Whether you’re trying to learn a new skill for your business, or you’re on a mission to keep up with your continuing education credits (CEUs) for your professional career, online learning offers a handful of benefits.
For instance, it’s easy to access, flexible enough to fit into any schedule, and you can learn just about anything.
Here are some of the best reasons to use on-demand learning to build your career.
You can earn professional CEUs online
If you’re in a profession that requires earning continuing education units, it’s easy to get them done online without disrupting your schedule. For example, respiratory therapists are required to meet yearly CEU requirements to maintain their license. Traditional in-person classes are important for getting hands-on experience, but many informational courses can be delivered effectively online. Although there are strict requirements for live courses, they’re easy to access through certified companies that run courses throughout the day on a predetermined schedule. It’s not technically on-demand, but it’s equally convenient.
The flexibility is unbeatable
It doesn’t matter if you’re so busy that you only have three hours per day from 10:00 p.m. until 1:00 a.m. to work on your business – on-demand learning will accommodate. Whatever course you sign up for will be there waiting for you 24 hours a day, and it won’t matter if you’re late. This structure is ideal for people who need to balance their education with personal and professional commitments.
It’s cost-effective
Traditional education can be costly and time-consuming, especially if you need to take out a student loan. Between paying for tuition, gas, and books, you can expect to pay a small fortune for each class.
On-demand learning offers more affordable options, including free courses and pay-as-you-go modules. For example, a lot of people learn new skills just by watching YouTube tutorial videos.
Learning is easier to personalize
When you take a course that puts everyone in a giant room together in person, the lesson is the same for everyone and so is the classwork. When you opt for an on-demand online learning system, there are usually more options available that can be tailored to specific needs.
Needs are not always about skill level. Sometimes people have different career aspirations that require learning a slightly different angle on a broad topic. With online learning, you can choose from a larger variety of subjects and tailor your learning to meet specific needs.
It’s easier to stay current with industry trends
Staying on top of industry trends can be daunting when you’re expected to learn new skills and apply them in your daily work. On-demand learning platforms typically update their course selection to reflect the latest trends, so you don’t have to search too hard to find out what you need to learn. If staying competitive depends on your ability to learn new trends quickly, on-demand course libraries will help.
You’ll increase your value
Acquiring new skills through on-demand learning can help you advance your career or even transition into a new field. When you pick up more skills – especially ones that come with certifications – you also increase your value in the marketplace.
The benefits extend beyond just padding your resume. When you master in-demand skills – whether it’s digital marketing, Python, or cybersecurity – you make yourself more indispensable to your team. This can open doors to new responsibilities, leadership roles, and possibly even a new career path. Learning new skills could earn you a promotion and more respect from your employer when they see your dedication to growth. In fact, according to Forbes, online learning has played a key role in helping many professionals prepare for career changes.
You can learn skills you’ve previously skipped
Regardless of your background, skills, and training, there’s a chance you may have skipped some fundamental components in your industry. On-demand learning offers an opportunity to circle back and acquire any skills you may have skipped early on. If you’re self-taught, for example, you may have skipped over some fundamentals that are holding you back. If you’re outsourcing certain tasks to other contractors that most people in your position handle on their own, on-demand learning can help you catch up quickly.
On-demand learning is a strategic move
Online platforms that offer on-demand learning make education easy, convenient, and accessible to anyone with an internet connection. Whether your goal is to learn a new skill for fun, take your business to the next level, or earn required professional credits, on-demand learning will help you achieve your goals.
