Why working professionals should opt for Distance Learning?

Did you know that the online education market has grown from 247 million USD or 1.6 million users to 1.96 billion USD or 9.6 million users in India? 

Online education or distance education can be defined as remote learning using digital mediums. Unlike traditional classrooms, in digital education, the candidate is not required to be physically present in the classroom nor is there a face-to-face interaction with the tutor.

Online or distance learning is typically preferred by people who are unable to attend classes in person due to any physical condition, geographical proximity, work schedule, or family constraints.

Talking of working professionals, currently, the trend is such that employers encourage the workforce to pursue an online learning course for upskilling.

Online education benefits working professionals to upskill and update themselves. Distance learning gives them the benefit of acquiring necessary skill sets without having to leave the job. 

The benefits of online learning can be listed below - 

• Flexibility - Employees and/or employers looking for courses that impart relevant skills, are to the point, and add value to the resume can opt for such courses. They provide the flexibility of studying while working. They do not require the candidate to attend classes on a physical campus and spend the whole day and eventually 2-4 years.

• Focused learning - The courses are designed in a way that they focus on the skills necessary for the domain, are applicable, and are updated. 

• Soft skills - These courses also focus on soft skills such as communication, corporate ethics, and social responsibility. Soft skills are the most sought-after skills by employers. This is the reason why employers are insistent on degree requirements, which is a proxy for soft skills.

• Age limit - These courses do not have any age criteria and hence can be pursued by anyone looking to gain knowledge at any age.

• No eligibility criteria - Many people are often deprived of higher education or college degrees as they do not fit the eligibility criteria. This eventually closes the doors to many opportunities despite possessing relevant skills. Distance education courses generally do not have any such criteria, thus making them easily accessible.

• Acceptability - Courses & certifications from reputed and Government recognized institutes have acceptability worldwide.

• Technology - With evolving technology, the teaching-learning process has evolved. Latest Learning Management Systems like Canvas are making the learning experience hassle-free and easy for the students. Thus enhancing the learning experience.

• Affordability - The online courses have a price range of Rs. 500 - Rs. 2,00,000 or more, thus making education open for people of any financial strata.

• ROI - Since these courses are customized to be domain-specific and impart the latest knowledge, the candidate can be easily absorbed in the industry. Thus yielding a high return on investment.

• Affiliation - If the course is provided by any University or a recognized and reputed institute like IIMs, Welingkar, Narsee Monjee Institute of Management or MIT School of Distance Education, etc. the candidate upon completion of the course may get an alumni status of that institute.

• Certification - Upon completion of the course, the candidate is awarded a degree or diploma or certificate of completion which is a valuable addition to the resume.

Thus, if you are a working professional looking to upskill or upgrade yourself, distance learning is the solution to all your problems. However, is important to select the institute carefully to gain maximum returns on your investment. MIT School of Distance Education (MITSDE) is one such institute that is recognized by AICTE, Govt. of India. It offers skill-based courses for working professionals looking to upgrade their careers and reduce their skills gap. 

Pursuing a PG Diploma in Management or other certification courses from such reputed institutes gives the candidate an extra edge over the competition.