In 2022, the economic situation is looking up for the world. More and more people are getting back to work, and there’s a feeling that the economy is on the road to recovery. It’s a good time to be a student. Inexpensive online degrees, or ‘Open Education’, have opened up a world of opportunity for those who want to earn while they learn. This article will explore how you can make money with online courses, how to make the most of the opportunity, and provide some tips for students considering this route.
Why Study Online?
When the pandemic hit in 2020, education became more important than ever. Travel restrictions limiting the number of face-to-face classes, the need to work remotely, and the fear of being stuck in a classroom with hundreds of other students all combined to create a need for online learning. While virtual reality and tele-learning allowed for some face-to-face interaction, nothing quite compares to getting an education that is 100% online. Online learning gives you the flexibility to work your own hours, take your studies where you like, and gain the qualifications you want – without having to worry about finding a place to study, or whether or not you’ll be able to get a seat in a classroom. As a result, more and more people are looking to study online as a means to earn some extra cash, or as a stepping stone to further study.
How Do I Study Online?
The most suitable online courses for earning money are usually accredited by a respected body, such as the BBBEE (Better Business Bureau in South Africa). Since most employers check your accredited qualifications before considering you for a role, having an accredited degree from an online course platform will give you an added advantage. Before you start making money, you’ll need to complete a simple course enrolment form, and then verify your details with the school. After verification, you’ll be given a digital certificate or a printed copy of your course profile, and you can start studying. Many of the top-ranking online course providers, such as Cape Educational Estates and StudyinSA, offer professional accreditation and certification in a variety of fields – giving you the confidence to know your studies will be valued by employers and graduate schools.
The most suitable courses for earning cash are usually accredited by a respected body, such as the BBBEE (Better Business Bureau in South Africa).
What Courses Can I Study Online?
Since 2020, the search for the perfect course has become a lot more complicated. With so much competition, and so many people looking for courses to study remotely, it’s important to have a broad idea of what is available, and how you can make the most of the opportunity. As a general rule, the more expensive the course, the less suitable it is for earning money. While some online courses can be expensive, and there are many that are not, there are a few standout luxury courses that you can study for free, or with minimal costs. Here are some of the best opportunities to make money online:
Medical
In most cases, you’ll need to have an in-demand skill that is highly valued in today’s job market. While a formal education in medicine may not be required, having an understanding of how healthcare functions, and the ability to read and interpret medical reports, would certainly be of benefit to anyone seeking to work in the medical field. Since the demand for medical professionals far outstrips the supply, now is a great opportunity to gain the skills you need to thrive in this field. The advantage of studying online is that you can do so in your own pace, and you can take any course you like, whenever you like – giving you the versatility to fit your schedule around your studies. The disadvantage, however, is that there is no actual job security. If you’re looking for guaranteed employment, you’d better find another means of income.
Graduate-level study
While many degrees can be acquired online, there is one course above all others that is uniquely suited to online learning – and that is graduate studies. With so much information accessible via the internet, there is a wealth of knowledge that you can draw upon for the basis of your studies. Some of the world’s best universities, such as Oxford and Cambridge, have established themselves as global brands, due in large part to the high value that is placed upon their degrees. Since much of the learning is now done online, you don’t necessarily need to be in the same location as the teacher. The convenience of online study, coupled with the brand recognition that comes with a high-quality university degree, makes graduate studies an attractive option for those seeking to make money online. Of course, the disadvantage is that earning the degree itself can be quite expensive, and the advantage is that you are guaranteed employment (more or less) once you complete your studies.
Engineering
A degree in engineering is highly sought-after, and due to the increasing demand, the supply of degree-level engineers continues to decrease year after year. The ideal candidate will have a solid grounding in all areas of engineering, including mathematics, science, and technology. Having this broad-based knowledge will make you more valuable to employers, and more in demand from employers, too. The advantage of studying online is that you can tailor your studies to suit your own particular needs and interests. The disadvantage is that, as with any other high-level degree, the acquisition costs are high, and you are competing for jobs with people who have more formal education than you do. The benefit is that once you complete your studies, you’ll be able to find high-paying, stable jobs in your field.
Accounting
Accounting is a very important subject, and a lot of money is involved in keeping track of all of the financial transactions in a business. Since the number of jobs available is so limited, and due to the high demand for accountants, the advantage of studying online is that it allows you to apply for many different jobs, without having to concentrate on one particular area. Having a good knowledge of accounting, and being able to interpret financial reports and analyses, gives you a distinct advantage over people who do not have this qualification. In most cases, earning a degree in accounting will set you back a large amount of money. The disadvantage is that this is a very competitive field, and due to the high demand, the job security offered is usually very limited. If you’re looking for a stable job, you’d better find another means of income.
Business
If you’re looking to make money online, one of the best opportunities is to enrol in an accredited business degree programme. Since much of the learning is now done online, you don’t necessarily need to be in the same location as the teacher. The advantage of studying online is that you can tailor your studies to suit your own particular needs and interests. The disadvantage is that the acquisition costs are high, and you are competing for jobs with people who have more formal education than you do. The benefit is that upon completion of the programme, you’ll be able to find high-paying, stable jobs in your field.
When Do I Start Earning?
Depending on the course, and how much you want to charge for your tuition, you’ll need to decide when you want to start earning. For most of these courses, you’ll need to complete all of the requirements for the course, and then you’ll be able to access the course content. When you complete a course, you’ll usually be provided with some sort of certificate or diploma, which you can use to further your career. Depending on the course, and how much you want to charge for your tuition, you’ll need to decide when you want to start earning.
Which Certification Do I Get?
Once you start earning, the next step is usually to seek further education and training, in order to expand your professional network, and enhance your earning potential. Since employers usually value certificates and diplomas much more highly than a simple degree, being accredited gives you a distinct advantage in your job search. The disadvantage, however, is that to be accredited, you’ll usually need to pay for an exam, and often, you’ll need to pay for a training course as well. The benefit, however, is that once you’ve paid for the exam and training, and you’ve been carefully selected for the course, you’ll be able to obtain a high-quality certificate or diploma, that really does set you apart from the crowd.