Learning doesn’t stop when we leave school, but as adults, it can feel more challenging than ever to keep up—especially in industries like e-discovery, where the landscape changes almost overnight. Pair that with the difficulty of forming meaningful professional relationships, and it’s no wonder so many of us feel like we’re running uphill.
This is a problem we don’t talk about enough: the challenge of continuing our education and building new connections when the structures that once made those things natural—like school or early-career roles—are no longer in place.
There’s an old Girl Scout song that goes, “Make new friends, but keep the old; one is silver, the other gold.” This wisdom resonates deeply in adult life, too. As we focus on building new connections, staying in touch with existing contacts—those who know our history and have seen us evolve—is equally important. These relationships create a foundation we can rely on as we face professional challenges and embark on new learning journeys.
Meeting the Unique Challenges of Adult Learning
As adults, our learning needs are different. We’re balancing work, family, and other personal commitments, so dedicating time to learning or networking can feel impossible. Yet, the need for continuous development is greater than ever.
In fields like e-discovery, new tools, technology, and case law are constantly evolving, demanding that we keep up. To make learning accessible, training programs need to respect these competing demands. At FTI Consulting, we’re mindful of structuring our training offerings to fit into an adult’s schedule. Breaking sessions into digestible chunks with frequent breaks, fostering discussions to engage participants, and gamifying or using polls to interactively involve everyone helps transform learning from a one-way flow of information into an engaging experience.
One program that has deeply influenced how I approach training and development is the Relativity Certified Trainer (RCT) program. Over the course of that program, I learned how to train adults effectively, focusing on strategies that cater to adult learners’ unique needs. This program connected me with a larger community of trainers and introduced me to industry-standard tools, benefiting not only my personal development but also FTI’s mission of delivering consistent, high-quality education.
Quick Tip to Get Started: Identify one skill or topic relevant to your career that excites you. Platforms like Coursera, Relativity’s Community site, or industry-specific webinars are great places to begin learning about them. Block a specific time on your calendar each week to ensure it happens.
Building Connections That Count
Forming professional connections as an adult can be daunting, especially in senior roles where organic opportunities for meeting new people are limited. When we’re new in our careers, we’re surrounded by peers in the same learning phase, making it easy to connect. But in more senior roles, those shared spaces are fewer. That’s why, for my team, the FTI Trusted Advisors Mentorship Program is so vital. This program is designed to support, develop, and retain our diverse talent by pairing people with complementary skill sets, who come from disparate backgrounds and experiences. Mentors and mentees benefit from these partnerships, drawing on each other’s strengths and unique perspectives, which brings richer perspectives to our work.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of my professional journey has been witnessing how much I’ve learned from mentoring others. I have even engaged in mentoring programs that serve the whole legal industry, like the one run by ILTA. Every professional relationship I’ve formed as an adult has led to fresh perspectives and new ideas—often from those I’ve mentored. The truth is that mentorship is rarely a one-way street; it’s an exchange that brings growth to both parties involved.
Quick Tip to Get Started: Join a mentorship program through organizations like ILTA or the Association of Certified eDiscovery Specialists. LinkedIn groups and professional conferences like Relativity Fest are also great for meeting like-minded peers. If mentorship feels too formal, consider reaching out to someone you admire for an informational interview.
Overcoming the Fear of Reaching Out
One of the hardest things to do as an adult is to make the first move—whether it’s reaching out for a new connection or pursuing continuing education. But I’ve found that the payoff is incredible. Some of my most valuable professional relationships have been the result of a willingness to step out of my comfort zone, whether it’s by attending conferences, joining professional groups, or engaging with industry peers on platforms like LinkedIn. It’s true that while learning and relationship-building as an adult requires deliberate effort, the rewards far outweigh the challenges.
Over time, I’ve realized that everyone feels some level of hesitation when it comes to networking or starting something new. Recognizing that you’re not alone in these feelings can make the process less intimidating.
Quick Tip to Get Started: Take small steps, like commenting on an article shared by a LinkedIn thought leader or attending a virtual conference. Look into networking groups like Women in eDiscovery or your local bar association’s events. The key is to focus on consistency rather than perfection.
Reflections on an Innovation Award Win
Winning the Relativity Innovation Award for Education and Mentorship was an incredible moment that reinforced the importance of everything I’ve shared here. For me, this award is not just a recognition of past efforts but a reminder of what’s possible when we commit to lifelong learning and fostering connections.
The journey leading to this recognition wasn’t a solitary one—it was built on years of collaboration, mentorship, and support from others. It also highlights the impact of creating learning opportunities tailored to adults, proving that even small efforts to share knowledge and build connections can lead to transformative outcomes.
This award reminds me to keep pushing forward, not just for myself but for the industry as a whole. My hope is that this recognition inspires others to prioritize their own learning journeys and seek out meaningful professional relationships.
Making Learning and Connection a Lifelong Habit
Learning and building relationships as an adult may feel daunting, but they’re essential. For anyone feeling the weight of these challenges, my advice is simple: start small.
Find one thing to learn this month. Reach out to one person you admire in your field. Slowly, these efforts will build into a network of knowledge and relationships that can transform your career. Don’t underestimate the value of maintaining relationships with colleagues or mentors you’ve already connected with. They offer not only career support but also invaluable encouragement as you navigate professional challenges.
Remember, like the song says, new connections are silver, but the old ones remain gold—both are essential for a fulfilling, resilient professional life.
Graphics for this article were created by Sarah Vachlon.
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