Trying to hold down a full-time job while maintaining a social life can be challenging, especially if you don’t enjoy what you do. If you’re stuck in a dead-end job and want to advance your career opportunities, you may benefit from completing an online degree. Not only can you gain reputable qualifications, but there are tons of transferable skills that you can use both personally and professionally. Here are 10 advantages of studying for an online degree.
Convenience
One of the main reasons why people choose to study online is because it’s convenient. Whether you’re working a 40-hour week or trying to run a busy household, there never seem to be enough hours in the day. If you want to gain new skills and get your foot on the career ladder, studying online can allow you to create your own flexible learning schedule, helping you juggle your work, social life, and studies.
24/7 Resources
No matter what time of day or night, all your online course materials will be there to use at your convenience. Unlike a traditional college where you may only be able to access some recourses in person, everything you need to succeed will be at your fingertips. Whether it be written materials, podcasts, or videos, accessing everything you need at a time that suits you is just another reason why many people prefer to study online.
Plenty of Choices
With online degrees becoming more common, you will be happy to know that there are tons of courses to pick from, covering all sorts of topics. For example, you can study for a master’s in supply chain management online, provided by Kettering University. No matter your interests or long-term goals, you are bound to find an online degree that’s relevant and right for you.
Comfortable Environment
Being able to study from the comfort of your own home can make all the difference. For those who aren’t very confident, studying in a classroom full of strangers can be incredibly daunting. Therefore, learning in an environment where you feel comfortable and relaxed can help you focus better. If you live in a busy household and can’t find a quiet area, there are all sorts of places where you can get stuck into your studies, such as your local library.
Avoid Commuting
Public transport can be a nightmare at the best of times. If you don’t like the idea of being stuck on a cramped bus or train, an online degree may be perfect for you. Instead of having to rush to a lecture, all you need to do is simply open up your laptop, and away you go. What’s more, with the cost of public transport forever increasing, you will save money too!
Gain Transferable Skills
Not only will you come out with a degree, but there are also so many transferable skills you will learn along the way too. No matter what type of degree you go for, you will learn about self-discipline and time management. Managing your time effectively and factoring in periods to study are key traits that can take you far in the working world. What’s more, you will begin to feel more confident in your abilities throughout your degree, helping you have a more positive outlook on the future.
Lower Costs
Another huge benefit of studying online is that you will save a ton of money. For those who study a brick-and-mortar establishment, not only do they have to fork out money for course fees, they may need to find accommodation too (if they don’t live close by). In most cases, online degrees cost much less than a traditional degree, meaning you can gain the same kind of qualification without any added expenses.
Advancing Your Career
It goes without saying, one of the main reasons why people look into online degrees is to advance their careers. Whether you’re starting at the bottom of the ladder or you’re hoping to enter a managerial role, there are tons of online degrees that can give you a helping hand you need to succeed. Not only will you gain qualifications that look fantastic on your resume, but you will also be on an equal footing with fellow candidates going for the same jobs as you.
Engaging with Your Peers
Just because you’re not studying in person doesn’t mean that you can’t engage with your peers. Whether you need some help or advice on a particular module, there are all sorts of ways to communicate with fellow students. For example, why not set up a study group? Software like Google Hangout or creating your own Facebook group can be a great way to engage with others on your course, enabling you to share information with one another. If you don’t feel confident emailing your tutors, speaking to those in the same boat as you can be hugely beneficial.
Learn at Your Own Pace
We all learn at different paces. While one student may retain information straight away, others may take a bit more time. What works for one person may not work for the other, so if you’re the type of person who feels pressured to keep up with your peers (especially in a face to face environment), you will likely benefit from studying online instead. Being in control of your learning can make all the difference and help you excel at your course. What’s more, you may find that you’re able to complete your degree in a much quicker timeframe than you would at a traditional college, helping to free up valuable time and get you into your chosen profession much quicker. Online degrees are becoming increasingly popular. With many of us leading busier lives than ever, trying to find the time to enroll and study at a brick-and-mortar establishment may be next to impossible. Studying online can give you the convenience and flexibility you need while gaining a variety of transferable skills and qualifications to help you find your dream job.