Even after you’ve landed the job and start work, there are ways to climb the ladder and improve your position within any company. Continuing education is valuable for any industry, and online courses now allow workers to take classes when it’s convenient for them, from wherever they are.
Online learning is flexible and adaptable, making it more accessible. If you have regular working hours and live three hours away from the location, you can take advantage of courses that advance your career in your own time.
Network and Connect With Industry Experts
If you don’t travel or attend conferences regularly, it’s hard to connect and network with others in your industry. While social media and online platforms like LinkedIn provide a professional setting to meet others, taking an online course is also another way to expand your network. Get to know the teacher or administrator and the others in your classes. Participate in online forums and discussions whenever possible. These connections provide valuable relationships as well as information about new jobs and other networking opportunities.
Increase Your Income
Some companies offer a raise or compensation for those who complete continuing education courses, and they may pay for the course itself. With every skill you learn, you become more valuable to the company and others in your industry. Obtain certifications and knowledge through online courses to increase your income but be clear on the terms with your HR department before you start.
Develop Professional Interests
Online courses are available for almost anything, and you can continue to learn in a field outside your own. If there is something you’re interested in, but it isn’t your specialty, take an online course to learn more and determine if it’s worth your interest. Not only does this help you on a personal level, but you are more valuable with additional transferable skills.
Expand Your Degree
Once you’ve earned a college degree or certification, you can get to work. But what if you wanted to continue learning and earn an additional degree?
Many graduate programs are available online and easy to access. In some cases, your company may pay for you to expand your education. This is a good way to earn an income while continuing to learn to move up the ladder throughout your career.
Increase Your Tech Knowledge
Technology is constantly evolving. The global pandemic forced many workers to adapt to technology they’d never used before and signaled a new era of working and learning remotely. Online courses not only force you to learn their platforms but are offered for specific tech programs and software. No matter what field you’re in, it’s a good idea to stay current with technology trends, whether that’s using a resume builder or an update to a new design program used in your field.
Build Your Confidence
Once you’ve been “out of the game” for a while and younger employees seem to have skills you’re lacking, it’s easy to develop problems with your confidence. By increasing your knowledge, opening your networking circle, and expanding your education, online courses don’t just make you more competent at your job. They also make you FEEL more confident at your job.
