We choose to believe that learning is a process that doesn’t end after finishing school, high school or college. Learning is a life-long process, a quest to better access and to broaden our horizons.

For those who have shown a keen interest in a subject, be it in software development or comparative literature, an e-learning course can be the solution towards intellectual enlightenment.

On the internet, you can find classes for almost anything. Unfortunately, for students, some of the courses out there are purely informative in nature, meaning that you have the opportunity to learn about a subject of interest, but without obtaining any credentials.

Why are credentials considered such valuable assets? Because they alone can offer us an edge when the time comes to stand face-to-face with our employer. Those extra credentials can help us gain an advantage over the competition.

So, what is the connection between e-learning and career opportunities? It’s quite simple. The more you learn, the more valuable you become to society. Put yourself for a second in the boots of your employer: who would you hire first?

A candidate who fulfills only the minimum requirements for that job opening, or one who has some extra credentials, like a course in coding or a second language?

Taking those courses is the easy part, but knowing why you take them is hard. A class may seem appealing at first, but you must stop and ask yourself: how will this course help me? Did I take this course only to fulfill one of my fancies or to help me in the future?

Here are some other tips to help you take full advantage of e-learning courses:

1. Prioritize

Before enrolling in a class, double-check to see if that course will help you in the future or not. Computer science courses are always welcomed in resumes and cover letters, as they are valuable communication skills. But watch out for those theoretical courses like higher mathematics or the Shakespearian drama. Some of them might satisfy your curiosity, but they won’t be of much use to you in your future career.

2. Research

Do a little bit of snooping around before taking the course. See if any of the big league players are interested in hiring a person with your qualifications. On another note, try to check out as many e-learning sites as possible before committing to any of them. Some may not be suited for what you are looking for, while others might not even get you the exposure you so desperately need.

Furthermore, keep in mind that a lot of the big universities are also offering online courses on their educational platforms, which can be accessed both by their current students and by outsiders wishing to expand their knowledge on a particular topic.

The University of Phoenix is the perfect example of this. If you create an account with them, you can access educational workshops in a wide array of fields, such as Technology, Business & Management, and even Arts.

Aside from their online courses, the University of Phoenix also offers their on and off campus students careers services, to help increase their chances of getting a specialized job, so it might be worth taking a look on their website and seeing whether you fit the profile.

3. Commitment

Once you’ve enrolled in a class, do your best to finish it. You might discover that a particular course you’ve enrolled in is not as appealing as it seemed on the description page. No matter what, do yourself a favor and finish the course.

You would have received some credentials and also proven that, with a little effort and muscle, any height can be scaled.

4. Figure out where to go

Once you’ve finished the course, try to find out whether the skills and knowledge learned during these lessons can be put to good use. You will see in no time that job descriptions will become more appealing if not more tangible.

Keep in mind that every bit of know-how learned during these courses will be of significant help later, career included. So, start doing some research, take a course, expresses your opinion, become the top of your class and the road to that cushy desk job will become less bumpy.

Author Bio: Marc Mendelman is a junior HR consultant and a part-time writer dedicated to helping people reach true professional fulfillment. His main specialties are resume writing, job seeking and career building advice.

 

 

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How to Increase Your Career Opportunities Through E-Learning