5 Economical Ways To Continue Your Education
Educated people have the power to change the world, and if you love learning, there’s nothing better than continuing your studies after you graduate from school or college. However, we understand that often, pursuing further education can be a costly endeavor that can put you out of pocket, and this can be demoralizing if you’re trying to expand your horizons.
That’s why we’ve put together some of the best ways to continue your education without breaking the bank. As an employee benefits company, we know this comes up often.
Why Is Further Education Important?
If you’ve already graduated, you might be wondering why further education is even necessary, especially if you already have a career in a field you love. However, further education is about more than just homework and qualifications, and it can bring a whole host of benefits, such as:
- Professional Development
- Networking Opportunities
- Increased Social Stability
- Higher Wages
Understanding why further education can be beneficial is the first step to a brighter future, but actually pursuing opportunities can be costly.
So, What Are The Best Economical Ways To Continue Your Education?
While there are some brilliant further education courses out there if you have a healthy budget, such as Masters or Doctoral degrees, these aren’t the only options available if you want to gain knowledge and experience in a specific area or industry. Here are some of the best economical ways to continue your education.
Take An Online Learning Course
With 74% of Americans owning a desktop or laptop computer, it comes as no surprise that education providers are leaping at the chance to offer courses and material online. This is a great way for them to increase their exposure and help those who can benefit from their knowledge and experience. For you, online learning presents a world of opportunity to continue your education on a budget.
There are a number of different online learning providers that you can consider, and many offer a huge range of courses and programs to suit a variety of interests. These include:
- Skillshare
Skillshare evolved in response to the demand for learning materials that can be accessed from anywhere. Professionals in different industries come to the site to offer educational videos that can you can view with a $32 per month paid subscription. If you choose to commit to a yearly subscription, the cost is even cheaper, averaging at just $14 per month.
- Masterclass
Like Skillshare, Masterclass is a platform dedicated to self-improvement and personal growth. The difference? Masterclass offers courses created by celebrities and high-level professionals, so if you’re someone who takes inspiration from those at the center of their profession, then you’ve come to the right place. A Masterclass membership is billed annually, but at an average of only $14 per month, this is a great way to invest in your education.
- Udemy
If you’re looking to for further education based on skills you already have, or even to develop a new skill entirely, then Udemy might be for you. This platform offers a range of business, design and technical courses.
Udemy taps into a range of career pathways that you might not have considered on your educational journey so far. For example, coding is a sought-after skill for the future, and the site offers a huge number of coding courses from beginner to advanced level. Each course is priced individually, so rather than pay a subscription fee, you can select your desired program and only pay for exactly what you need.
Try LinkedIn Learning
For a more professional approach to further education, LinkedIn Learning is a fantastic platform to gain new skills, and grow your networking profile with certifications of your achievement. The video courses offered are taught by professionals in business, management and technological fields, which make them perfect for those looking to increase their hire-ability and boost their career prospects.
What’s more, subscribing to LinkedIn Learning comes hand in hand with a vast array of other benefits, thanks to the fact it unlocks LinkedIn Premium. With this, you’ll gain access to salary and job insights, InMail credits and unlimited profile viewing. If you’re trying to continue your education as part of longer-term career ambitions, then this is the best option for you.
A subscription to LinkedIn Learning costs $39.99 billed monthly. If you choose to be billed annually you’ll save 50%, paying only $19.99 per month, making this a great choice for those who want to learn on a budget.
Gain Some Work Experience
If you’re interested in the workings of a certain industry, then getting direct experience in the field is one of the best ways to continue your education in an economical way. In fact, you can even earn a side income from this approach!
You don’t need to dedicate too much time to a side job, either. You can start with a few hours a week that will help you get to grips with the role requirement and key concepts, and then work your way up to more time when you have some available.
Utilize Free Resources
No matter what industry you’re trying to gain experience in, there will almost certainly be some free resources that you can take advantage of – you just need to know where to look.
- University-Led Courses
There are an incredible number of universities across the US that offer free online courses, including some of the nation’s top institutions. From law to data analytics, you can find free courses that help you continue your education without paying a penny.
- Podcasts
If an official course isn’t quite your thing, then podcasts offer a low effort alternative that can still further your education. Whatever you’re interested in, you should be able to find a dedicated podcast that can boost your understanding. Using your phone or computer device, download a podcast app and get listening!
- YouTube Videos
Like podcasts, YouTube videos can be a highly useful resource that you can access completely for free. Whether it’s surrounding financial investment, legal studies or even advanced mathematics, there are plenty of tutorials available on the platform that cater to everyone.
- Library Books
If you don’t have access to a mobile phone or computer, you might be feeling demotivated around continuing your education after you graduate. Luckily, public libraries give you the chance to read books and use technology as part of a free membership, so there’s no need to limit yourself to what you already know.
Whether you were a straight-A student, or you couldn’t wait to graduate, you’ll be able to find a fun, engaging way to continue your education even if you’re on a budget. By giving these options a go, you’ll be exposed to new ways of seeing the world, and learn more about potential career paths. Who knows, you might even realize your true passion!
