Millions of people are facing job uncertainties due to the on-going impact of COVID-19. With companies forced to suspend their operations and industries brought to a standstill, a significant number of people have lost all or some of their income.
Although government support has been available thus far, most national schemes are coming to an end soon. However, this doesn’t mean that people will be returning to their pre-pandemic job roles or be receiving their usual monthly income.
The effects of the coronavirus pandemic are far reaching, and many businesses have been unable to weather the storm. An increasing number of commercial organizations have voiced their concerns about their survival, which means millions of more people could be out of a job in a matter of weeks.
In a bid to keep their roles, avoid redundancy or secure a new job, people are looking for effective ways to develop their skills and enhance their employability. Fortunately, online learning providers are giving people the opportunity to improve their professional standing and compete in an increasingly tough environment.
Can Online Learning Improve Your Job Prospects?
Absolutely. Online learning gives you the chance to obtain recognized qualifications and develop transferable skills that can be used in any workplace. However, the value of your learning experience will depend on the online learning provider you choose.
When it comes to education, not all institutions are equal. In fact, there can be great discrepancies in the quality of teaching and facilities in any educational environment. While obtaining a qualification online can certainly improve your job prospects, it’s important to find a reputable and respected course provider. To help you narrow your search, be sure to consider these key factors when you’re deciding where to study:
Accreditation and Professional Recognition
Some qualifications need to be accredited by professional bodies in order for them to have a significant impact on your employability. If you’re studying law, teaching, medicine or psychology, for example, you’ll want to ensure that the course is recognized by the relevant professional organizations.
There are top-up courses and qualifications that can enable you to climb the career ladder if you obtain a qualification that isn’t recognized, but this means it will take you longer to achieve your professional goals. Before you enroll in a course, take the time to find out whether accreditation is required in order for your qualification to be recognized by potential employers.
League Tables and Rankings
Every year, new league tables are published which rank universities and colleges from all over the world. By choosing to study with Ivy League universities UK, for example, you’ll be obtaining a qualification from a prestigious educational institution. While the Ivy League is technically restricted to US colleges, the UK’s equivalent is the Russell Group.
Known for their world-class research and outstanding teaching, Russell Group universities are routinely ranked amongst the best performance educational institutions in the world. Using the latest technology to provide enhanced online learning opportunities, you can now obtain a qualification from these prestigious establishments from anywhere in the world.
Alumni Achievements
If you want to know what impact a qualification from a particular university will have on your employability, take a look at what ex-students have achieved. Most universities publish this information on their course pages, so you can see exactly how many graduates secured positions in their chosen field upon the completion of their course.
Whether you’re studying at undergraduate level or completing your master’s or Ph.D., finding out how other graduates have fared in the job market will give you an insight into the real-life benefits of obtaining a particular qualification.
When you’re studying with a specific professional goal in mind, this statistical data can be critical when it comes to selecting the right university or college. Some institutions are renowned for their prowess in certain areas, so aligning yourself with an institution that is well-respected in your industry can have a dramatic impact on your future job prospects.
Is Online Learning Right for You?
No matter what age you are or where you are in your career, online learning can give you the skills, qualification and confidence you need to achieve your next goal. The increased flexibility and reduced cost associated with studying online ensure you can combine your further education with other responsibilities. Furthermore, being able to study at your own pace and incorporate real-life industry issues into your work will only serve to enhance your experience and your employability.
