Most of us are not so lucky. In fact, over 50 percent of the U.S. workforce feels unhappy in their current job. Whether we aspire for a promotion, different daily duties, or a new field altogether, the majority of people in the United States long to revitalize their careers.
Unfortunately, personal growth can stagnate at any step on the ladder. Once you spend a few years (or even decades) in a profession, the idea of making a career pivot can seem especially daunting.
Transforming your career is undoubtedly a challenging task. However, thanks to the recent proliferation of online learning tools, any disenchanted worker with a laptop can turn their career around. With modern digital learning platforms, a dedicated professional can add new skills to their resume and jumpstart their career.
Whether you’re trying to master spreadsheet calculations or hoping to earn your master’s degree, these days, nearly unlimited schooling is just a few clicks away.
What is Online Learning?
Online learning is a loose term used to describe organized instruction delivered through the internet. Sometimes called e-learning or distance education, online learning can refer to instruction at nearly any level, from preschool to Ph.D. coursework. While many certificate and degree programs come with a price, other learning platforms offer introductory and professional skills courses free of charge.
Online instruction offers astounding variation in both topic and type. You have the opportunity to take a self-led coding course taught through video content, or you could enroll in an instructor-led grant writing class that includes online workshops with other classmates. From furniture making to the fundamentals of neuroscience, the options are truly endless.
How to Pick the Right Class
With so many choices, how does a hopeful student select the best course for their career?
Start with research. Before diving into an online learning opportunity, take the time to read course descriptions and reviews from past students. Reach out to your professional network for advice; your connections might recommend classes that helped them climb the corporate ladder. You can also ask your network of peers to find out which skills are in demand so you can select the most relevant coursework for your field.
Finally, exercise caution when investigating courses that offer professional certifications or academic degrees at a price. Unless these certifications are industry-accredited or backed by a reputable academic institution, you could overpay for a bogus degree that hurts your career.
Set Goals
As you weigh your options, take time to establish goals for your online learning experience. Reflecting on your long-term career ambitions will help you select classes and set short-term learning objectives.
One common goal-setting tool is the SMART method, which helps learners select objectives that are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-based. Setting SMART goals helps break large objectives (like becoming a photographer) into smaller, more manageable targets (like completing three hours of photo editing coursework a week).
Find Time for All the Work
The best (and sometimes the worst) thing about online classes is their flexibility. Many online learning platforms for busy professionals allow learners to set their own pace. Students taking college courses can enroll on a part-time, nights-only basis. However, this flexibility makes the learner responsible for monitoring their progress. With full-time jobs and families to support, individuals can quickly fall behind.
If you are worried about fitting online courses into your packed schedule, make an action plan as early as possible. Discuss your goals with friends and family, and let them know you may have limited availability for social obligations. Explore scheduling and task management tools, such as Google Calendar and Tasks, to better plan your daily studies as well as long-term projects.
If the course you take is time-sensitive, and you begin to fall behind, speak up, and ask the instructor for support. Many teachers are flexible and willing to help students who show initiative.
Online Learning: Your Next Career Move
With so many topics available, anyone and everyone can benefit from online learning. With more people joining online courses every day, self-led learning might become the new standard for anyone serious about their career.
Luckily, driven professionals need only invest a few hours a week to achieve a resume boost and career satisfaction. Digital classwork undoubtedly comes with challenges, but careful goal setting and time management can unlock your professional potential. Chances are, you’ll learn something new about your field of interest and yourself along the way.
