Due to the rise in technology, online education has never been more popular – and for a good reason. Due to the convenience and accessibility it provides, an increasing number of people can follow their dreams and gain degrees and qualifications that were previously inaccessible.
Because of the way online learning works, it is an ideal option for those who are looking to boost their career. In next to no time, someone could gain a degree which opens up the possibility of more financially rewarding roles in their profession – should this be a degree in nursing, education, or even business analytics.
This article will explore various aspects of online learning, including the reasons to study online, how to select the right course, and the qualities needed for this form of education.
The reasons to study online
Yes, there is one main advantage of gaining an online education: you can further your career. However, that is only the start of the benefits of studying online. Below are a few more reasons to consider:
You don’t have to leave your job
If you are currently employed, this is one of the big plus points in favor of online learning. Although it will be demanding, it is viable for you to study online while also retaining your full-time job.
This has several advantages on its own, including:
You remain financially secure. There’s no need to live the student life of ramen noodles and frozen pizza while you’re studying for a business analytics master’s degree!
It leaves no holes on your CV. Employers are always on the lookout for candidates who have a consistent work career.
It enhances your CV. If you demonstrate the talent to continue working while earning a fully-accredited degree, this will be judged favorably by recruiters and employers. A business analytics degree, as an example, will show recruiters you are serious about gaining an advantage in the business world.
You can continue to develop and scale new heights while at work. It’s not only your education which can play a part in enhancing your current career aspirations. The longer you stay in your current job, the greater the chance you will have to gain new skills and grow in the role.
Added convenience
As the previous point highlights, online learning delivers a much more convenient experience when compared to traditional education. You don’t have to rearrange your life around a rigid, demanding course schedule. You can study where you want, whenever you want.
This is particularly advantageous when life throws a curveball your way. Say you’re suddenly called into the office to work a late-night shift. You can always rest assured that, unlike with a traditional course, you can reschedule an online course for a more appropriate time. You can learn about the different analytics you would need in your business career, for example, at 2 am if that suits you better!
You don’t need to let your boss know
When you study online, it’s much easier to keep all of your ambitions to yourself. This is much more difficult to do if you’re rushing around to get to class, or need to find time off to complete certain assignments.
Due to the anonymity of your education, this will assist with guarding your job security. Sadly, if a boss gains insight into your aspirations that will eventually take you away from your current job, they could decide to take action and find a replacement as soon as possible.
However, if you can show afterward you have gained the correct knowledge and understanding of business analytics, this may also work in your favor.
The ability to network
When developing your career, never overlook the potential of networking. If you connect with the right people, you can find opportunities and develop your skills in ways you didn’t previously believe were possible.
When you turn to online education, you are suddenly presented with a worldwide network. Group chat rooms, video webinars, emails, discussion forums – there are many different methods to connect and communicate with other students, tutors, and professionals. No one works alone, and while you are undertaking your degree, whether it’s to become a teacher or to better understand business analytics, these people will be key.
Endless options
Due to the number of providers and course choices available, you have an essentially endless amount of routes to take with your education.
Perhaps you have seen the prosperous nature of business analytics and want to enter that field with a master’s degree? Maybe you need a certificate in cybersecurity for your current IT job? Or you might just want to take a free online course for a booster in accounting?
Whatever the case, there is likely some form of education available online to help you on the way.
Fast-track your education
When compared to the usual time it takes to earn a degree, certificate, or qualification, online education is a much faster option.
This is especially the case if you sign up for an accelerated program. While you will need to take on a larger workload – an aspect which is tricky if you decide to remain in full-time employment – you can complete courses in next to no time. For example, certain providers will allow you to gain a MS in business analytics in just 24 months – or even quicker in some cases.
Moreover, if you already possess qualifications, you might be exempt from relevant program modules. Ultimately, this will make it even quicker to complete your course due to the reduced amount of work.
It’s affordable
There’s no getting away from it: traditional education is a costly affair. Rarely do people have the disposable income available to cover the price of their course, and they might have to resort to doing something like remortgaging their house.
This is a different story with online education. In general, it costs just a fraction of the amount of traditional, campus-based study. Along with tuition fees typically being more affordable, there are various ways in which you save money.
Firstly, you don’t have to purchase any expensive books or resources – these can all be downloaded online. Plus there’s no need to spend money on traveling around as assignments can be done from the comfort of your computer.
How to get started with online education
Now you know the benefits of studying online for your career, you will be wondering how to get up and running with this form of education. Before you sign-up for the first online course you come across, consider the following points:
• Decide what you want to learn: It’s a simple starting point, but that doesn’t make it any less important. You have to settle on a course to study. As you are attempting to further your current career, you will already have a good idea as to what course you want to do. For those wanting to advantage in their business career, a business analytics degree will help you build a knowledge of statistics, data, and analyzing information.
Also, it’s not simply a case of landing on the right course subject. You need to determine what level you’re currently at with the subject. Are you a newcomer? Have you been working within the realms of the subject matter for several years already? This will decide if you need to select a beginner or advanced class.
• Test the waters: If you find an online platform which you believe is the right fit, see if you have the option of previewing a class or two. This will supply you with a greater insight as to whether the course – including the instructor and their style of teaching – works for you.
When an online platform doesn’t provide a preview option, you should research the feedback of past students. See if they felt the teaching was effective, sufficient resources were supplied, and the platform itself was easy to use and navigate. Remember: you don’t have to rush into enrolling onto a course, so take the time to ensure you make the right choice.
• Check the requirements: For certain online courses, you must possess certain qualifications. With this in mind, always check to see what requirements an online educator requires.
Furthermore, take a closer look at the requirements of your selected program. For instance, many online degrees state that, at some point, you still have to spend a small amount of time on campus. If you’re a full-time employee, this obviously won’t work with your schedule.
You can enroll in a Master of Science in Business Analytics online degree with a BA or BS in any field. This provides an open opportunity those wanting to switch careers into a more business-focused role, offering the chance to learn more about key business analytics and how to apply it to their role.
Tip: Keep in mind that you are conducting online education for professional enrichment. It’s not a requirement. It’s a choice. As a result, never settle for a course or platform that’s simply convenient. Pick the best one for you.
The qualities needed to be successful in learning online
Despite the advantages and accessibility of online learning, it’s sadly not for everyone. Some students might enter the field of online learning with an unrealistic outlook. They could see it as an easy way to earn a degree without needing to leave the comfort of their rooms.
In reality, going the online education route demands just as much – if not more – effort compared to courses in a traditional classroom setting.
For a breakdown, here are some of the qualities you need to possess to become a successful online learner:
Time management skills
Even though the flexibility of online learning is one of its main advantages, this does come with one caveat: the challenge of time management.
In most cases, online education platforms do not have set times for their classes. Additionally, the courses are often not taught to students in real-time. As a result, there is no real schedule to follow, and this is why it’s vital to manage your time effectively. The last thing you want is to procrastinate, let your tasks build-up, and end up with too much to do in too little time.
Tip: Develop a realistic study schedule. Review the syllabus for your course (or courses), and plan a long-term strategy for finishing all major assignments. On a day-to-day basis, utilize a ‘To Do’ list. As you tick off the tasks, this helps to not only keep everything in order but also gives it an element of fun as you attempt to finish the list.
Of course, learning how to manage your time effectively while undertaking a master’s in business analytics will ensure you can apply it to your future career.
The ability to communicate
It might not seem like the most obvious point, but it’s necessary to have strong communication skills. As an online learner, you need to ask for help when needed. A teacher cannot see any non-verbal cues if an online student is visually struggling, so they will not be able to reach out and offer assistance.
When communicating with teachers and staff members, you also need to conduct yourself appropriately. Maintain a respectful tone, always be grammatically correct, and avoid slang words.
Creating the right study environment
Although you can essentially study anywhere, it helps to produce a dedicated study environment where you can focus 100% on your educational assignments. For this, consider the following points:
• Avoid distractions: You need peace and a disruption-free place to study properly. Ensure the environment is away from other members of the household, and there’s no television around.
• No gaming: Extending from the previous point, you might have video games and other diversions pre-installed on your computer. Make sure these are removed.
• Comfortable seating: Being comfortable is, understandably, important. Buy a quality ergonomic chair if needed.
• The right ambience: Having welcoming décor and lighting can help to create a more comfortable work environment.
Basic computer skills
As you are studying online, you require a basic grasp of computers and how they work properly. Most online educators will provide guidelines for using their own platform, but they generally won’t cover basic computer skills.
Thankfully, there are many online resources that teach computer basics.
The motivation to learn online
Online learning is a task that requires motivation, responsibility, independence, and even maturity. Ultimately, you have to ask yourself: ‘Am I in the right place to study online?’ If you have a specific goal – such as boosting your career prospects – this is motivation enough to begin further education.
Persistence
Above all else, you absolutely require persistence to be an effective online learner. A successful student is one who is:
• Willing to work daily on their education
• Comfortable seeking assistance when needed
• Able to tolerate any technical issues that crop up
• Ready to persist with the challenges of online studying
A strong resolve will guarantee you can face the task of online learning head-on, and this is the key to your success and gaining the qualifications you desire.
Conclusion
Despite the many advantages it boasts, online education is not for everyone. You require a certain mindset and skills to be able to learn effectively. Yet if you have these abilities and are ready to jump up the career ladder, studying online might well be the best option available.
