Who says you can’t have it all? • Matthew T. Holt, Department Head and Professor, Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics at Virginia Tech www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-holt-prof • David Ramadan, served in the Virginia House of Delegates from 2012-2016, and is a Professor of Practice, Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University - www.linkedin.com/in/davidiramadan/ • Melissa Vidmar, Communications and Marketing Manager, Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics at Virginia Tech - www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-vidmar Are you looking to enhance your job knowledge or get that promotion you’ve been working toward? You’re not alone! Many working adults are seeking online certificates and degree programs to help answer these questions. The keyword here is online, and for good reason. Online learning offers the flexibility needed to balance work, studies, and life’s demands. Online education merges flexibility with a broad spectrum of certificates and degree programs, making it ideal for employees with personal commitments and employers aiming to upskill their teams. From business, marketing, and economics to quantum computing, it caters to every learner. This approach allows for lifelong learning at one's own pace and from any location, eliminating commutes. Online learning removes geographical barriers, allowing learners to access quality education from any location, and eliminating the need for time-consuming commutes. This accessibility not only benefits students but also provides employers with a cost-effective and efficient way to consider higher education institutions as partners in employee development. Investing in online education demonstrates a commitment to workforce advancement and skill enhancement, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT By Matthew Holt, David Ramadan, Melissa Vidmar Executive Summary: Online learning is opening doors for professionals to enhance skillsets and accelerate career growth.
22
t MARCH 2024 / vbFRONT.com
According to CNBC, 48 percent of employers said they offer undergraduate or graduate tuition assistance as a benefit, according to the Society for Human Resource Management survey. So, don’t hesitate to further your education… ask your employer about their policy. Steps to research online degree programs 1. Define your needs and goals – where would you like your career to be in five years? 2. Know your budget and evaluate financial options; search in-state for lower tuition rates; talk with your employer for assistance; identify tradeoffs between cost and value 3. Search online degree programs that meet your goals and needs 4. Review application requirements 5. Narrow down your choices 6. Apply