Online Continuing Education Courses

Today’s job market is incredibly competitive, with the number of applicants for each job far outstripping the number of available openings. While many careers may initially value experience over qualifications, enrolling in continuing education degrees or courses is a great way for employers to know you are up to date with the latest developments, technology and strategies in their industry.

Continuing Education Provides Ammo for Interviews

By keeping you on the cusp of new developments, continuing education courses ready you for new challenges your industry may be facing such as changes in technology or market forces. The formal training provided in professional courses is a highly regarded commodity as it means employers do not have to put in the time and resources to train you. Currently being involved in or having just completed a continuing education course is something that you can readily draw on in an employment interview. Speaking in detail about the benefits of the course really helps you to sell yourself to the interviewer. Be sure to stress the up to date nature of the course material, draw on case studies or examples and demonstrate a real interest in the content covered. Employers love to see their employees engaged and passionate about their career topic area.

A Degree Above the Rest

The benefits of earning a degree, whether a bachelor’s or a master’s are considerable. Bachelor degree holders are earning an average of almost $20,000 a year more than those with only a high school diploma. Taking an Online continuing education course for teachers for example and getting a Master’s degree could increase your salary by that same amount over  bachelor’s degree holders. In the physical sciences, professionals with master’s degrees earn an incredible $40,000 more on average. Having a higher degree not only gets you the job but will keep your bank balance happy. Although paying for a degree course can be financially draining, studies have shown that the cost is typically paid off in three to five years. This length of time may also be reduced by incentives offered by your company.

See also: The Difference a Degree Makes in Unemployment Levels

Online Continuing Education Courses and A Fluid Career

Long gone are the days when you had a job for life. However, this may not be completely due to instability in the job market but the increasing trend of people changing jobs or even careers in search of greater feelings of fulfillment. Whereas 20 years ago people may have had three to five companies on their resumes, the average person now has six to ten. Though job hopping is not often viewed as a positive habit, employers will view success in getting jobs with increasing responsibility as a positive. Investing your time, in continuing education definitely helps in this regard. People are now also more likely to change their entire career and this is where additional qualifications are vital. If you intend to work in an area where you have little to no experience, having a solid foundation of subject knowledge is a prerequisite.

Whether you are applying for a job opening, setting your sights on a promotion, or are thinking of a change in career…

Strengthening your resume is a highly effective means to improve your success in today’s job market.

For more information See:

What to Look for in an Online Degree Program

The Difference a Degree Makes in Unemployment Levels

Online Degree More Affordable Than on Campus

About the Author:

Cynthia Shepherd writes for education blogs and sites. To read more about online education click here.