Your education shouldn't stop with a degree. As a young professional, it is important to continue to invest in your knowledge bank by taking classes to sharpen or acquire new skills. Grab your notebook and get to class.

Some companies provide classes, training, or opportunities for professional development on-site you can take as part of your normal workday schedule. My advice: Take advantage of any learning opportunity sponsored, run, or approved by your company, department, or supervisor. Why? Because educational opportunities a company chooses to share with its employees are filled with information management wants you to know.

Classes are a great way to get a broader understanding of your company, what it does, where it is going, and its culture. Also, it helps you understand how your day-to-day work and responsibilities contribute to the company as a whole.

Plus, classes are made up of your coworkers and colleagues—associates from different departments, at different stages of their careers. This can be a unique and interesting opportunity to network within your company.

For example, at Reynolds, associates can take classes from the Internal Training Department to help continue their education, grow in their careers, and focus on their professional development. Whether it is a class on company technology and policies, productivity, or team building, Reynolds is dedicated to the belief that all associates will benefit from continuous training and development.

In addition to traditional classroom work, web-based learning and self-paced learning programs are also available.

If on-site classes or web-based learning aren't an option for you, be proactive with your professional development. Find a class, conference, or webinar that fits your career goals. Select a training class that will help you be a more knowledgeable employee, and add value to your current role. Once you complete the session, share what you learn with your team.

I know it seems odd to be a “student” again now that you are at work, but investing in yourself and applying what you learn is crucial to advancing your career, growing your confidence, and connecting with your colleagues and company.

Knowledge is power—at school, at work, and in life.