6 Ways You Can Leverage Online Degrees To Boost Your Career Growth

If you're looking forward to a job promotion, negotiating a better salary, or switching careers, an online degree can be a safe bet. Similarly, it can be a crucial stepping stone if you're planning to re-enter the job market after a long break. While taking the leap may seem overwhelming at first, professionals can develop their careers by leveraging the advantage of the rise of online education.

1. Demonstrate Your Commitment To Bridging The Skills Gap

Transferable skills are essential, but you must move beyond that and demonstrate commitment when trying to forge a new career. Taking a relevant online degree shows prospective employers you are serious and helps you demonstrate unwavering initiative and a proactive mindset. It also offers opportunities for professionals to customize their education — helping to bridge the widening skills gaps in the job market and get the tools needed to become more resourceful.

Typically, online learning has some advantages over traditional courses. For most technical courses, e.g. DBA online degrees, they are designed quickly and continuously, and are better staged to respond to current industry needs due to the increased pace of technological development. In addition, the programs are an easy way to prove your career commitment since you get the chance to gain skills that someone who went through conventional education doesn't necessarily have.

For instance, digital skills have become increasingly essential, and online programs can upskill working professionals to ensure they are ready to handle the ever-changing challenges and requirements of the digital workplace. Similarly, the rise of artificial intelligence and machine learning has made soft skills a critical differentiating factor.

2. Continue To Work & Build Valuable Networks

One of the main benefits of an online degree is that you can maintain your current job. In fact, most people don't have the funds to commit to regular degree programs, especially with various family responsibilities and financial commitments. As such, resorting to an online course can be ideal when you have a busy schedule and work responsibilities.

This implies that if you currently hold a full-time job, you don't need to scale down your work hours or take a sabbatical leave to accommodate your education. Many individuals have bills to pay and families to look after, so knowing you can study and work concurrently has become an attractive option for most professionals.

Regardless of the career path you intend to take, there are numerous networking opportunities you can benefit from when studying online. While you may not meet all your contacts in person, many online courses are designed to offer rich interaction opportunities. For instance, many social media tools and networking software like Teams and Zoom can be ideal for interacting with fellow students, professionals, industry experts, and professors.

3. Demonstrate Your Innovativeness and Willingness To Take Responsible Risks

While most employers prefer employees who follow organizational rules and toe the line, they are more likely to promote responsible risk-takers. Online degrees have been around for a long time, but some employers can be skeptical about their competence.

Regardless, by taking the initiative and earning an online degree from accredited institutions, you can demonstrate that you are ready to try out the latest technology to accomplish your goals. Typically, this shows that you can think outside the box and take calculated risks. In a nutshell, it shows you are more management material.

4. Explore Leadership Positions

Although you may be enjoying a great career already, it's likely you are looking to get a promotion or assume more responsibility at work. Getting the appropriate experience for a leadership position can be difficult, however. While shadowing can be a helpful option, it may not help you develop sufficient practical skills.

On the other hand, taking an online degree or course gives you the opportunity to gain the skills you need to make core business decisions, manage employees, and lead the company you work for. In fact, studies show that 9 out of every 10 jobs go to applicants with college degrees.

5. Explore Opportunities To Switch Career Paths

Before you switch your career, it's prudent to consider studying online, test the waters and make the transition easier when the time change comes. Switching your career is often a big decision, and you are likely to take a significant financial hit, especially when you are starting from zero in a new industry. Most importantly, you may not know in advance whether you will like or thrive in the new career field. It's even harder to stay in a career you don't like simply because you are familiar and experienced in the job.

Taking an online program is a good step since it offers the opportunity to get sufficient qualifications to ensure you are not starting from scratch. You also get a realistic idea of the industry you intend to work in.

6. Explore Certifications From Top Universities & Reputable Professional Bodies

One of the most significant advantages of online learning platforms is the credibility that comes from collaborating with top universities or reputable professional bodies. Ideally, most online education providers partner with multiple international universities and professional organizations that are leaders in the industry. This means learners can interact with industry experts and gain real-world knowledge.

Most importantly, learners can get accredited certifications as evidence of their learning journey, achievements, and qualifications. The platform offers a plethora of courses with different study models that fit into your unique schedule depending on your commitments and finances. This approach means you will be ready to immerse yourself in a competitive job market thanks to access to a global community of specialists and professionals.

Endnote

Online learning can help you stay focused, sharp, energized, and offers the skills and knowledge to help you understand and tackle evolving workplace issues. The courses ensure that you become more resourceful and continue to provide more value to your organization. Besides, going back to school through online learning platforms gives you the unparalleled flexibility you need to build and advance your career without jeopardizing your job, family, or social life.