Expand your career in a digital world
Do your research and know your goals before registering for an online course
Those looking to boost career skills, dabble in a new industry or feed an appetite for lifelong learning may want to explore online education.
But with a wide range of courses offered — creative writing, business, culinary arts and health sciences among them — at universities, colleges and private institutions, deciding where to begin can feel overwhelming.
“It’s important to have a clear intention and specific goals that will help you choose the right course and modality,” says Eileen Chadnick, coach and principal of Big Cheese Coaching.
“Often people go looking for courses before they have clarified what they are trying to accomplish. Don’t go shopping without a compass.”
This means having a clear understanding of your learning style, development and career goals while also determining what you’d like to accomplish and wish the experience to look like.
“Do you want to network? Then make sure you are choosing a platform that provides engagement with others, as digital platforms now allow for group courses with live interaction. Do you want specific content or skill development? Then choose with this priority in mind. Do you have a career goal that requires a certain level of certification? Then choose with this in mind. Do you have a budget? Factor this in as well.”
Jennifer Hill, 35, of Toronto, spent most of her career in sales positions, but when an opportunity arose to venture in a different direction, she leapt at it.
Hill was working as a sales rep at Side Launch Brewing Company when she recognized the company’s need for a social media presence.
“I essentially took on the task myself,” says Hill, who completed a major in marketing in 2004.
“Once the company grew to a point where we could have a dedicated marketing-social media role, I jumped at the opportunity. Because so much has changed in the marketing world since 2004, I thought it was prudent to re-educate myself.”
In Hill’s case, her objectives were clear. She wanted to excel in her new position as social media manager, so she set out to develop the skills and expertise to do so.
In January, Hill enrolled in a threemonth online social media strategy course with the University of Toronto and says her studies have given her a boost of confidence when it comes to the decisions she makes.
Throughout the course, which can be taken alone or as part of a certificate program, Hill was introduced to emerging social media platforms and learned about the importance of finding a brand’s unique voice and engaging and growing an audience. Meanwhile, students were taught how to create buzz-worthy online marketing campaigns and develop content to improve takeaway value for the consumer, as well as tools for tracking the effectiveness of posts.
One reason students may gravitate toward digital education is the flexibility it offers by allowing work to be completed in a personalized time frame, as opposed to the set hours of a classroom.
This could mean writing an assignment once the kids are in bed, catching up on an instructor’s reading materials after work or joining fellow students in an online discussion fol- lowing a night out with friends.
“Sometimes, I would get up early and put in a few hours on the project before starting work, or dedicate an afternoon on the weekend,” Hill says.
However, choosing a time-tailored education is only beneficial if a class holds your interest. Otherwise, motivation can easily fizzle.
“I love talking to people, sharing ideas and suggestions about applying our learnings in real life, so the hardest part of this was the lack of realtime interaction with my peers,” Hill says.
“Realistically, it would have been difficult to attend in-class sessions on a set date and time every week. The flexibility in the online course is what allowed me to absorb all the materials.”
Before registering, get researching, Chadnick stresses.
“The idea is to reflect first to create specific criteria. If you need help, seek advice and input from others, such as your supervisor, mentors and a career coach. Then research the options. Your courses are part of a broader career development approach. Choose wisely and strategically to get the most value from your time and investment.”