Focus EduSolutions Blog

Online Certificates and Bootcamp Programs- Are They Worth it?

Written by Angela Lydon | Jan 9, 2024 1:35:44 PM

 

Odds are you have heard of online certificates or boot camp programs. If you have been considering continuing your education, starting it, or exploring new career path options, these may be for you. Many have recently sought out these programs instead of degree programs to save themselves time and money. But are they worth it? The short answer- yes. But why? 

If you are continuing your educational journey 

If you previously attended college, online or on-campus, you were likely in a degree program, earned some college credits, and perhaps even have some debt. Maybe you didn’t do well in your last semester and thought academics weren’t for you. And now maybe you want to jump back but don’t even know where to start. This is where online certification or boot camp programs can be a great option. They are astronomically cheaper than degree programs and are typically completed within weeks to months depending on your chosen subject. They are often just a one-time, affordable cost and you earn a certification upon program completion. Depending on the institute offering the programs, some may even accept some of your credits, or offer some of their own. Either way, this option is a great way to look into furthering your education without draining your bank account and rearranging your schedule. 

If you are interested in starting your education

Perhaps college wasn’t for you at the time and you got a job right after high school to start earning money. And now maybe you want to go back and see what options are available. Job markets, skills, and qualifications are always evolving, and they want the ideal employee to adjust. Online certificate programs will often provide soft skills, training, and fundamental knowledge to work toward a successful career path. You won’t need to go into debt to get a quick education, but it will still offer value.

You are tired of your current job and are looking for a new career

We often make important decisions about our careers at a young age- usually around 17-18 years old. As we get older, some of us realize that our prior interests and what we chose in our youth, might not be the best fit anymore. Certificate programs are the perfect way to advance your way into a promotion or get your foot in the door of a new career. Although starting a new career can be scary, it can also be quite refreshing and exciting. Start by researching which job fields interest you the most, what qualifications are needed, and what is necessary for you to reach that goal. There are many subjects available in online certification and boot camp programs in which employers see value. 

Overall, certificates and boot camp programs are super flexible and can be your ticket into a more successful career and rewarding job. The expenses aren’t nearly as risky as a degree program, and you will save time. You can learn a new subject and skill set from anywhere without adjusting your daily routine. 

To explore some options that may interest you, check out the online programs available now at Focus EduSolutions