7 Reasons Employees Should Continue Education Online


More than 6 million people in the United States are spending time logging into ongoing education classwork each year. Nearly 70% of those students are already business professionals and are hoping to learn more about their respective industries. For many, the hardest part is deciding if going to school online is worth it. Check out these seven reasons for continuing education online to determine if it’s the right move for you.

1. Online Courses Help Students Retain More Information

Students who attend physical classes must meet at a certain time and learn everything for the class within a specified amount of time. For many, an in-person lecture is not enough time to get a good grasp on the information, which results in less retained education and lower grades. When employees decide to learn online, they can go at their own pace. Some studies show that students who attend online colleges are up to five times more likely to remember the material long-term than those who go to traditional colleges. This is because online learners get full control over how fast they read, what they re-read, and more. Going at their own speed makes it easier to succeed.

2. Online Education Is More Flexible

Earning a degree like a like a USC online MBA means employees who receive ongoing education have more course flexibility. Most of the time, online education is accessible at any time of the day or night and on any day of the year. Students sign on to do their work when it’s convenient for them, whether that’s during their lunch break or in the middle of the night. This makes it easier for students to juggle their current job responsibilities, as well as still run errands, attend appointments, and take care of other responsibilities related to their families and personal lives. Because the pace is meant to fit a student’s lifestyle, this means some can earn a new degree in as little as a year or two, while others can take more than the common four years if needed.

3. Online Education Could Lead to a Promotion

Receiving additional education after having entered a career field could lead employees to receive promotions. Many employers find that employees who invest time and money into their careers are more likely to offer stellar work and want to stay within the field for years to come. Whether employees are aiming for a higher position in the company that requires more education, or vying next to other candidates, ongoing education gives an employee an edge by qualifying them to handle more responsibilities within the industry.

4. Online Education Can Be More Relevant to Your Job

Many older students find their classes more interesting. Now that they have experience within their field, taking courses meant to help them further their career goals is more relevant. They can take the information they learn in an online course, relate it to their personal job responsibilities, and determine how they can use their newfound information to improve their job performanceOpens in a new tab.. Classes also become more interesting because many of the other students are also already working in the field, which provides excellent networking opportunities.

5. Online Education Improves Your Marketability

Employees who have continuing education on their resumes are more marketable. Even if that education isn’t necessarily within the field, extra classes show dedication. Employers who notice applicants with excess education will likely interview them first. When they recognize that employees are learning more, gaining new insight, and are up to date on industry skills and trends, the employees leave with an improved self-image.

6. Online Education Can Be Less Stressful

For many, online education is less stressful. After all, if someone works 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and has classes from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. most days, when do they have time for their families, let alone themselves? Online education makes it easier for parents to go to school around their children’s activities. In addition, it is hard to take a breather when you’re in a physical classroom. Online education makes it easy to take a few minutes away from the laptop and practice some deep breathing if you become overwhelmed.

7. Online Education Is Better for the Environment

What many people don’t realize is that learning online is better for the environmentOpens in a new tab.. When businesses send their employees for ongoing education in an online center, they show the community they care about the environment as well as their employees. According to one British university, online courses use as much as 90% less energy and create up to 85% fewer CO2 emissions per student. This is because learning online cuts down on paper waste and textbook use in many cases, not to mention keeps students out of their vehicles.

Unfortunately, there are lots of predators out there. Now that you know why employees should continue their education online, you must find the right school. Ensure the one you attend is accredited, has a strong reputation among former students, educators, and employers alike, and is willing to answer all your questions and communicate thoroughly.

Steve Todd

Steve Todd, founder of Open Sourced Workplace and is a recognized thought leader in workplace strategy and the future of work. With a passion for work from anywhere, Steve has successfully implemented transformative strategies that enhance productivity and employee satisfaction. Through Open Sourced Workplace, he fosters collaboration among HR, facilities management, technology, and real estate professionals, providing valuable insights and resources. As a speaker and contributor to various publications, Steve remains dedicated to staying at the forefront of workplace innovation, helping organizations thrive in today's dynamic work environment.

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