Kai Probst, CEO of TÜV SÜD Academy explains the five biggest mistakes encountered in continuing education – and how to avoid them!

1. Press Release
TÜV SÜD's tips: Continuing education made easy 17 April 2012
TÜV SÜD Academy: Continuing education's five biggest mistakes and
how to avoid them
Munich. While "lifelong learning" is a buzzword in education today, it often receives little more
than lip service. This may be because continuing professional development, although important
for both companies and their workforces, often takes second place to everyday business. Kai
Probst, CEO of TÜV SÜD Academy explains the five biggest mistakes encountered in continuing
education – and how to avoid them!
1. Booking the next best seminar merely because the dates are convenient.
"Continuing education should not be used as a form of escapism from
work, but should benefit your career. Given this, in-depth analysis
should precede the choice of a seminar or training course and be the
basis for the final decision", explains Kai Probst. What point have I
reached in my career? Where do I want to go? What specialist
knowledge will be essential in my company or sector of industry in the
coming years? What direction are today's developments in technology
and the associated standards and rules taking? How can I realize my
career opportunities, and what additional qualifications do I need to do
so?
2. Booking a seminar with a no-name training company.
Education and training need to be targeted and technically sound to be effective. However, the
continuing education and training market is not always clear-cut. Learners looking for a renowned
and expert training provider should consult various specialist media or online portals to check out
suppliers that can provide the requested qualifications. The number of courses and dates offered
can also be an indicator of the training company's experience. The best solution in all cases is to
seek out well-founded consultancy and ask friends, colleagues and supervisors for personal
recommendations.

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3. Making 'lowest cost' the key selection criterion for a seminar.
Continuing education is expensive. However, investing in continuing education and training that
provides little and inadequate knowledge transfer is even more costly. Given this, quality and the
aimed-for qualifications should be critical factors in choosing continuing education: Is a single
seminar more suitable for me, or should I choose a longer-term training scheme with training
modules that build on each other? Is a certificate of attendance sufficient for me or do I need to gain
specific qualifications or accredited personal certification? Incidentally, demand for the latter is rising,
particularly for management representatives or international activities.
4. Attending continuing education and training without prior preparation.
"Learners who start to think about the subjects of a seminar or training course well in advance reap
greater benefits from their attendance", notes continuing education expert Probst. What do I expect
from this seminar, and what am I particularly anxious to learn and know about the subject? Do I have
general questions concerning working methods or self-management, or general technical questions?
And how does this subject interface with my daily work in my company? How can I apply my new
knowledge at my workplace or even pass it on to my colleagues after the seminar?
5. Not attending any continuing training or education at all.
Kai Probst spells it out that "The biggest mistake of all is not to attend any continuing education at
all. Given the speed of technological change and the increasing pace of development, it is imperative
that employees constantly update their skills and knowledge. Today, technological expertise in
particular comes with an expiry date, and experts who fail to keep up to date will not progress in their
careers. When it comes to continuing education, lack of decisive action may mean missing out on
the opportunity for a new, exciting job or expanding your sphere of responsibility – with the attendant
pay rise."
Further information is available on the Internet at: www.tuev-sued.de/akademie.
Note for editorial staff: The photo of Kai Probst can be downloaded in printable resolution from the
"News & Events" category www.tuev-sued.de/pressefotos.
Media Relations:
Heidi Atzler Tel. +49 (0) 89 / 57 91 – 29 35
TÜV SÜD AG Fax +49 (0) 89 / 57 91 – 22 69
Corporate Communications – CERTIFICATION E-mail heidi.atzler@tuev-sued.de
Westendstraße 199, 80686 Munich Internet www.tuev-sued.de
i TÜV SÜD Academy is one of the leading education and training partners of industry, trade, commerce and private
individuals. 500-plus staff at over 80 locations worldwide communicate state-of-the-art expertise in management, health and

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technology with practical relevance. The qualifications and certificates acquired at TÜV SÜD Academy meet the highest
quality standards and therefore have an excellent international reputation.
TÜV SÜD is a leading international service organization catering to the strategic business segments INDUSTRY, MOBILITY
and CERTIFICATION. Over 16,000 employees are represented at more than 600 locations throughout the world. Optimizing
technology, systems and know-how, the interdisciplinary specialist teams act as process partners to strengthen their
customers' competitiveness.