We were lucky to catch up with Rafia Qureshi recently and have shared our conversation below.

Rafia, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start big picture – what are some of biggest trends you are seeing in your industry?

I have been an online instructor for over 5 years now and making a switch to being a Technical Trainer did open me up to a bigger clientele and audience. In recent years, one of the most striking trends I’ve witnessed in the technical training industry is the shift towards personalized learning experiences. I was deeply involved in designing a training program for a diverse group of learners and delivering these trainings. Traditionally, we followed a rigid curriculum, but as we saw diverse skill levels and learning paces among students, we realized the need for a more tailored approach.

We introduced a more interactive live training style at The Computer Workshop. Not only do we offer both online and in-person trainings, we created engaging learning environments, adding live quizzes, assignments for different learning levels of participants and after training support. From my firsthand experience, I’ve encountered students who require additional time to comprehend specific concepts thoroughly. To address this, I allocate a dedicated self-study period to all my students, enabling them to review and practice independently. This allocated time empowers them to utilize the provided learning materials and leverage available technology for implementing these concepts effectively.

The opportunity lies in catering to diverse learning styles and individual strengths, fostering engagement and better retention of knowledge. Personalized learning enhances motivation and empowers learners to take ownership of their education.

However, there are concerns regarding the scalability of personalized learning and ensuring that it doesn’t lead to isolation or lack of standardized knowledge across learners. It requires robust technology, continuous assessment, and skilled educators to implement effectively.

the trend towards personalized learning presents a promising avenue for maximizing the potential of every learner. While it brings challenges, its potential to transform education and empower individuals on their unique learning journeys is truly remarkable.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I come from a background deeply rooted in a passion for education and technology. My journey into this industry began with an innate curiosity about how technology shapes our learning experiences. I was drawn to the intersection of education and innovation, which led me to pursue a career in technical training with The Computer Workshop.

Our training sessions prioritize not just disseminating information but fostering an environment where participants feel heard and understood. We provide a platform that encourages interaction, collaboration, and hands-on learning, allowing individuals to grasp concepts effectively and apply them in real-world scenarios.

In my role, I provide comprehensive training programs tailored to individuals and organizations. What sets my services apart is my unwavering commitment to personal connection. I believe that understanding each client’s unique needs is pivotal in delivering impactful solutions. The core problems I solve for my clients revolve around bridging the gap between complex technical concepts and practical implementation. By cultivating a personalized learning experience, I empower participants to navigate through intricate technologies with confidence.

What I’m most proud of is the feedback from my clients, witnessing their growth and success after my training sessions. It’s immensely fulfilling to see individuals apply their newfound skills and excel in their endeavors.

For potential clients or anyone interested in my work, I want them to know that my approach is not just about imparting knowledge; it’s about building a connection. At The Computer Workshop we prioritize understanding your unique challenges to tailor a learning experience that resonates and delivers tangible results. What sets us apart is our dedication to ensuring that every participant feels empowered and equipped to tackle the complexities of the technological landscape.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the most impactful lessons I had to unlearn was the belief that perfection equates to success. Early in my career, I was deeply entrenched in the idea that every aspect of my work needed to be flawless for it to be valuable. I strove tirelessly for perfection, often spending excessive time refining details and striving for an unattainable standard.

The backstory to this lesson was rooted in my desire to deliver impeccable training experiences. I believed that perfectionism was synonymous with professionalism, and any imperfection would diminish the value I provided to my clients. Consequently, I spent excessive hours obsessing over minute details, causing delays and sometimes hindering progress. In the process of course creation, I’d spend days making it “perfect” instead of creating, delivering and spending more time in learning training skills.

Unlearning this mindset was a transformative journey. I gradually shifted my perspective, valuing progress over perfection. I embraced the concept of iterative improvement, understanding that excellence lies not in flawlessness but in continuous growth and responsiveness to feedback. This shift in mindset allowed me to be more adaptable, agile, and efficient in my work.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

“Absolutely, there was a period in my life when I faced immense personal challenges that significantly impacted my career. I found myself navigating through a series of difficult situations in my personal life that began to take a toll on my mental health and overall well-being. At one point, the weight of these challenges became overwhelming, and I contemplated stepping back from my career to focus on finding balance and healing.

Through sheer determination and a commitment to my personal and professional growth, I gradually learned to strike a balance. I implemented strategies to compartmentalize my challenges while ensuring they didn’t overshadow my career aspirations. It wasn’t easy, but I dedicated myself to finding solutions, developing coping mechanisms, and fostering a supportive environment around me. I realized that acknowledging vulnerability and seeking support was not a sign of weakness but a testament to strength. This experience taught me the importance of mental health awareness and the significance of maintaining a harmonious balance between personal and professional life.
While it was a trying period, I’m incredibly proud that I persevered.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rqatx/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ralvi/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rafia-q/