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Technology and industry demands are shifting constantly, which makes staying up to date crucial for students and professionals to ensure long-term success. Offering benefits such as flexibility, accessibility and personalisation, online learning has gained popularity among learners from different walks of life.
A 2024 survey of students’ digital experiences, published by Jisc, revealed that around 49 per cent of respondents preferred either online or hybrid learning. In the survey, students identified the ability to learn at a time, place and pace that suits them as one of the positives of online learning. In addition to improving access to higher education for learners from all backgrounds, it offers working professionals a flexible and convenient means of continuing their development. Online learning brings many more unique benefits when it comes to enabling long-term professional success:
Flexibility for diverse learners
Unlike traditional in-person courses, online learning can fit around individuals’ schedules, giving them the choice to learn at their own pace. This enables working professionals to continue earning while upgrading their skills, reducing financial strain. It also benefits individuals with caring responsibilities, providing them with a flexible way to advance their careers.
Remote access is a key feature of online learning, which removes geographical barriers to allow individuals to enrol at top universities and use world-class educational resources – regardless of their location. Mobile-friendly platforms and asynchronous learning options improve accessibility across different devices and time zones.
Supporting job readiness and career change
Specialised certifications in emerging fields can give graduates a competitive edge in job applications. Industry-focused online courses and microcredentials offer training to help individuals diversify their skills or break into new fields. A 2023 survey of employers by the American Association of Colleges and Universities found that when recruiting for an entry-level role, 68 per cent of employers prefer to hire a graduate who also holds a microcredential.
For those looking to switch industries, online education provides a flexible and cost-effective way to develop new skills and pursue different careers. Self-paced courses and modular learning formats enable individuals to balance studies with work and personal commitments, giving them the option to explore new careers without needing to take a break from their current jobs.
Cost-effective professional development
Many online learning programmes offer training across various skill sets to make professional growth more accessible to a broader audience – often at a lower cost than traditional models of education. Affordable online courses allow learners to develop skills without a significant financial burden. Many employers invest in online learning for employees to support them in developing new skills relevant to their roles.
Digital literacy and adaptability
The 2025 Future of Jobs Report by the World Economic Forum identifies technological literacy as one of the core skills today and predicts that it is likely to grow in value. Online courses require learners to navigate different digital environments and critically engage with online resources. This cultivates digital literacy and familiarity with online tools among learners. As they are exposed to different tools throughout their online learning journey, they will find it easier to stay up to date with emerging technologies and be adaptable, which are valuable qualities in an increasingly digital world.
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