The past year has made many of us question our career paths and our life goals. Now more than ever, students are looking to tailored e-courses for the learning and development that meets their needs. But if you have been considering an online course yourself, you might be wondering – is it worth the time and investment?
Maybe you have already completed a higher-level degree and are now looking to take an online course to strengthen your career prospects. Maybe you want a start fresh and launch your own business. Or perhaps, it’s time to finally time to retrain for that dream pathway you always envisioned for yourself.
Whatever the reason, this article will give you a list of 6 key aspects to online learning that will make you more marketable, more confident, and assist with advancing your career.
Let’s find out how.
Upskilling
In the modern world, upskilling is always valuable. No matter the level of your current role, expanding your knowledge and evolving your practice can help you move into a higher position, or help change your career direction for the better.
In fact, in 2019 the Society for Human Resource Management stated 83% of hiring managers and recruiters reported having trouble recruiting suitable candidates. 75% of those polled blamed a workforce skills shortage. Although there was a large talent pool of applicants in this scenario, the desired skills were lacking. Online courses are a solution to bridging this gap, helping to equip professionals like you with the skills needed to succeed in higher-level positions.
Feeling unsure that your desired career path is the right fit for you? Well, online courses are a great way to test the waters. Specifically, e-learning offers an affordable and flexible way to experience the industry before embarking on additional lengthy and costly studies, therefore allowing you to explore the foundations of your new path, whilst learning transferable skills.
Personal betterment
Jiddu Krishnamurti once said “there is no end to education. It is not that you read a book, pass an examination, and finish with education. The whole of life, from the moment you are born to the moment you die, is a process of learning.”
Even if you are a qualified professional with years of experience, there is still a great benefit in completing further study. You will feel accomplished, test your abilities, and gain an extra certification!
As every industry continues to evolve and change in this fast-paced world, so should your learning. By completing recognised certifications, you can feel secure in your ability to become essential within the future development of companies and businesses.
Position yourself For promotion
Completing an online course can be one of the ways to earn yourself a promotion. If you are seeking a higher-level role or a salary increase, completing a self-led course can be a great way to show your commitment to the role. The additional knowledge and skill expansion will be recognised by your employer and could be the difference between you and another candidate. A new certificate can also be added to your portfolio to make you attractive to other companies!
Even if there are no promotions available, by adding additional proficiencies to your existing skills, you put yourself in a good position to ask for a pay rise! An online course is a great way to demonstrate to your employer the enthusiasm and dedication you have to the role and your team, thereby increasing your marketability and putting yourself at the top of the pack!
Boost employment prospects
If you are one for wanting to change career paths or move in a different direction, an online course is one of the ways to bring those ambitions to life. You can learn in niche areas, gain practical skills, and develop a new understanding of modern marketing and business strategies.
In the employment sector, COVID-19 caused many companies to re-evaluate and reshuffle. New roles and new positions are appearing all the time, with employers looking for a fresh start. There is no better time than to stay ahead and upskill. E-learning can be the best investment in an exciting and rewarding future career, boosting your employment prospects with relevant skills. Become the strongest candidate in the room!
Reduce chance of redundancy
With pandemics, recessions and a constantly changing economy, online courses are a flexible and affordable way to ensure you stay ahead of any drastic changes. With the possibility to always retrain, e-learning helps you reduce the risk of redundancy or feeling stuck, adding a level of adventure as well as security to your job or career path. When companies restructure, your extra skills can be vital to the business, and therefore you will have a higher chance of retaining your position. The more skills and accreditations you have to your name, the more valuable you are in the workplace.
Self-paced & access anywhere
For busy professionals or busy parents, one of the advantages of online learning is to complete the course at your own pace. Registered training organisations offer complete flexibility, allowing you to learn at a time that suits you. Whether that’s after the kids are asleep or on the commute home from your current job, you can access your future anywhere and complete it in your own time. This makes it easy to complement your current lifestyle.
Not to mention, if your passion, drive and determination are brimming over, you can complete shorter courses or a bachelor’s degree at an accelerated speed! Online courses allow you to manage your priorities better and create your own schedule.
The pros and cons of online courses
Online courses are a reliable, rewarding, and simple way to advance your career and/or move in a new direction. If you are wanting to have full flexibility and convenience to complement your lifestyle while still moving your goals closer to reality, an online course could be the perfect option.
Only you can decide if studying an online course is best for you. While they do require an investment at the beginning, there is generally no downfall to completing extra studies. The additional skills and qualifications will pay off in the long run, bridging the gap between you and your dream job!
It is undeniable that completing an online course is crucial for future success. No matter your professional and personal goals, online courses are a way to fill missing skill gaps and expand your skillset.
Australia has many online courses available across every industry. Our course providers deliver a range of online courses that give you the opportunity to earn nationally recognised qualifications upon completion.
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