5 myths about continuing education

You’re scrolling through a course overview when a colleague passes by. “Are you thinking of signing up?” they ask. “I’ve thought about it, but honestly, I’d rather spend that time with my family.”

You nod. “I hear you. It’s hard to step away. But what if that time helped you work smarter - so you’re not staying late or catching up on weekends? Maybe it’s not just time away; it’s an investment in getting more time back.”

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many in the pharmaceutical industry struggle to justify spending time on continued education. But the right course can help you sharpen your skills, making your workday more efficient and opening new opportunities that benefit both your career and your personal life.

Let’s explore some common myths about continuing education that might be holding you back from reaching your full potential at work.

1. "Continuing education is too time-consuming."

It’s true - between deadlines, meetings, and personal commitments, finding time for continuing education can feel like a luxury you can’t afford. The thought of stepping away from your busy schedule, even for a day or two, might seem overwhelming.

But here’s the thing: time spent learning isn’t lost - it’s invested. The skills and knowledge you gain can streamline your work, solve persistent challenges, and even free up time in the long run. In a complex industry like pharmaceuticals, where innovation and regulation evolve constantly, staying updated often means working smarter, not harder.

We know your time is valuable. That’s why we offer customized courses tailored to your team’s needs and can even bring the course to your workplace. By reducing time spent on transport and focusing on practical, relevant skills, we make it easier for you to prioritize continuing education without disrupting your schedule.

2. "I already have experience; courses won’t add value."

It’s understandable to feel that your experience is enough to navigate your day-to-day work. After all, you’ve built your expertise through years of solving challenges and staying on top of your responsibilities. However, even the most experienced professionals can find themselves stuck in familiar routines, missing out on new ideas and approaches that could enhance their work.

Continuing education isn’t about replacing what you already know but building on it. Courses give you access to the latest industry trends, methods, and tools that can help refine your processes and improve outcomes. For instance, learning how AI is transforming medical writing can streamline documentation and improve accuracy, giving you a competitive edge. Many of Atrium’s courses are designed as one-day sessions, making it easier to gain valuable insights without an extended time commitment.

Our courses focus on practical, real-world applications, ensuring you walk away with the knowledge you can implement immediately. For many professionals, especially those who are the only ones in their company handling a specific role, courses provide a rare chance to exchange ideas and gain new perspectives. Engaging with peers facing similar challenges can spark solutions and growth that are hard to achieve alone.

3. "Courses are too expensive."

At first glance, the cost of a course might seem steep, especially when budgets are tight. However, in the pharmaceutical industry, where accuracy and innovation are critical, continuing education often pays for itself. The knowledge and skills you gain can improve efficiency, prevent costly mistakes, and keep your company ahead in a competitive market.

For example, mastering the latest regulatory changes or adopting new technologies can streamline your processes and boost team performance.  A well-trained workforce drives better results and strengthens the company’s ability to adapt and grow. And if you’re wondering how to make the case for your professional development, check out our guide: How do you convince your boss?.

At Atrium, we aim to make professional development as accessible as possible. We offer a range of discounts, including 50% off for public sector employees, such as hospital staff and regulatory authorities, as well as job seekers through their job centers. Companies enrolling many participants qualify for a discount. Occasionally, we also run a "2-for-1" offer on select courses. Feel free to get in touch with our client team to find out if we can offer you a special price on the course you’re interested in.

4. "Courses are too theoretical and won’t help in the real world."

It’s easy to assume that a course will leave you with abstract ideas that don’t translate to your daily work. When your job requires practical solutions to complex challenges, you need knowledge that fits directly into what you do, not concepts that feel disconnected from reality.

At Atrium, we design our courses with real-world applications at the forefront. Each session is tailored to address the specific needs of life science professionals, whether it’s mastering regulatory updates, applying new technologies, or refining your processes. Our expert lecturers bring extensive industry experience, ensuring that what you learn isn’t just theoretical but directly relevant to your role.

Participants often tell us how quickly they have been able to implement what they have learned. Whether it’s through case-based exercises, actionable tools, or practical frameworks, Atrium’s courses are designed to give you the skills and strategies you need to make an impact in your role.

 5. "Further education won't benefit my career."

You might wonder if taking a course will make a difference in your career. Indeed, promotions and new opportunities don’t happen automatically, and the benefits of continuing education might not always be immediate. However, keeping your skills current and learning about new developments often makes you stand out when opportunities arise.

Employers value professionals who bring fresh skills to the table. Gaining expertise through continuing education shows you’re adaptable and prepared to take on new challenges. These skills often make a direct impact, whether it’s improving efficiency, solving complex problems, or introducing innovative approaches that benefit your team and company.

Atrium’s courses also allow you to connect with professionals from across the industry. These networks often lead to new insights, fresh ideas, and collaborations that can create unexpected opportunities. Investing in your development expands both your knowledge and the relationships that can shape your career. 

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