Online courses can provide you with a top-tier education from anywhere in the world on your schedule. The COVID-19 pandemic increased demand for online options, but their flexibility and accessibility make them far more than a substitute for in-person learning.
Online courses aren’t for everyone—they require self-discipline and time management skills. And if you have the means to travel to a campus at a specific time, the flexibility may not be as important.
If you’re wondering whether online business courses are worth the time, effort, and money, here are 10 benefits to consider as you plan your business education.
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1. They Offer Flexibility
One of the most popular reasons to take an online course is the high level of flexibility in terms of scheduling and physical location. Because you can take an online course from anywhere with the internet, you’re free to log in from wherever is convenient for you.
If you’re trying to juggle your business education with a full-time job, parenting or caretaking responsibilities, and personal circumstances, a rigid schedule may be a roadblock to your learning. Online courses allow you to complete coursework on your own time, whenever they best fit your schedule—whether before work, on your lunch break, or after your kids are asleep.
2. They Can Be More Affordable
Another benefit of opting for an online course is cost. Often, online courses are more affordable than in-person ones. Not only is the course price tag typically less expensive, but you forgo the transportation and lodging costs that may be associated with taking the same course in person.
Additionally, being able to work full-time while taking a course provides income you can use to offset the expense. Your employer may even decide to pay for the course if you can demonstrate how it can improve your performance at work.
Related: How to Ask Your Employer to Pay for Your Education
3. They Allow You to Learn at Your Own Pace
While in-person courses provide a set structure and pace for learning, online courses boast flexibility yet again. Need some extra review on the last module? You can go back through it. Have more time on some nights to complete coursework than others? You can set your own timeline to pace your work in the way that best fits your schedule.
4. They Broaden Your Perspective
If your online course features social interaction with peers like Harvard Business School Online’s courses, you’ll engage with learners worldwide, sharing your perspectives on complex business concepts and challenges.
By virtue of online courses’ global reach, you’ll discuss your opinions with other business professionals who share your desire to learn and grow but have likely faced different challenges. Sharing viewpoints and strategies with an engaged, diverse group of fellow learners can broaden your perspective and make you a well-rounded professional.
5. They Can Help You Earn Promotions
Another reason to consider taking an online course is their ability to help you earn promotions or title changes at work. According to a 2022 survey of more than 2,000 HBS Online learners, 31 percent of those who took an HBS Online course reported earning a promotion afterward.
Online courses can also lead to increased responsibility at work, as 53 percent of HBS Online learners have reported in a 2021 survey. Investing in your business skill set is an effective way to show your manager you’re serious about leveling up your career and have the skills to take on new responsibilities.
6. They Can Help Increase Your Salary or Bonus
Not only do online courses provide opportunities for growth and flexible learning, they also offer measurable financial returns. According to the 2022 survey of HBS Online learners, 42 percent said an HBS Online course helped boost their salary, with an average reported increase of $17,000—a 10-times return on their investment.
In addition, nearly 20 percent said an HBS Online course helped them earn a bigger bonus, with an average reported increase of $14,000.
When extrapolated to HBS Online’s global participant base, these salary and bonus increase percentages represent a nearly $700 million global economic impact. If you’re wary of whether it’s financially worth it to pay for a high-quality online course, consider the economic returns you could earn as a result of your new skills and certificates.
7. They Can Help You Transition into a New Field
Another reason you may consider taking an online course is to prepare for a career change. An online course can help you build the necessary skills for your desired role and bolster your resume.
Thirty percent of HBS Online learners transitioned into a new field after taking an online course.
Shamari Benton took the Credential of Readiness (CORe) program and, later, Leading with Finance to transition from a professional football career into business.
“Previously, I was an NCAA student-athlete, which was then followed by a professional football career with stints in the CFL and NFL,” Benton said. “A mentor of mine pointed me toward CORe as an opportunity to take another challenge and build my business acumen for a permanent transition to a career in business.”
After completing CORe and holding various finance roles, Benton is now the co-founder of HelpPays, a peer-to-peer micro-lending marketplace.
8. They Can Boost Your Confidence and Self Esteem
In addition to financial payoff, investing in yourself and gaining new skills can feel great. Ninety percent of HBS Online learners feel more confident at work after taking an online course, and 96 percent feel better about themselves in general.
Increased confidence levels can lead to better performance at work, stronger connections with colleagues, and may increase your chances of landing a job or promotion.
9. They Open the Door to a Global Community
An often-overlooked benefit of online courses is one that lasts long after the course is over: access to a global network of lifelong learners.
In HBS Online’s case, this is the HBS Online Community, which comprises professionals from 34 Chapters worldwide, most of whom have completed online courses.
Self-selecting into this community can help you find your next role or hire, receive or provide business advice, and gather to use business skills for a greater cause.
10. They Can Launch Your Continued Growth
Finally, an online course can be just one part of your professional development journey. Once you’ve taken a course, you’ll be familiar with how the work fits into your schedule and what you did or didn’t enjoy about the experience.
You can then use these insights to plan and hone your business education. After taking an online course, 77 percent of HBS Online learners gained clarity about their professional future, and 88 percent want to invest in ongoing self-improvement.
Perhaps you took a fundamental strategy formulation course and are now hoping to learn about strategy execution, or your management essentials course helped you earn a promotion and now you’d like to gain organizational leadership skills. Whatever path you follow, taking an online course can be the starting point.
Dedication to Your Business Education
Whichever course format best fits your needs, remember: Your business education is only as strong as the effort you put into it.
Flexibility, affordability, and global connections are only worth it if you take advantage of the opportunities to engage with the course material and your fellow learners. Promotions, salary and bonus increases, and continued growth are only outcomes if you dedicate yourself to applying the course material to your organization.
With the right drive, an online course can open doors for developing your skill set, forging connections, and launching your long-term career.
Are you interested in discovering how HBS Online can help advance your career? Explore our course catalog, and download our free guide—complete with interactive workbook sections—to determine if online learning is right for you and which course to take.
