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    Are Online Business Courses Worth It? 10 Benefits to Consider

    young man taking online business course on laptop
    • 04 Oct 2022
    Catherine Cote Author Staff
    tag
    • Business Analytics
    • Business Essentials
    • CORe
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    • Economics for Managers
    • Financial Accounting

    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.


    Free E-Book: Your Guide to Online Learning Success

    Access your free e-book today.

    DOWNLOAD NOW

    Benefits of Online Business Courses

    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.

    Credential of Readiness | Master the fundamentals of business | Learn More

    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.

    Your Guide to Online Learning Success | Download Your Free E-Book

    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.

    About the Author

    Catherine Cote is a marketing coordinator at Harvard Business School Online. Prior to joining HBS Online, she worked at an early-stage SaaS startup where she found her passion for writing content, and at a digital consulting agency, where she specialized in SEO. Catherine holds a B.A. from Holy Cross, where she studied psychology, education, and Mandarin Chinese. When not at work, you can find her hiking, performing or watching theatre, or hunting for the best burger in Boston.
     
    All FAQs

    Top FAQs

    How are HBS Online courses delivered?

    +–

    We offer self-paced programs (with weekly deadlines) on the HBS Online course platform.

    Our platform features short, highly produced videos of HBS faculty and guest business experts, interactive graphs and exercises, cold calls to keep you engaged, and opportunities to contribute to a vibrant online community.

    Are HBS Online programs available in languages other than English?

    +–

    We expect to offer our courses in additional languages in the future but, at this time, HBS Online can only be provided in English.

    All course content is delivered in written English. Closed captioning in English is available for all videos. There are no live interactions during the course that requires the learner to speak English. Coursework must be completed in English.

    Do I need to come to campus to participate in HBS Online programs?

    +–

    No, all of our programs are 100 percent online, and available to participants regardless of their location.

    How do I enroll in a course?

    +–

    Certificate Programs

    HBS Online welcomes committed learners wherever they are—in the world and their careers—irrespective of their professional experience or academic background. To extend the reach of HBS Online, we no longer require an application for our certificate programs. (Applications are still required for our credential programs: CORe and CLIMB.) You can now immediately enroll and start taking the next step in your career.

    All programs require the completion of a brief online enrollment form before payment. If you are new to HBS Online, you will be required to set up an account before enrolling in the program of your choice.

    Our easy online enrollment form is free, and no special documentation is required. All participants must be at least 18 years of age, proficient in English, and committed to learning and engaging with fellow participants throughout the program.

    Updates to your enrollment status will be shown on your account page. HBS Online does not use race, gender, ethnicity, or any protected class as criteria for enrollment for any HBS Online program.

    Credential Programs

    HBS Online's CORe and CLIMB programs require the completion of a brief application. The applications vary slightly, but all ask for some personal background information. You can apply for and enroll in programs here. If you are new to HBS Online, you will be required to set up an account before starting an application for the program of your choice.

    Our easy online application is free, and no special documentation is required. All participants must be at least 18 years of age, proficient in English, and committed to learning and engaging with fellow participants throughout the program.

    Updates to your application and enrollment status will be shown on your account page. We confirm enrollment eligibility within one week of your application for CORe and three weeks for CLIMB. HBS Online does not use race, gender, ethnicity, or any protected class as criteria for admissions for any HBS Online program.

    Does Harvard Business School Online offer an online MBA?

    +–

    No, Harvard Business School Online offers business certificate programs.

    What are my payment options?

    +–

    HBS Online offers a variety of payment methods to provide flexibility, including:

    • Credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and AMEX)
    • PayPal
    • Wire transfers
    • Western Union
    • Bank loans (When available)

    You may split your payment across two credit card transactions or send a payment link to another individual to complete payment on your behalf. A minimum payment of $350 is required for the first transaction.

    Some learners may also qualify for scholarships or financial aid, which will be credited against the program fee once eligibility is determined. Please refer to the Payment & Financial Aid page for more information.

    What are the policies for refunds and deferrals?

    +–

    After enrolling in a program, you may request a withdrawal with refund (minus a $100 nonrefundable enrollment fee) up until 24 hours after the start of your program. Please review the Program Policies page for more details on refunds and deferrals. If your employer has contracted with HBS Online for participation in a program, or if you elect to enroll in the undergraduate credit option of the Credential of Readiness (CORe) program, note that policies for these options may differ.

     

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