Online courses are gold for mastering new social media skills while juggling a full-time gig. They're flexible and dive deep into everything from basics to ninja-level strategies. Think platforms like Facebook Blueprint, HubSpot Academy, and LinkedIn Learning—they're stacked with courses on every social media platform and digital marketing trick in the book. Schedule regular study time each week and put what you learn straight into your projects. Hands-on practice not only cements your skills but also turbocharges your expertise. Look for courses that dish out certifications or badges—these badges scream credibility in the industry. Keep up with the latest trends and best practices by staying hooked on these courses.

Meta Blue Print provides access to a large catalog of training courses dedicated to content, advertising, methodology, etc. The courses are free, only the certification requires payment.

In addition to platform-specific training, be sure to look into some of the marketing enablement tools you leverage, such as HubSpot, Sprout Social or Hootsuite for additional training and templates to support your social media strategy and execution.

YouTube is the second-largest search engine on the web, and content creators can be a wealth on knowledge in niche areas. Your time and attention are valuable currency. Podcasts and video tutorials can provide a quick primer or refresh on a topic you've not explored in a while in a fraction of the time.

Lifelong learning is vital to a successful career. Commit to consistently joining and attending events for something adjacent to your work--whether it's specific to social media, marketing, or the industry you're working in. Social media is constantly evolving, and speakers providing case studies can engage on a deeper level to help answer questions or share best practice for streamlining the world.

Apply new skills in small projects or your personal social media accounts. Regular practice helps reinforce learning and build confidence.

There's no substitute for on-the-job training. Find opportunities to put your training to work for you to gain proficiency in your respective area of focus. The more reps you do, the more confident you will be in the work. And like all great marketers say: remember to test, test, test!

Social media is constantly evolving, especially when it comes to changing trends and algorithms. Your training in Blueprint or LinkedIn Learning 3 years ago may no longer be applicable, so make sure you refresh yourself at least annually to ensure you're always up on the latest best practices.

You may think this is a normal tip, but believe me, it works like magic! Create a Learning Schedule ;D Allocate specific times in your week for learning, such as early mornings, lunch breaks, or evenings. It's important to stick to your schedule consistently to build a habit. Remember also to opt for short learning sessions (10-20 minutes) that fit into your busy schedule. and to make it even easier, use mobile apps to learn on the go, during commutes or breaks.