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Elevate Magazine
August 15, 2024

How Can Online Certifications Boost Your Career?

online certification (1)

By utilising modern technology, remote learning opportunities and even AI-driven education programs, you can continue to develop your skill-set and earn qualifications well into your career.

Requiring only a computer and an internet connection, education and training have become accessible to everyone. Numerous courses and programmes are available remotely, allowing you to upskill yourself and earn qualifications without needing to attend an institution. Simply find an online education provider, select your modules, and you’re away. However, while the online certifications are easily accessible and incredibly appealing, are they actually worth it? Or are they just a trend?

Online certifications offer many opportunities to learn, advance your soft skills, and pursue professional development. But while they seem ideal for career-focused individuals, they can be time-consuming for busy people and challenging for those without easy access to technology. Nevertheless, online certifications are certainly more than just a fad; there are strong reasons why professionals are leveraging online credentials to enhance their careers. Here’s how online certifications can upgrade your career growth and development!

Online Certifications Can Propel Job Prospects

For better or for worse, the COVID-19 pandemic drastically changed how we work, learn, and live our lives. One positive impact of the pandemic, though, was how it paved the way for people to adapt to digital transformation, leading to a rise in people keen to leverage online opportunities to acquire professional certifications to pursue entrepreneurship, improve their knowledge, and find better job opportunities. According to a Udemy report, employees who obtained online qualifications reported a 60% better chance of getting job promotions and new career prospects.

Suppose you’re a freelancer aiming to serve a diverse clientele. In that case, online certifications can help you achieve your goals and stay in tune with social media, modern technology, and other business software. You might be a stay-at-home mum looking for a side hustle; online programmes are ideal for equipping yourself to secure a remote job that you genuinely enjoy and can build a career from. The flexibility provided by online certifications allows you to say goodbye to mum guilt while fulfilling your responsibilities as a parent.

Today, online certifications equip you in your chosen career, opening doors to being an expert and utilising data or information to stand out in the competition. Professional certifications look good on your CV and help your job prospects in the long term. Online training is invaluable if you’re looking to be a valuable asset or increase the productivity levels of a company or team.

Online Certifications Provide New Skills

The sky’s the limit when it comes to learning online; you can pick up new skills and knowledge that will help you be more creative, energetic, and versatile. For example, if you’re a content writer by day and love knitting during your free time, you’re naturally keen on researching more information about knitting.  Out of the blue, you’re assigned to write about knitting, and you jump with joy since you’re already an expert, thanks to your passion and for scouring numerous online courses and tutorials.

Another example is if you want to shift your career from medicine to marketing because it has become your newfound passion. You can gradually transition by acquiring the necessary professional certifications to learn about the industry, such as digital marketing and project management. 

These certifications will help you gain knowledge in marketing strategy, information technology, Adobe Photoshop, search engine optimisation, web design, and analytics. The advantage of pursuing online certifications while still working in medicine is that you can work towards qualifying in your spare time, allowing you to transition to a marketing career without needing to take time off to study or return to university.

Certain industries, such as healthcare, Information technology, marketing, hospitality, and more, place a high value on certifications, whether completed online or on-campus. These fields are constantly changing, needing professionals who can keep up with technology, be innovative, and be highly skilled. Online certifications allow them to put their best foot forward by embracing digital transformation and use them to promote quality leadership skills.

Online Certifications Can Increase Salary and Benefits

There’s no shame in wanting a salary increase; the more you become experienced and certified in your field, the more valuable you become to employers. For example, if you work in sales, you’ll be a valuable asset to the team if you’re knowledgeable about platforms such as Salesforce or other business software for automation, which will increase your chances of being chosen for a leadership position.

Online Certifications Can Empower You in the Workplace

One key motivation for pursuing digital education is the opportunity it provides to invest in yourself and advance up the corporate ladder. Enrolling in online certifications not only deepens your expertise in your field but also introduces you to the latest information and best practices, making you more adept and confident in the workplace.

Many view these certifications as a valuable investment because they strengthen self-confidence and expand knowledge, preparing you for leadership roles and new responsibilities. This preparation often leads to a sense of personal achievement and a more fulfilling lifestyle as you step into roles that align with your career aspirations and personal growth.

According to a survey conducted by Business Wire, 70% of respondents who experienced a salary increase of 20-40% had completed a certification course. It’s no secret that certified and experienced candidates typically receive premium pay and benefits from employers and achieve salary increases.

Online Certifications Can Accelerate Job Promotions

Your goal of securing a promotion at work is now one step closer, as online certifications offer the flexibility to advance your career from home. Gaining additional credentials or qualifications from the comfort of your own home has never been easier. This not only demonstrates your commitment and enthusiasm for skill development but also prepares you for higher-level roles and helps you stand out in the workplace.

According to LinkedIn Learning, 62% of employees who embraced training and growth opportunities, including certifications, were promoted within their companies. Clearly, certifications and ongoing education play a crucial role in advancing one’s career.

Online Certifications Encourage Networking

Studying online is one of the best ways to network with people in your field; you’ll virtually meet colleagues who share your enthusiasm on social media or in online classrooms. Throughout the program, you will form strong relationships with fellow students and look to your professors or instructors, who have connections to other professionals in the sector, for guidance or mentorship.

Learning more about the trade and attending networking events can improve career prospects. According to the Global Knowledge survey, 86% of certified IT professionals claim that certification improves their chances of networking with other professionals. Certifications also often grant access to exclusive industry groups, seminars, and events.

Online Certifications foster work-life balance

You can practice work-life balance by enrolling in online certification programmes because they are flexible and available at your own pace. You can utilise existing online training platforms such as Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, Saylor Academy, and HubSpot Academy, set your own learning speed, or follow a set timetable, like a three- to six-month course.

You don’t have to bother about commuting to classes on campus, which is ideal for go-getters in the corporate field or entrepreneurship. Other companies support their team members by encouraging them to be certified online to increase their potential, which is a win-win for both parties.

Online Certifications Promote Professional Development

Completing an online certification is like adding another feather to your cap. It gives you a sense of validation for your hard work and the confidence to pursue career advancement within your organisation. The internet is great for finding the right online programme that aligns with your goals. If you’re curious about artificial intelligence or data science, you can browse the modules offered by Microsoft or Google since they are game changers in this field; having a professional certification with them will give you an edge.

It’s essential to keep in mind that professional certifications are great for those who didn’t have the opportunity or the capacity to finish their formal training due to a lack of resources, but digital credentials inspire them to reach for their dreams, break ceilings, and be the best version of themselves professionally. Those who have completed their education with passion and qualifications position themselves for a satisfying and fulfilling professional career.

Conclusion:

Online certifications open doors to exciting opportunities for career advancement and professional growth. These highly sought-after credentials are valued by employers across all industries. You have a wide range of options for certification, with platforms such as  LinkedIn Learning, Saylor Academy, HubSpot Academy, and Coursera.

In New Zealand, renowned universities and training institutions like Massey University and the University of Auckland provide excellent distance-learning programmes that can help you excel in the workplace. Undoubtedly, online certifications are a powerful tool for professionals aiming to reach new career milestones and achieve personal fulfilment.