Genesee County. And as everyone from kindergarteners to college students prepare for the new academic year, it’s a fitting moment to reflect on your own personal and career growth. After all, learning doesn’t end when you graduate. It’s a lifelong experience that we should all embrace.
It’s with that in mind that Flint & Genesee Education & Talent, a division of the Flint & Genesee Group, offers regular training opportunities for area professionals. The division recently released their newest training lineup, which features nine sessions covering everything from networking to DEI.
The catalog kicks off next month with the first session in a new, three-part series focused on different aspects of marketing. Each session builds on the one before it. While attending all three is not required, it is encouraged. They include A Brand is Not a Name (Aug. 8), Maximizing Your Social Media Presence (Sept. 5), and The Power of Influencers (Oct. 10).
I’m also personally looking forward to Embracing AI: Driving Business Success in a Competitive World on Aug. 13.
Artificial intelligence has been a popular topic of late, and this session is going to focus on just that. I’m specifically interested in learning new methods for using AI to create efficiencies in my everyday life.
Beyond that, other sessions to save the date for include Perfecting Your LinkedIn Profile (Aug. 21), Senior Leadership’s Critical Role in DEI Success (Sept. 10), Emotional Intelligence 2.0: Self-reflection and Management (Sept. 24), Net-Work It! Building Connections Like a Pro (Oct. 1), and Leading a Large-scale DEI Effort (Oct. 29).
What I love about this selection is that it was developed based on attendee feedback. Our team is always asking what people want to learn about and need to grow in their careers. And then they thoughtfully craft and coordinate trainings to help address those needs.
What’s more, each session is led by a local or regional subject matter expert who can provide meaningful insight and thought leadership on the topic at hand.
Truly, the importance of continuous learning cannot be understated. It helps sharpen your skills, setting you apart from others in your field and helping you advance in your industry. And it also has a broader impact. According to a 2024 report from LinkedIn Workplace Learning, seven in 10 workers say learning improves their sense of connection to their organization. Eight say it adds purpose to their work.
So whatever goal you’re working toward – career advancement, connection, or a sense of purpose – these trainings can help. I encourage you to check out the full catalog and session descriptions at EducateFlintandGenesee.org. And in the case that you don’t find what you’re looking for, let us know. Your input might inspire a future offering!
Kristina Johnston is the COO of the Flint & Genesee Group.
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