Julie Gurican is the Vice President of People at BenchPrep, where she has dedicated over 5 years to the company. In her role, Julie leads BenchPrep's People function, overseeing hiring and employer branding, learning and development, talent planning, culture, engagement and retention, diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as performance management and total rewards initiatives. When BenchPrep defined its 2024 business goals and prioritized its commitment to the continuous education sector, I was excited for the chance to mirror our People Strategy knowing our team’s deep-seated passion for learning.

Lifelong learning is essential, yet many struggle to develop certification and continuing education programs that are not only valuable but also profitable.

As spring unfurls its greenery, we're reminded of the cycles of growth that govern not just nature, but our professional landscapes as well. The buds breaking through the soil mirror the continual emergence of new skills and knowledge necessary in today's ever-evolving job market. It's not only a season of rejuvenation for the earth but an opportune moment for revitalizing our learning programs. We recognize that the journey from pre-assessment to post-assessment is more than a path—it's an evolving ecosystem where each step forward is cultivated through a commitment to lifelong learning. Our "Spring into Learning" event is our invitation to you, to cultivate that ecosystem with us.

In the expanding realm of professional learning, the demand for certifications, continuing education, and micro-credentials is soaring. Associations and credentialing organizations face a pivotal moment to harness this growth opportunity. Yet, many remain tethered to traditional educational methods, missing out on significant opportunities for revenue generation and learner engagement.