How Online Business Courses Can Build Your Resume

Business degrees allow for career versatility, and with the right education, you can find high-paying careers in a variety of industries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, business and financial related employment will grow 5 percent from 2019 to 2029. By establishing your expertise, you’ll be positioned to take advantage of that growth.

Online courses can help you advance your education and build your resume without completely disrupting your everyday life. Whether you’re earning an MBA, another degree, or a certification you can choose from specialized courses in a number of fields including:

• Entrepreneurial Studies (Entrepreneurship)
• General Business
• Administration and Management
• Marketing and Marketing Management
• Accounting and Finance
• Management Information Systems
• Accounting and Business Management

Online courses have different timeframes for completion, so research carefully. Set clear goals before looking at colleges. For instance, most MBA programs take two years to complete; MBAs are intended to expand the student’s managerial skills, but some focus on specific skills such as technology or finance. Make sure your degree is appropriate for your intended career path.

Advantages of Taking Courses Online

Whether you’ve already landed your dream job or you’re looking for employment with advancement opportunities, online coursework can help you build your skill set on your schedule. Many colleges design their online curricula for non-traditional students — you may be able to complete your coursework at night, during your lunch break, or whenever you have the time. You can watch lectures, complete projects, and take tests from the comfort of your own home.

Many online-only courses also have significantly lower tuition than in-person classes, though pricing varies considerably by school. With some searching, you can find remote learning MBA programs for as little as $5,000 per year. Accredited online business programs typically allow credit transfers, so if you’ve already started earning a degree or certification, that work won’t be wasted — and by completing your studies online, you’ll enjoy a much more convenient and flexible learning environment.

Evaluating Online Business Courses: What to Know

More colleges are offering online business courses than ever before, so you’ll have dozens of options to choose from. Of course, some degrees and certifications are more valuable than others, and schools use a range of different technologies to offer remote learning courses.

In other words, you’ll need to assess your options before enrolling. Don’t apply to the first program you find; compare carefully, paying close attention to graduation rates, student retention statistics, program timelines, and other key factors.

When reviewing your options, keep these tips in mind:

• At minimum, look for business programs from 3-4 schools. By looking at a variety of schools, you’ll develop your knowledge of how online learning works — and you’ll be able to determine your educational goals. Use online resources to search for programs that would be beneficial in your career.
• Choose a school with an established reputation. Name recognition is certainly important; a degree from a major business school is more likely to appeal to employers than an identical degree from a lesser-known institution. Look for colleges that are accredited by the Department of Education. That’s especially important if you’re planning on using student loans; federal loans are only available for accredited schools.
• Find out how the school handles online coursework. Some schools offer online-only classes, while others offer a mix of online and in-person courses. Make sure you can complete all required coursework online, particularly if you’re earning an advanced degree.
  
  Determine whether you’ll have face-to-face access to your professors and classmates via web conferencing — and make sure that you have a computer capable of running any required software.

Finally, make sure you understand all of the costs associated with each program. Online classes cut out some of the expenses of traditional in-person classes, but depending on the course, you might still need to rent textbooks, pay technology access fees, and cover other costs.

Finding an Online Business Course to Improve Your Career

By searching online, you can find a range of accredited business courses from well-known colleges and universities. These programs require the same credit hours and coursework as traditional classes, but they’re much more flexible. If you’ve ever wanted a convenient, affordable way to finish your degree or earn a new certification, there’s never been a better time to get started.

Compare as many options as you can before choosing a school. Keep your goals in mind as you research. Don’t rush your decision. Remember, you’re taking a major step by continuing your education, and any time you spend on research will pay off.