Workplaces are changing forever. The AI ‘siege’ has begun. Even before Artificial Intelligence achieves the hallowed sentient state, job loss projections are already hitting the roof. At a time when employees are increasingly on the verge of being replaceable, you need to be on your toes and make yourself an invaluable part of your organization.
In such turbulent times, upskilling and learning are no longer an option. It is an absolute must. Employees will have to look out for ways to strengthen their profile and improve their productivity. At this stage, it is important to note that not every advancement has been detrimental to an individual’s job prospects. Online education has been a boon for those willing to broaden their horizons and implement new strategies and skills into their workflow. Employees will have to actively search for programs and pathways that match their career aspirations and existing skill set. For instance, careers that require a lot of hands-on experience can benefit from working and studying simultaneously. A nurse may be able to fast-track their progression from rn to nurse practitioner by studying online while maintaining their in-field work.
Why Online Education Works
Online education gives the perk of career advancement without the complete allocation of time. It is practically feasible to have a job and pursue an online course or degree at the same time. You can essentially keep working and draw a paycheck while advancing your qualifications. You could either stack a compelling list of micro-credentials or vie for a proper master’s degree online. As an example, a digital marketer with a generalist bachelor’s in commerce could go for a bunch of niche courses on topics like programmatic SEO, Advanced Google Analytics 4 (GA4), and lead funnel management, or choose a full-on master’s in digital marketing from a renowned institution. At a time when student debt continues to scale new heights, this added flexibility of earning while learning can make such choices more rational.
The Chance for Custom Pathways
Another huge advantage for learners is that they can pick and choose the skills or areas they want to dive deeper into. This is because, unlike traditional university degrees, online programs are specifically designed to keep upskilling and career pivots in mind. Employees can get a better sense of where they are excelling and where they are lacking after actually working in the real world. Their employer may also need a specific skill in their organization. So, instead of learning a definition or reading a case study, you will most likely be working on a live project or an assignment that closely mimics the real world. This is especially true for courses or programs that focus on hard skills like coding or hands-on professions like nursing.
Increasing Employer Recognition
Online degrees and micro-credentials are no longer being scoffed at by employers. The whole stigma around online education is fading. Instead, employers see it as a sign of motivated and agile employees. The perception is changing, and for the better. As long as the degree or the courses are accredited by trusted sources, these efforts are beginning to sway employers. This means that the ROI for enrolling in such courses has just become much better. Eager and curious employees can now actually get a return in the form of a pay hike or a promotion. In fact, the shift is so clear that many companies have started to actively support learning through reimbursement programs and partnerships with online universities.
No Geographic Constraints
Another major advantage of online education is that learners can get access to the world’s best content from top-tier educators from the cozy confines of their home. There is no need to waste time commuting or relocating to a city just to access the right quality of education. This is even more applicable to keen learners who are based in remote or rural regions.
Online education is no longer a mere option. It has become a necessity to survive in a workplace that is gunning for maximum efficiency and productivity. Pursuing online education is a great way of leveling up without completely abandoning your existing work. There is greater flexibility in crafting personalized learning paths and only focusing on the areas that matter. The increasing employer recognition is a great icing on the cake, adding even more ROI to an already compelling option. Finally, the complete absence of geographic constraints in accessing quality content has fundamentally democratized learning for all.
