Why study short courses?

In today’s fast-paced job market, it often seems like there is never enough time to learn everything we need to know to perform our job to the best of our ability. Certain industries—such as IT, media and communications are growing faster than we can keep up with, and it’s becoming a real challenge to develop the right skills at the right time.

This is why short courses are becoming an increasingly popular way for busy professionals to stay on top and get ahead quickly. Short courses give you the opportunity to advance your skills and knowledge on your own time and at your own pace. Ranging from several days to several months, short courses allow you to develop formal industry skills without having to commit to years of study.

Busy professionals experience a number of benefits from studying short courses, from increased career opportunities to better pay.

Below, SkillsTalk covers some of the key advantages of taking a short course in today’s job market.

Learn on your own terms.

Short courses give time-poor professionals the opportunity to expand their skills and expertise on their own terms and in their own time. Course lengths can range from a few days to a few weeks. Because all of the coursework and assignments are done online, you are free to study whenever it is most convenient for you.

Increase your earning potential.

One of the greatest benefits of taking a short course is the potential for a higher salary.

Adding new skills and certifications to your resume can add to your earning potential in any industry. According to Global Knowledge's IT Skills and Salary Report, technologists who attributed their raises to new skills earned $16,500 more and those with new certification(s) earned $17,900 more.

No matter your field, studying a short course will help you develop the skills and expertise needed to earn a higher salary. The more certifications you acquire, the greater your earning potential.

Create new networking opportunities.

Short courses are a great opportunity to connect with other professionals who have different backgrounds, skills and expertise. These individuals can not only share their knowledge, but they also serve as excellent professional contacts. Online study platforms make it easy to communicate with other students. Forging and nurturing these connections with professionals around the world can open new and exciting doors in your career.

The skills you develop during your coursework with your new connections may help you land a better position with a higher salary. Because you are already studying together, you don’t have to go out of your way to make these new professional connections. Anyone in any field can benefit from expanding their network of professional contacts.

Stay on top of industry advancements.

Taking a short course can help you stay on top of industry advancements and adopt the latest skills to meet the growing demands of your field. Thanks to technology, some industries are advancing at a rapid pace, which means that those working in these fields must keep pace with these rapid changes.

In industries such as social media for example, employees and businesses need to keep up with new platforms, privacy regulations, content and processes on a frequent basis. That’s where short courses like Social Media Essentials and Social Media Intensive can help you keep a pulse on the industry and acquire the necessary skills to adapt to these changes.

Continuing education is important in any field. In some, it’s a requirement in order to maintain your license. Whether required or not, failing to advance your skills to meet new industry demands and developments can affect the progress of your career.

Greater career advancement prospects.

Taking the opportunity to advance your skills through short courses can improve your chances of getting a promotion and advancing quickly in your career. Experience is one way to climb the corporate ladder, but education takes time to acquire. Education can give you the skills needed to move into new positions that may be more fulfilling or give you more responsibilities. Certifications gained through online courses can open doors to new career opportunities that you had never considered before.

These courses can fill knowledge gaps while giving you a competitive edge when vying for a promotion. Taking a short course also shows employers that you are hardworking, motivated and committed to your career.

When applying for a new position, the skills you develop from your coursework can be added to your resume. Certain skills or certifications may give a leg up on the competition and help you stand out in a sea of job applicants.

Take a new career for a test drive.

Short courses give you a chance to test the waters of a new career path. Along with gaining insight into the knowledge required to enter the field, you will also get a feel for what the job entails.

These courses allow you to build a foundation for a new career path at a pace that suits your lifestyle and schedule. Over time, you can continue building your skills and knowledge so that you may enter your new career with confidence.

Ready to take on a short course?

Upskilled’s short courses are a practical way to further your skills and expertise without a significant time or financial investment.

Otherwise, they also offer a wide range of courses available in business, community services and IT, which can help busy professionals upskill and open new doors in the future. Get in touch with one of their education consultants on 1300 009 924 and learn how an online course can benefit your career today!