4 Unexpected Benefits of Online Learning for Adult Students

When life gives you lemons, why not add a little sugar and make some lemonade? The pandemic has given us a lot of lemons recently, but what we do with these lemons will define us for the years to come. Training for a new career just might be the sugar you need. 

Uncertainty has cast a shadow on in-person education across the country, due to the current pandemic. As a result, online education has been brought to the forefront of the conversation. More likely than not, it’s made some people reconsider their thoughts about online learning. If you count yourself among this group, you might be struggling to answer some important questions, including:

• Is online learning right for me?
• Can I actually earn a diploma or degree virtually?
• What are the benefits of e-learning? 

Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Many people are skeptical about online learning, at first. It’s quite natural to approach something unfamiliar with skepticism. Doing your research like reading this article is a great first step! You’re not sure about whether you are ready to make the leap into becoming an adult student. It is a big decision that requires some research to make an informed choice. Luckily, there are many resources available to help prospective adult students decide whether online learning has anything to offer them — including this one! 

Here are the top four unexpected benefits of online learning for adult students. Let’s dive in.

1. Get Ahead of the Digital Curve

They say everything’s digital these days, and they are not wrong. Even before the global pandemic, many jobs and operations were shifting to the digital landscape. More and more businesses were choosing to allow employees to work from home at least once a week, while others were beginning to support fully remote workers. In short, tech skills are becoming a requirement for job seekers and successful employees.

Luckily, you don’t have to be a tech wizard to get started on your e-learning journey. As an added benefit, the time you spend learning virtually is also time spent practicing your tech skills. Practice does make perfect, and before you know it, you will have computer fundamentals down pat. This is a very transferable skill that will benefit you in nearly any career. 

Whether you are studying for a career that requires you to work within a remote team or operate out in the field, the digital skills you learn while earning your online diploma will help you excel. 

Not to mention, you will be primed to work as a member of a virtual team. Choosing e-learning places you ahead of the curve. You will have hands-on experience working with a remote team and engaging with your peers and instructors virtually.

2. Custom-Tailor Your Learning Experience

No two students are completely alike or learn in the exact same way. That is true for all students, regardless of age. Luckily, as an adult student, you can take control of your education and tailor it to meet your needs, not vice versa. Your online instructors understand that you have other responsibilities and will work with you to ensure that you get the most out of your online learning experience. They want you to succeed.

Moreover, by choosing an online program, you can set your schedule in a way that works best for you and your daily life. If you want to avoid taking general education courses such as math, English, and sociology, simply choose to earn an online diploma. You will only take the courses required by that program to earn your diploma. If you do not mind a few general education requirements to broaden your skills, you can earn an online associate degree. E-learning enables you to customize your education so that you can find the perfect fit.

Unlike a traditional four-year university, there is no commuting to a brick-and-mortar campus or requirement to live in a specific area. Even if you have to move across the country, you will be able to continue your education without disruption. For this reason, online learning is popular among military families who tend to relocate every few years. In short, you will be able to change one major aspect of your life without changing all the rest.

3. You Will Beat Common Obstacles

One of the greatest advantages of pursuing an online education as an adult student is time. Students enrolled in an online education program can leverage its flexibility and accessibility to avoid the common obstacles that cause students at traditional universities to drop-out or take longer to graduate.

Unfortunately, 40% of students enrolled in traditional four-year universities do not graduate within six years, according to data from the Associated Press. That’s a lot of time and a lot of students. 

The reasons for such a high percentage of students not finishing their education vary, but the most common is facing some aspect of adversity. Whether it is unexpected family problems or struggles academically, students in these schools can often feel lost among the thousands of students and staff.

Online education makes support more accessible through virtual connections and enables you to continue with your education even in the face of adversity. It is a commitment that only requires you to learn. You do not have to postpone your education to tend to other matters in your life. It is flexible enough to work around you and your needs.

4. Expand Your Professional Network

Networking is a critical skill for professional development and advancement. Building a network of professional connections is one of the best ways to improve your reputation and cultivate new job prospects. You can be recommended for promotions or new positions, or you can be the one to recommend others, it’s a win-win.

However, in-person networking is challenging, even without the global pandemic. By choosing to pursue online education, you will have a ready-made group of peers with which to form a professional network. You can ask for advice, recommendations, and even just share your experiences within your peer group. Your instructors can also act as mentors and provide you with essential guidance as you advance through your career.  

E-learning makes connecting digitally even easier, as your peers and instructors are only a click away. Not to mention, your network will be even more widespread as your peers will be spread across the U.S. 

Take the Leap with IMBC

It is completely normal to feel nervous about pursuing an online education, regardless of your circumstances. It’s a big leap. However, it is a decision that you can make with confidence if you know that you have chosen the right program and the right school.

IMBC is here to support each student as they make the smart choice to further their education. We know it is a big step, so IMBC strives to provide students with all the resources needed to succeed, including helping you win over anyone else in your life that matters to you when it comes to making decisions.

When you choose IMBC, you are choosing a school that strives for excellence — ours and yours. Want to learn more? Get in touch today!