THE ONLINE ROUTE
In this fast-paced world that demands extra edge in everything one does, a conventional degree is no longer sufficient for aspiring professionals to build a concrete career. Rahul Walia tells you about the growing trend among students to pursue additional online courses after completing their academic courses
Anyone who aspires to reach the top in his profession has to constantly keep up with one crucial factor — constantly upgrading their skills. The technique of upgrading the skill is crucial because it makes one stand out of the competitive crowd.
But “time is money” and it has to be spent diligently to reap the maximum benefit out of the given opportunity. It is here that online courses, which are apt and profound to impart knowledge and equip one with the latest skills to meet the ever demanding job world, come into play. As per the standard job market norms, employers consistently look for soft skills. One may not have several of these traits and skills, but one can easily pursue by developing them online.
Online courses offer an option to those who want to upgrade the level of qualification and skills despite having many other degrees. People across verticals have started carrying usernames and passwords instead of carrying books; they love sitting where the Internet is available and acquire knowledge the way they want. Online study unit is where any individual from any background may add on the knowledge. There are many advantages to online courses and degree programmes. It not only offers an opportunity for those unable to take traditional full-time classes such as working professionals and parents, but it also offers more freedom and flexibility to students.
Today, online education is better than the usual correspondent courses. It is a passé when one has to constantly hold on to a diploma degree or certificates from standing university. What makes a lot of sense today is to exhibit skills rather than the degree, thus online education does make a lot of difference because there is an incredible demand for newage skills specially pertaining to IT, digital, web and social media. There are plenty of advantages that one wants to do an online degree.
Picking the right option is crucial.
However, when one starts studying online, the process tends to get a lot easier for you due to several different reasons. First, it becomes important for you to focus on doing other relevant activities as well. This adds flexibility to the time schedule. So given the opportunity to take a look at the different options available, you also have the liberty to find out more about the options which are likely to suit you the best.
As said in the present day buzzword of “skills gap” career counselors are focusing that being an all-rounded individual makes a person more employable. Employers look at both hard skills — technical knowledge — as well as soft skills like an effective verbal and written communication and problem-solving. Just because a person knows how to do a specific task doesn’t mean that person is the best for the job. He needs to have proper knowledge and to have that knowledge he have to update himself according to the industry because the industry is working at a high pace and technology is getting updated day by day.
The another advantage is that that online courses help one upgrade the skill without leaving the job or taking extra time to take classes. Online courses are convenient as one can have the classroom and an instructor available 24X7. These courses also promote life-long learning because having that spark of interest and knowing how to find information online ensures that one is learning all the time. Online courses connects one with other global players. One can be in touch with other people across the globe who are doing similar courses. This helps an individual to not only acquire the latest skills, it also broadens one’s horizon.
These online courses are pocket-friendly as well. Online education doesn’t ask you to make sacrifice on the full-time courses that one may be taking. It also helps one save cost of transportation. Relocation costs are forgone as well, which can be beneficial for those looking to partake in a specialised programme at a school that would normally require a burdensome relocation. For any professional who wants to learn and upgrade his skills and knowledge according to time and demand of the market and job, online courses are helpful.
However, it is very crucial to understand that online learning is certainly not meant for everyone. The most successful students of online learning are self-motivated as these courses do not dictate strict deadlines or class schedules and flexibility is allowed with regard to work. Hence, it is essential that prospective students are realistic about their self-discipline and learning style before signing up for this module of learning.
Just a degree won’t help you in getting a fancy job. The hiring trends in the near future will include the overall skill development, knowledge of the industry and professional grooming standards of an individual. The organisations will aim to hire the people who have the required skills and qualities.
(The writer is chairman, Corporate Infocomm Pvt Ltd)
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