Switching careers felt like climbing a mountain and was tough, but now it is much easier. The surge in online learning has changed the way we learn and made it far easier as well as less expensive. No matter what industry you wish to pursue or what passion you want to follow, there is always an opportunity to leverage online courses.
In this guide, everything that relates to using online education for a career shift is covered. This guide will explain the advantages of using online courses and give tips on how to stay motivated.
Advantages of Online Learning for a Career Shift
It is now easier to pursue a form of education with the convenience of the internet. Here are some reasons that may come in handy when considering a career move, which is quite daunting:
1. Easing the Work/Life Balance
Personal obligations like work make it difficult for many to indulge in education, especially if it is offline. A majority of online courses allow for self-paced learning, which comes with a plethora of benefits. You can study during the early morning or late at night because both of those times would work online.
2. Prices
The cost of learning through the internet is usually lower compared to traditional learning. Websites like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning charge as low as $30, and some even offer free courses, so anyone can build their skills.
3. Range of Hourses
From coding, graphic designing, to project management, online learning platforms have almost every course you could think of. Whatever career you are pursuing, there is most likely a course that will help you achieve your goal.
Identifying your skills and Interests
Before pursuing a new venture, takin time to assess your current position is vital. Following are the steps on how to combine your skills and interests with future goals.
1. List Your Skills
Make a breakdown of your technical (hard) skills and interpersonal (soft) skills. It can be anything from writing and critical thinking to understanding computer systems.
2. Figure Out What Moves You
Ask yourself what topics or activities make you feel recharged. Are you more inclined towards problem solving? People oriented? Having this self knowledge will help you.
3. Search for Career Opportunities
Try to find fields that combine your current skills and new interests. For instance, if you love writing and you are a critical thinker, content marketing or technical writing will suit you perfectly.
Helpful Tip: Use the free self evaluation resource My Next Move to determine what careers might be a good fit for you regarding your interests and skills. This tool is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Identifying Possible Career Options
Changing careers can be a daunting task which is why I suggest doing some research beforehand. Here’s how the internet can assist you:
• Job Portals: Websites such as Glassdoor and Indeed provide a wealth of information, including the types of positions available, pay ranges, and career advancement prospects in the area you are interested.
• Industry Blogs & Forums: Keeping up with specialized blogs and reading certain subreddits will help you stay updated with what is popular and what skills are in demand in your field of choice.
• Informational Interviews: Consider using LinkedIn to connect with people in your desired position. You would be surprised by how much valuable information comes from a simple coffee chat, whether in person or online.
Selecting the Right Online Courses or Programs
Selecting the most appropriate courses and programs is critical for creating a successful online education. Here’s how you can go about it:
• Check Accreditation and Reputation: Make sure to take course from well-known platforms like edX and Skillshare, or from accredited universities. It is also important to take into consideration the ratings and reviews because they speak volumes about the quality of the program.
• Align Curriculum with Career Objectives: Ensure that the course materials match what is required in your area of specialization. Are you acquiring skills or knowledge that employers value?
• Think about Certifications: Certificates matter a lot in certain fields like project management or data analysis. Seek out credentialing programs such as Google’s Data Analytics Certificate or PMP certification.
Recommended Online Platforms
• General Assembly: Great for learners interested in transitioning to UX/UI design and data science.
• Coursera: Provides courses from universities in almost every subject.
• LinkedIn Learning: Best for business and other technical proficiencies.
Building a Professional Network Online
Your network is one of your largest assets when shifting professions. It is possible to make authentic connections, even on the internet.
1. Join Online Communities
Slack and Discord, as well as Facebook, have information-focused groups that can provide insights and connections.
2. Exhibit Thought Leadership
Share your ideas and work on LinkedIn to get noticed as a professional in your target domain.
3. Interact with Industry Influencers
Follow people who influence your industry, attend their webinars, and engage with them on Twitter or LinkedIn. You never know which genuine compliment can open new doors for you.
How To Overcome Them
Learning online can be difficult sometimes, whether you have limited time, distractions, or self-doubt. Here are a few suggestions to help you stay productive:
• Aim Big but Move Steadily: Chunk your learning into smaller segments. For example, instead of finishing everything at once, try aiming to complete one module a week.
• Plan Ahead: To the best of your abilities, schedule time to study and stick to it. Many learners like to do their tutorials early in the morning or right after dinner.
• Give Yourself a Treat: Did you finish a module or get your first certification? Celebrate these moments. It will keep you motivated.
It’s perfectly fine to take two steps back before taking a leap forward. Just remember that progress is better than perfection.
Real Success Stories
Check out some of the individuals whose career transitions showcase the magic of online learning.
•Michael, Web Developer and Ex-Math Teacher: Michael used Codecademy to make the shift from teaching kids math to developing educational software.
• Amy, Stay-at-Home Mom to UX Designer: After attending General Assembly’s bootcamp, Amy learned the fundamentals of UX and is now employed at a well-known tech start-up.
Begin Your Journey Towards a New Career
Pursuing a career change is often daunting; however, there are many platforms dedicated to online learning that are available now more than ever. By analyzing your skill set, conducting career research, enrolling in reputable courses, and remaining persistent, you will see results toward achieving your goals.
Why wait any longer? Explore courses that match your desired profession and take that first step towards making your dream career a reality.
