In today’s fast-moving work environment, employees must continually adapt and learn new skills to remain competitive.
Online certification is one way to accomplish this. Compared to traditional degrees that take years to complete and have a huge price tag to match, certifications require a relatively short time commitment and are inexpensive compared to earning a degree. In fact, you can, if the trades are of interest, earn a forklift operator certification in a day.
Pursuing online certifications means you can strategically add to your skill set to seize opportunities in the marketplace. Whether looking to get a promotion, pursue a new career path, or just become better at your job, you can do it with online certifications.
Consider these four reasons to pursue online certifications to advance your career.
1. Flexibility That Fits Your Schedule
One possible obstacle to continuous learning is other commitments. With the need to work, family responsibilities to attend to, and personal obligations to address, you might find it nearly impossible to enroll in a program and attend classes on a campus.
The solution is to get the education you need through distance learning. You’ll get to study at your own pace. That means you can do the coursework on the weekends, afternoons, or whenever it suits you. Leveraging the flexibility online certifications offer means you won’t have to put your life and those closest to you on the back burner.
2. Low-Cost Professional Development
Another advantage of online certifications is that they’re economical. Studying on campus for three or four years can cost tens of thousands of dollars and require physically attending classes — perhaps resulting in long commutes to and from school.
Online certifications are cheaper. Some workplaces actually cover the costs of ongoing learning, as they recognize the value that skilled staff members bring to their companies.
For professionals who want to advance in their careers without shouldering excessive debt, certifications are a cost-effective solution. Again, many companies compensate their workers for work-related certifications and courses, so you can upgrade your competencies for little or no out-of-pocket expense.
3. Improved Career Mobility Opportunities
Certifications are great career mobility resources. If you want to climb the corporate ladder at your present company or move to a new industry altogether, online certifications can be part of the process to achieve your career goals.
Consider that some employers look for relevant certifications when screening applicants. So, you can separate yourself from the competition if you have credentials that are highly regarded in the industry.
In fields where best practices or regulations can change—like in healthcare, cybersecurity, or banking—certifications are also a matter of compliance. When this is the case, certification is not just nice to have. It’s a must-have.
4. More Confidence and Professional Credibility
Online certifications won’t just equip you with new skills—they’ll also build your confidence and credibility. When you’ve invested time and effort into earning a certification, you can enter the workplace with greater assurance in your abilities.
This confidence can translate into stronger performance in interviews, presentations, and day-to-day tasks. Colleagues and managers are more likely to trust your expertise if they see you’ve pursued formal training and earned a recognized credential.
Earning certifications can also provide a sense of achievement and motivation to continue growing professionally and personally.
If career growth is the goal, online certifications are worth looking into. They’re an investment in your future. And in some situations, such as if you’re in a highly regulated industry, pursuing the right certifications might be a must if you want to have a job at all.
Certifications can be the key to upward career mobility. The option of pursuing them online can make earning the right credentials easier.
