Selecting The Right Online Course for Career Growth: Do's and Don'ts

Online courses are among the easiest and most effective ways to upskill your career. Online upskilling courses are cost-effective, less time-consuming and allow you to specialise in specific or upcoming disciplines. 74.2% of students said their online learning experience was good compared to traditional classroom education, a UGC survey states.

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Also Read: When It Is Better to Opt for Online Degree Courses

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The variety of online courses is a double-edged sword. While there are several options to choose from, it becomes difficult to know which course is the best fit for your career.

Read on to find out how to select the right online course for career growth.

Why choose online courses?

Enrolling in an online course has a host of benefits compared to a traditional course.

1. Flexibility in schedule

One of the major benefits of online courses is the flexibility in scheduling and time management. Online courses accommodate students or working professionals by scheduling classes on weekends or evenings. This enables an individual to upskill without interrupting their offline classes or work.

2. Freedom to study from anywhere

A student can study from anywhere they like with online courses. They can complete their course from their university or workplace, a cafe, or even from the comfort of their home.

3. Self-paced

Many online courses may also be self-paced, allowing students to complete the course at their convenience. This makes getting an online course less time-consuming and hassle-free.

4. Reduction in overall cost

Certain online courses seem expensive but are much cheaper than their traditional offline counterparts in the long run. Since online courses eliminate the need to travel, students save on regular transportation costs. Besides, accessing notes and ebooks online reduces the costs of buying textbooks.

5. Variety in courses

Students enjoy access to a wider variety of certifications with online courses. They are also the fastest way to learn the latest skills required in the student’s career.

6. Helps develop self-discipline

One of the least spoken benefits of online courses is that it helps in self-development and discipline. Apart from being an excellent option for self-motivated students, it helps them develop time management and establish routines.

7. Enables widespread networking and collaboration

Studying with international students or students from other states encourages one to expand their horizons. It also gives rise to many networking and collaborative opportunities for working professionals.

8. Helps in career progression

Completing online diplomas and certification courses is a great way to boost your resume. Enrolling in certification courses or online diplomas that complement your degree makes it easier to get the attention of hiring managers. Completing courses relevant to your job role makes you more valuable to employers and improves job security.

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Also Read: Best Online Degree Fit For Your Career

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What should a good online course look like?

Knowing what makes a good online course before enrolling in one is essential. How do you know if the course you want to enroll in checks all the right boxes?

Ideally, a good online course should -

• Have a well-defined scope, and provide a clear outline of learning objectives
• Have a healthy balance between theoretical content and hands-on activities
• Allow for interaction among the students and between students and professors teaching the course
• Be as up-to-date and comprehensive as possible
• Encourage active learning by giving students tasks to perform or exploring scenarios where they can apply their skills

Do’s and don'ts of choosing the best online course for career progression

Here are some tips for taking an online course that improves your career prospects.

DO choose a certification relevant to your desired career path

Selecting an online course that complements your degree or job role will be a valuable asset for your career. Learning new skills keeps you up-to-date with industry standards and makes you indispensable to your company. This protects you from layoffs and enhances job security.

DON’T choose a certification unrelated to your career

Choosing a certification unrelated to your career does not inherently hurt your career prospects. A relevant online course is better if you’re looking to advance in your career quickly. For example, choosing a data science course over an SEO course is better if you want to work in tech.

DO check the learning objectives of the course

Before enrolling in a course, be sure to check the learning objectives to see whether they are in line with your expectations. This ensures that you don’t waste your precious time and money pursuing a course which does not benefit you.

DON’T ignore the fine print

Online courses are not only limited to the three-word title. Review the topics and subtopics under each module of the online course. Some courses may include an in-demand skill in their syllabus but offer only a basic introduction. Going through the fine print of any online course that piques your interest is crucial.

DO compare the syllabi of various online courses

Sometimes, two or more online courses may offer your desired certification. In that case, you should always compare their syllabi and learning objectives. This enables you to decide on the course that best fits your career goals.

DON’T enroll in the first course you find

This point goes without saying. Enrolling in a random course without checking its learning outcomes or exploring your options may result in you missing out on benefits other courses might have. In the worst case, the course content may not relate to your degree or job at all. Make sure to take the time to select the right course that benefits your career.

DO look for collaborative and international courses

Many universities offer online upskilling courses in collaboration with reputed national or international institutions. This allows you to have a deeper understanding of the happenings in your industry. Having certifications from Ivy League universities also boosts your resume and increases your credibility as an employee.

DON’T forget to fact-check

Always fact-check the claims made by online courses or learning platforms. Look up reviews and ratings of people who have completed the course, and read their feedback. This will allow you to know what to expect when you enroll.

DO ensure that your learning platform has good student support

Learning new course material is great, but who do you go to if you have a doubt? Connecting students to teachers and addressing grievances is integral to online learning. Make sure that the online learning platform offers student support.

DON’T forget to check the technical requirements

Digital and design courses may sometimes require premium software or gadgets, which will add to the cost of pursuing the course. Always look through the prospectus of your desired courses to check if you need specialised devices or software.

Conclusion

Online courses are one of the fastest and most convenient ways to progress in your career. With the rising variety of online courses, choosing the course that best fits your needs is essential. Students must assess their options and choose the course that best suits their schedule, budget, and career path.

Wondering where you could find the best online courses to progress in your career? Amity Online brings you a variety of job-ready online courses and certifications that allow you to upskill from wherever you are. Get ready for success with certifications from one of the best online learning platforms backed by Ivy League universities.

Online UG Programmes:

• Bachelors of Art (BA)
• Bachelors of Commerce (B.Com)
• Bachelors of Computer Applications (BCA)
• Bachelor Of Business Administration (BBA)