Super admin . 29th Feb, 2024, 12:03 PM
Originally written by Kim Conway on Built In
Curiosity is a powerful force, and at Udemy, a global
learning company, it's not just a trait but a guiding principle. The company's
mission revolves around improving lives through learning, with curiosity being
a core pillar that shapes the collective learning journey of its team.
"I still joke that I don’t know what I want to be when
I grow up," says Nicole Olshan, a Customer Success Manager based in
Udemy's Denver office. Her journey within the company took an interesting turn
through Udemy's Career Navigator initiative, a program preparing employees for
career development-focused conversations with their managers.
Udemy's learning and development team, led by Senior
Director Mark McDonald, emphasizes intentional and focused initiatives, including
activities, programs, workshops, and paths for the team to explore. The value
of "always learning" is not merely about theoretical knowledge but
about putting learning into action through discussions, feedback, and practical
application.
Recognizing the diverse nature of individual learning
journeys, Udemy introduces "UDays." Once a month, team members
disconnect from routine meetings and calls to dedicate time to personal and
professional development. The day's activities are entirely up to each
individual, ranging from wellness and rest to museum visits and personal
projects. The common thread is a focus on getting outside, encouraging creative
minds to thrive.
Learning Program Manager Joshua Ehrenreich shares an
initiative called "learning walks," aiming to build a community
around learning. These walks combine guided inspiration, social interaction,
and photography, providing a unique learning context for Udemy team members.
The Udemy team thrives on curiosity, and the future remains
open-ended. As Nicole Olshan humorously notes, "Who knows, I might be
knocking on Mark’s door to join the learning and development team soon."
One thing is certain: with such strong curiosity, the Udemy team will always be
learning.
Q&A with Udemy Team:
How does the value of "always learning" express
itself within your team?
Mark McDonald: Our culture is "earnestly
authentic." Udemates bring their true selves to work, driven by a natural
desire to learn, grow, and impact lives positively. Curiosity and care for each
other are ingrained in our culture.
Joshua Ehrenreich: Questions play a crucial role in
our "earnestly authentic" culture. We ask questions to understand
each other and the world, fostering a collaborative and people-oriented
culture.
Nicole Olshan: Udemy's value of "courageously
experimental" creates an environment where trying new things is
encouraged. There's no fear of failure, as failure is seen as a lesson learned
and contributes to our collective journey.
How do the team’s learning behaviors factor into the
internal programs you build?
Mark McDonald: Balancing customer satisfaction with business
needs is a challenge in learning and development. We align our learning
solutions with the company's goals and identify gaps, such as launching the
Udemy Leader program to address leadership gaps.
Joshua Ehrenreich: We focus on core behaviors
associated with Udemy's values. The question is, "How do we ensure those
behaviors are integrated into our talent processes?" We are continually
bringing in people who ask questions, fostering a culture of learning and
development.
What compelling L&D programs or initiatives does
Udemy offer?
Nicole Olshan: MentorU and the Career Navigator program have
been invaluable. These programs provide structure and resources for personal
and professional development. MentorU, in particular, offers ongoing support
and guidance.
Joshua Ehrenreich: The Guest Voices series brings in
external speakers on relevant topics, providing extra connections through
inclusivity, heritage months, or business standpoints. It's an opportunity to
learn from diverse perspectives.
Why is it important to have well-rounded learning and
development opportunities internally?
Joshua Ehrenreich: Decentralizing learning and development
is crucial. Udemy attracts individuals who don't see professional development
as a task but as an integral part of their journey. Providing diverse
opportunities aligns with the company's mission of helping organizations grow.
Nicole Olshan: Udemy allows flexibility in career paths,
encouraging cross-functional collaboration and authentic self-expression. The
company provides resources for employees to shape their career paths,
challenging traditional education norms and emphasizing the importance of
constant self-improvement and contribution to society.
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