The demand for online certifications and platforms that offer these services is growing, a trend that had been well-established even before the pandemic. In fact, in 2019, a research firm reported that the global market for online education has the potential to grow to US$ 350 billion by 2025.
The question is – what is driving this demand?
Well, in the rapidly evolving business landscape, the skills that a person possesses might not suffice well for the long term. It’s possible that what you know today might not be useful or required tomorrow – this would entail constant upskilling. As a matter of fact, employers believe that redundant roles will have decreased from 15.4% to 9% of the total workforce. Businesses expect that 40% of their employees will need to undergo retraining for around six months to perform well. No doubt, then, that businesses are driving online learning programs to keep staff members abreast of current industry demands.
For instance, the field of artificial intelligence has received continuous funding for ground-breaking concepts and new patents. AI startups received more than $20 billion in funding in the second quarter of 2021 for research and growth. The market for AI was estimated to be worth $327.5 billion worldwide in 2021 and is expected to continue growing.
Considering that the applications of the technologies like AI, ML, deep learning, analytics, etc., are growing, individuals need to leverage online certifications to upskill and support enterprise-wide initiatives and accommodate change.
Ways in Which Online Certifications Can Help Your Career
Learn In-Demand Skills
Because of how quickly things are changing, candidates must be adaptable enough to recognize that, as technical experts, they must continually update their skills as new technologies emerge. AI, ML, and data science are influencing business operations across all sectors. Languages are becoming obsolete at a breakneck speed. So, having a knack for learning new, in-demand subjects with the aid of online certifications is no more a luxury but an integral aspect of building a sustainable career.
Get Hands-on Experience
Learning without engaging in practical application is no longer a fruitful exercise. Favorably, online certifications assist in versing oneself with the practical nuances alongside developing conceptual acumen. In order to prepare you for the workplace, today’s learning models are becoming more sophisticated and offering hands-on project experience. After all, a great way to learn what to anticipate in the position you are preparing for is to solve real-world problems under the guidance of industry experts.
Resume Aesthetics
Credible online certifications, without a doubt, look fantastic on a resume. It demonstrates your enthusiasm for learning and how much effort is being put forth to squeeze learning into your hectic schedule. In fact, online certifications can help you stand out from the competition – this also adds value and draws attention to the other things that are listed on your resume.
Better Pay Grade
This is, without a doubt, the main motivation behind why people try to educate and improve themselves. Better skills equate to higher pay. Companies are willing to adequately compensate applicants for their fair share of knowledge when hiring them. As it stands, a specialist in a technical field, such as artificial intelligence or data science, can earn more than $120,000 annually, according to Glassdoor.
Switch Domains
Over 29% of people (25 – 44 age group) completely change their fields, according to a survey by EdX. Salary (39%) and liking for the field (21%) remain the top reasons for a career switch. When one wants to pursue a completely different niche, online certifications are a great way to support the transition.
Choosing the Right Certification
Knowing which certificate is ideal for you among the pool of current courses available is imperative. Here are three considerations as you search for the perfect course to maximize your learning.
Credibility
There were only 76 million students enrolled in online courses in 2019; by 2021, there were 189 million. The emergence of ed-tech has led to many businesses offering online certifications. For absolute credibility, it’s critical to select a course taught by business leaders who have years of experience and understanding of the field. You must also go through testimonials, curriculum, future growth possibilities, and so on. Besides, it’s always good to discuss the viability of the course with the mentors at your job before signing up for an online certification program.
Ease
When it comes to learning through online certifications, ease of learning should never be compromised. It is important to gain subject matter understanding using a practical knowledge approach, making it easy to understand complex concepts. The “ease” of pursuing an online certification also entails convenience of access, e.g., being able to learn at any time and from anywhere (if that’s your preference), the simplicity of acquiring course materials, and so on.
Wrapping Up
In April 2021, over 19 million US employees left their jobs, and this trend is expected to continue. The future of jobs report predicts a significant increase in demand for professionals in fields like cloud computing, big data, and artificial intelligence. People are becoming more aware of the power of being skill-heavy as opposed to brand-heavy. The gig economy is expanding, and learning in-demand skills will only become more important.
Start your online certification journey today!