One of the first courses I took at university was titled something like “How to Learn.” The main textbook, with its red cover, was in Spanish, and its title roughly translated to *”How to Learn to Study and Learn Effectively.” At first, the concept of “learning to learn” seemed absurd to me. However, it didn’t take long for that notion to be corrected. I now regard it as one of the most valuable skills I’ve acquired, a cornerstone of the abilities that define me professionally.

The course aimed to teach future professionals the importance of self-actualization and how essential it is for maintaining efficiency and employability in a rapidly changing world. I quickly understood the true value of such a skill.

In today’s world, no educational institution can fully prepare an individual by the end of any study program. We can see this simply by observing the rapidly changing landscape of our societies and its simultaneous impact on various disciplines.

To suggest that any degree has taught you everything you need to know implies either that you’re being misled or that your career is obsolete before it even begins.

There are many reasons for this, and I’ve outlined a few below, each of which could be explored in depth:

1. Dynamic Economies and the Gig Economy: Our highly dynamic economies prioritize skill variety and short-term contracts, contributing to the rise of the gig economy. It’s a challenging environment for young professionals who seek a fraction of the prosperity enjoyed by previous generations. While we might attribute some of this to corporate greed, it’s undeniable that many companies are being forced into these practices by today’s economic challenges.
2. Constant Change and the Need for Continuous Learning: The unpredictable changes within professions demand that current professionals adopt a nearly autodidactic approach, making degrees more of a starting point than a final goal. It’s economically unrealistic to pursue multiple degrees during one’s formal education, yet no professional today can truly succeed without engaging with other disciplines—especially IT, where a new form of illiteracy is systematically sidelining older professionals.
3. Focalized Economic Activity and Relocation: The concentration of economic activity in specific regions almost necessitates continuous relocation or re-skilling. This reinforces the factors mentioned earlier, contributing to income insecurity for those who wish to settle in a particular city or region.

This situation aligns with Bauman’s argument that the only way to truly prepare for the future is by fostering a paradoxical sense of security in the face of uncertainty. The unknown, a concept we are biologically wired to fear, has become the new norm, and everyone is expected to adapt. While this analysis may seem bleak, it demands courage and innovative thinking.

The methods and techniques of the past are no longer useful and could be a death sentence for many. To truly help individuals prosper, we must redefine education, the people receiving it, and the institutions providing it.

Join me in analysing these challenges in the coming weeks!

*Notes: Original title in Spanish: Cómo aprender a estudiar y aprender con eficacia by Agustín Fernández Santos