A+ Value: Why Continuing Education Online Matters in This Economy

With the U.S. economy beginning to regain its former strength, many people still feel cautious.

More jobs are being added to the economy, home values are once again rising (albeit at a more

realistic rate), and consumer confidence is steadily returning. However, people are now thinking

twice about the way they spend.

The new trend is to keep cutting back on non-essentials. Instead, people are looking to spend

money in ways that will add lasting value to their lives. As a result, more adults are investing in

continuing education, including online. Consider the benefits:

Global Competitiveness   Just as competitiveness will drive America’s future in the

global economy, U.S. workers and job seekers are realizing that their own economic

future depends on staying competitive in subject area proficiency, technology skills, and

general knowledge. Continuing education offers students of all ages the opportunity to

stay relevant.

Greater Convenience, Lower Cost   The rise of online continuing education courses

highlights more reasons to continue your education in this economy. Once, adults who

returned to school had to shoulder hefty tuition bills and commute to a physical campus.

Now, it’s easier and cheaper than ever to pursue your education. Even full time

professionals and busy at-home parents can get the training they need. So it makes

good economic sense to take advantage of this resource.

More Options   Continuing education online doesn’t limit what you can learn. On the

contrary, you can take anything from OSHA courses to cosmetology in continuing

education. You can even take defensive driving courses online. The list of courses is

growing all the time as educational organizations and institutions survey the interests of

prospective students.

Professional Licensing   Some professions expect employees, regardless of degree

status, to earn continuing education credits for licensing requirements. For example,

appraisers, insurance agents, loan officers, engineers, and others start with a strong

foundation and then complete further training. Electricians take classes to obtain NEC

updates. For professionals in fields like insurance and real estate, continuing education

ensures proper licensing or certification.

Higher Workplace Value   Consider how lifelong learners fare in the workplace

compared to less motivated employees. On the one hand, you have employees who

keep up with changes in their professional field, apply new skills at work, and obtain

formal certification. On the other hand, you have employees who merely put in the hours

and go home. Who do you think will be more effective at communicating their value to

the company during the annual review? Continuing your education can contribute to your

success at seeking a raise or a promotion. It can even save your job or help you find a

new one.

The Best Investment   In the final analysis, continuing your education keeps you

relevant, facilitates formal certification, helps you stand out as an achiever, and comes

with the flexibility to study online, regardless of your budget or schedule. By continuing

your education in today’s economy, you’ll be well positioned for the economy of the

future—and that’s the best investment of all. 

For more information visit us at http://www.educationlocation.com.