Professional development is all about investing in yourself, your career, and your future success. With so many choices available, from in-person or live virtual programs, to on-demand options, it can be difficult to know what the right choice is for you.
We spoke to pedagogy and program leaders at Professional & Executive Development (P&ED) at Harvard’s Division of Continuing Education (DCE) to gather tips and insights to help you make the best decision.
Which Learning Format is Right for Me?
On-Demand or Asynchronous Learning
If you enjoy pursuing learning on your own schedule, on-demand professional development offers a handful of advantages.
Flexibility
Because on-demand learning doesn’t have to occur at a specific time or physical location, you can determine when you want to engage in the material.
Convenience
When you register for on-demand learning, the program materials will be on hand for you at your convenience. Assignments, quizzes, readings, lectures, or videos are available as and when you need them.
Independence
You may be self-motivated to learn in your own time and prefer your learning environment to be customized to your unique needs. On-demand learning offers the opportunity for complete autonomy.
Live Online or On-Campus Learning
Because live programs are scheduled at a set time or location, participants set aside time out of their normal schedule to attend.
“You are fully focused, you are fully engaged — and it is a very clear break for your colleagues as well — that this is the time that you have carved out for learning,” says Adrienne Phelps-Coco, executive director of Teaching and Learning at Harvard DCE.
Being in a structured learning environment can also be beneficial if you find it challenging to self-motivate. Live sessions come with built-in accountability that can help you stay on track.
Support
Live learning means you have instant access to the program instructor. If you have a question, they are on hand to answer questions, provide assistance, or clarify information. An experienced instructor guiding the discussion and activities helps participants deepen their understanding, sharpen their critical thinking, and encourages the exchange of diverse perspectives.
“Especially when it comes to complex concepts, the instructor’s just there and they can clarify immediately,” says Jennifer Lau, associate director for Program Development at Harvard DCE.
If you enjoy interaction, thrive in a dynamic environment, and value immediate feedback, live learning is likely for you.
Collaboration and engagement
When you are part of a live learning environment, you are participating alongside other people who likely have similar goals, interests, and drive as you.
Collaborating and engaging with your fellow participants is a unique opportunity to learn from one another, in addition to the program material or lectures.
“You’re going to be with a group of colleagues who you’re likely to have a lot to learn from,” says Phelps-Coco. “You may even be able to collaborate afterward, so taking the time to get to know people can be a great way to make the most of that in real time.”
Many P&ED programs utilize the case study methodology, which requires learners to analyze a real-world, relevant case study, discuss with one another in small groups, and engage in a larger group discussion to share ideas and reflect on outcomes.
“Unlike self-paced learning, which can be isolating and lacks spontaneity, live sessions turn the case study method into a dynamic and transformative experience,” says Lau.
Why Harvard DCE Professional and Executive Development Prioritizes Live Learning
P&ED’s live programs, whether on-campus or online, are crafted to provide a dynamic and engaging learning experience for both participants and instructors.
Live instruction fosters meaningful connections and creates an interactive environment that promotes real-time discussions and feedback. This approach deepens understanding and personalizes the learning experience for each participant.
Additionally, live learning accommodates diverse learning styles. Through active discussions, real-time examples, case studies, and hands-on exercises, participants can engage in ways that best suit their individual needs. Instructors can adapt their teaching strategies on the spot, ensuring that everyone benefits from the experience.
P&ED programs are designed to deliver timely, relevant, and applicable knowledge, ensuring that content is not only engaging but also immediately useful in real-world contexts.
“P&ED’s commitment to live instruction stems from a belief that real-time engagement and adaptability are vital to creating a truly transformative learning experience,” says Lau. “In a live setting, participants benefit from personalized feedback and dynamic interaction, allowing them to develop a deeper understanding, acquire actionable skills, and gain the confidence to immediately apply their learning in real-world situations — something pre-recorded content simply can’t offer.”
4 Tips for Live Learning Success
Live learning is highly interactive, compared to self-paced learning. The curriculum often includes discussions, in-class exercises, and activities, helping to keep you fully engaged and present.
In-person experiences will likely have networking or organized social events, so take advantage of these connections with peers and make the most of your time together.
1. Be open minded
Live learning gives you the opportunity to learn from different perspectives and expand your worldview.
At P&ED whether online or on campus, you’ll engage with peers from around the world. You’ll find yourself exchanging ideas, discovering differing perspectives, and learning from each other’s experiences.
2. Be fully engaged
Whether participating in group work, a class discussion, or learning theoretical concepts, do not sit back — lean in and commit yourself to the experience.
Not only will this approach maximize your time and investment, but it will also enhance your understanding, strengthen connections with peers, and deepen your engagement with the material.
3. Leave your life at home
Enrolling in a professional development program means you are intentionally allocating time toward learning. Make sure to separate from your day-to-day responsibilities, and enjoy this time dedicated to your development.
This will also provide you with the space to reflect on your experience and note what you want to apply when you return to work.
4. Embrace the experience
Whether attending a program in person or online, you will be a part of a unique learning environment.
P&ED offers dozens of on-campus programs featuring modern, executive facilities, dedicated classrooms, lounge space, breakfast and lunch, and a cocktail reception where you can network with other professionals.
“When you’re on campus, you’re at Harvard,” says Lau. “Just being in this historical place, you are amongst one of the most intellectual communities in the world.”
Invest in Yourself with Professional Development
Setting aside time to learn and grow means you’re likely going the extra mile by committing to the program — whether literally, by traveling to an in-person program, or figuratively, by setting aside time out of your busy personal and professional life.
Knowing how much time and effort you are dedicating to the process can enhance your engagement to ensure the experience is worthwhile, including takeaways you can share with your team when you return to work.
