On-Demand Learning Transforms Personal & Professional Development at MSK

MSK’s new On-demand Learning library covers timely topics from facing challenges at work to gaining helpful insights and solutions to make MSK employees' days run more smoothly. Derniele David discovered the benefits of on-demand learning when she tried the online learning modules for the first time.

“The content of the modules was tailored to what we go through on a day-to-day basis, and it understood the new challenges we face during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Derniele, Administrative Assistant at Sloan Kettering Institute (SKI). “The module highlighted those challenges and offered ways to make things easier for us, but also help us develop skills to handle future challenges, too.”

The MSK On-demand Learning library -- launched in 2021 for all employees -- offers online learning for people at all career levels, delivered in bite-sized videos, modules, and courses. The offerings cover a variety of topics on personal and professional growth and are designed to help enhance knowledge and ability, gain new expertise to improve or advance at work and make learning a more regular part of life.

“If you’re not learning in some way, you’re standing still,” said Anika Gakovic, Director of Learning in Talent & Organization Development. “To accomplish our goals and be relevant for the future, we must all find small ways we can consistently grow.”

The Power of Learning

Engaging in learning can boost your mood and ability to combat stress, help you overcome challenges, and improve your outlook on work and life, research shows – even if it is done in small chunks of time.

A Pew Research Center survey found that 87% of those surveyed felt learning activities helped them feel more capable and well-rounded. Nearly half of people who pursued professional learning in the study said it helped them advance their careers.

Research from Harvard – which included medical residents and people from different industries – also shows that learning helps build resilience to buffer stress and burnout.

“As humans, we are wired to learn,” said Anika. “When we learn something new, we experience a mood boost. This bodily reward system helps us adapt to changes around us and grow.”

Online, On-demand Learning at MSK

MSK’s On-demand Learning makes free resources more accessible for everyone, with curated learning opportunities that you can watch at your own convenience and pace – even if you only have 10 minutes. 

There are 14 programs available with more content coming in 2022. Timely topics available now include Hybrid Productivity, Running Meetings at MSK, and Managing Conflict Effectively and Influencing Others. Employees also have free and easy access to LinkedIn Learning, which offers a variety of video courses taught by industry experts.

Videos range from 10 to 45 minutes and offer additional resources to help put learnings into action.

“It’s one thing to grasp a concept or framework and another thing entirely to put it into practice in your day, job, and life,” Anika said.

Community learning will also be offered so colleagues taking courses can discuss and share ideas, support each other, and connect in ways that many have missed during the pandemic.

On-demand Learning Provides Tangible Results

As soon as Derniele started watching the on-demand videos, she noticed a change in her work abilities and found herself more excited for her future. “It gave me a confidence boost,” she said. “It gives you the opportunity to learn more about yourself and be more open-minded to continue learning and growing. And it made me aware that opportunities are everywhere.”

Maria Torres, Derniele’s Administrative Manager in SKI, organized a series of workshops for her team to discuss lessons learned from the On-demand Learning library. 

“These two years have certainly put a strain on everyone, especially those in health care, and I think the learning opportunities can help employees get a fresh perspective,” says Maria. “Some of the topics we covered were trust, reliability, and empowerment, which have taken on a whole new meaning in these difficult times. Knowledge is the one thing no one can take away from you.”