In an increasingly digital world, the ability to study on your terms is not just a convenience, it’s the future of education. For this reason, online education has become a popular choice for busy students looking to gain their dream qualifications without sacrificing their jobs or familial commitments. This flexibility is highly attractive for working professionals who no longer have to give up their careers to further their education. 

Online learning has gained traction at a time when technology and the drive towards innovation are accelerating. If we’re to take the challenges of digital disruption and convert them into opportunities, online study has a vital role to play, particularly at the graduate level.

The need for experienced professionals in emerging industries 

The jobs of tomorrow won’t look like the jobs of today. There is a growing demand for highly skilled and qualified workers in the professional, scientific and technical services industry, especially in fields with emerging technologies such as AI, cyber security, and blockchain.  

It’s an exciting time to be living in, but the acceleration of technology also presents a problem for these growing industries. It will take time to train professionals in traditional modes of education, especially in fields that are evolving so rapidly. 

By liberating learning from brick and mortar, online education creates more opportunities for mid-career professionals with busy lives to upskill. Online students quickly acquire new skills while working, allowing them to continue working and fulfilling other commitments. 

Employers also stand to benefit from the considerable professional experience and development of cutting-edge skills students can now bring to the table. 

Online graduate study: The difference 

There are many reasons to study a graduate qualification online, particularly in a job economy where lifelong learning is becoming increasingly important. When you go that extra step and embrace your ongoing professional development, you set yourself up to reap the rewards and demonstrate that you’re more than capable of keeping up with changing times. 

Some of the benefits of online study include: 

1. Flexibility: Your learning can take place anytime, anywhere, and at your own pace. This allows students to settle into a rhythm that suits their learning style, leading to increased productivity and understanding. 
2. Accessibility: Accessing world-class education without barriers is the future of learning. Students are able to gain qualifications from top institutions and experts globally. 
3. Career advancement: Upskilling or switching careers becomes less daunting as students no longer have to sacrifice their current job in order to get their dream job. 

By studying online, you have an unparalleled ability to balance study with work, family and other commitments. With six entry points a year for every course, you can study at the time that works best for you. 

Securing career prospects in challenging times 

The COVID-19 pandemic revealed a great deal about the structure of the society we live in and demonstrated the importance of lifelong learning. 

The QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey – an annual survey that measures graduate outcomes post-tertiary education in Australia – determined that workers with a graduate qualification maintained a stronger career throughout 2020, even amidst significant economic uncertainty. 

Pre-pandemic, the 2019 GOS survey indicated that 72.2 per cent of graduates with an undergraduate qualification secured employment, compared to 86.8 per cent of those with a graduate qualification. 

Post-pandemic, this dropped sharply to 68.7 per cent for undergraduate qualification-holders but only to 85.6 per cent for graduate qualification-holders – speaking to the stronger career outcomes for those with a graduate qualification, as well as their career resilience in the face of economic upheaval. 

Those with graduate qualifications can also expect to earn a higher median salary of $98,436 (Postgraduate degree) or $89,752 (Graduate Diploma/Certificate) compared to just $82,056 for those with only an undergraduate qualification. This underscores the importance of continuous education and upskilling in a technologically advanced society.

Your time is now 

Online graduate study is here to stay, providing invaluable opportunities for those who are committed to lifelong learning and want to upskill but prefer not to take time out of their busy schedules to study on campus.

The times are changing, and you can too. Apply to study a Monash graduate course online today, and take a step towards securing your career for the long term.