Opting For An Online Digital Transformation Course During Home Confinement
Over six million Americans were pursuing an online education prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to research compiled by UTEP Connect, and some 68% are experienced professionals. Some of the most popular online courses in 2020 include digital and social media marketing, the fundamentals of statistics/data analysis, introduction to artificial intelligence, the future of work, critical thinking, and neuromarketing. All these subjects have one thing in common: their reflection of the importance of digital tools when it comes to connecting brands with their target markets or strengthening relationships with existing customers. From the basics of analytics right through to the employment of sophisticated tools like augmented reality, digital tools are enabling companies that once relied on brick-and-mortar models to form part of the online revolution. If you missed out on a digital education or you simply wish to hone your knowledge in one specialty, why should you do so, and would completing such a course be realistic in your current circumstances?
The Practical Benefits Of An Online Digital Transformation Course
During the COVID-19 pandemic, online learning has become a necessity more than a desire. As reported by We Forum, however, “Research suggests that online learning has been shown to increase retention of information, and take less time, meaning the changes coronavirus have caused might be here to stay.” Prior to the pandemic, the market for online education was projected to reach $350 billion by 2025. Benefits include significant cost savings (think of how much college students can save on boarding or moving to a state to attend college) and the low student-to-teacher ratio of online classes. The vast majority of online courses have a maximum ratio of around 25:1 (student-to-teacher), which allows for a greater degree of personalization than average lecture halls can afford.
Honing In On A Speciality
During the process of digital transformation, different team members will specialize in different areas. Digital transformation is a vast area that involves everything from leadership to analyzing data, applying new technologies to improve the customer experience or improve brand loyalty, designing artificial intelligence, and improving operational agility. These tools serve both in-company and in dealings with clients. For instance, companies with salespeople are now relying on tablet-based presentations to pitch their products or services, healthcare services are now treating patients via telemedicine, and insurance salespersons are using analytics to advise clients in a personalized fashion. Studying a digital course online enables companies to designate specific topics or courses as required to staff. A salesperson, that is, may not need to complete a digital marketing course, while those on the marketing team will benefit greatly from one. Specialized education is cheaper and more time-effective for companies and employees alike.
Personality And Learning
Digital transformation involves many tasks suiting different personality types, as determined by the Myer-Briggs test. This essentially divides learning preferences into 16 permutations, based on the following dichotomies: introvert vs extrovert, sensing vs intuition, perceiving vs judging, and thinking vs feeling. Introverted personality types prefer working alone, although some (INFPs, for instance), are more amenable to flexibility, while INFJs prefer study to following a specific order. Thus, INFJs in particular flourish from highly structured online courses, which follow a set path. Owing to the often shorter, more compact nature of online digital transformation courses, set subjects are covered during every online session according to a predetermined program. Online classes have aspects that cater more to extroverts as well – including the opportunity to take part in online group discussions and debates.
What Digital Transformation Certificate Courses Are Available?
Digital transformation courses can run from a few weeks to several years. For instance, one popular course given by MIT Management Executive Education runs for six weeks and includes five to eight hours of online class with weekly modules and flexible learning. Students completing the course receive a certificate. Stanford also offers a Digital Transformation Certificate that “provides a comprehensive framework for implementing digital transformation.” The course covers a select list of subjects – including Human Resources and Finance – in addition to Product/Service Development, Manufacturing, and Sales. These certificate-based courses can be completed for $700 or less.
Online Digital Transformation Degrees
When it comes to degrees, online digital transformation usually involves specialty in a field – for instance, digital marketing (with a focus on data analysis), robotics or computers (specializing, for instance, in blockchain). Postgraduate degrees are indeed available in Digital Transformation. They usually require a Bachelor degree or Master’s plus a minimum time period of work experience (around 18 months). They offer a gamut of subjects, including AI, Big Data, and 3D Printing. The IE School of Human Sciences & Technology offers an Executive Master’s in Digital Transformation & Innovation lasting 13 months. The course can be pursued in select locations across the globe (Madrid and Shanghai) or be completed on a fully online basis.
Why Is A Master’s In Digital Transformation Ideal?
A Masters program in Digital Transformation is a good option for those wishing to specialize in this field, since knowledge obtained is not only detailed, but also practical. Master’s degrees place students in real-life situations, demanding that they complete case studies similar to situations that might be encountered in their working life. A part-time Master’s is ideal if you are working, since they are catered to those needing to balance intense work schedules with their studies. They are aimed at those wishing to build their leadership and become digital innovators that can lead their company into the future. They also enable students to build important contacts they can count on to answer doubts but also to brainstorm with and run ideas by. Finally, they allow students to enter into a network that could be useful should they decide to change jobs or specialties.
What Can You Gain From Further Study In Digital Transformation?
Research by Georgetown University academics found that “college graduates with a bachelor’s degree earn an average annual salary of $61,000 over the course of their career, while those with a graduate degree earn $78,000 annually.” Of course, if you are already a high-level marketing or digital specialist, you could potentially earn more. Further online study in digital transformation is more than about earnings. It is also about the potentially wider range of roles you can fulfill. Finally, an online degree can help you carry out your role with greater confidence. For instance, if you manage a sales team, then using digital tools to implement and manage sales objectives can increase brand awareness and drive more leads to your site. Knowing you don’t have to rely on intuition can help you strategize alongside your team with greater security.
What Careers Are Available In The Digital Sphere Today?
Just a few specialties you might be interested in switching to include those of digital brand director (who takes charges of clients’ virtual experiences); digital business analyst (who analyzes and strategizes the traffic a company’s site receives); social media community manager (who programs and determines content for social media sites); eCommerce Manager (who oversees everything to do with ecommerce – including website functionality, mobile compatibility, business planning, web analytics, and AI technologies); and Digital Media Specialist (whose work is centered on media and technology and who might oversee audiovisual productions, animation and special effects). As you see, the range of specialities is exciting, dynamic and very necessary for practically any company wishing to strengthen their online presence.
What Digital Transformation Trends Can You Master?
Currently, there are many trends making digital learning more exciting. These include 5G, faster WiFi, analytics, and AI and machine learning. Blockchain is also a hot topic, since it is now being used in everything from intellectual property to asset management. Another new area of learning is Robotic Process Automation – a form of business process automation technology that relies on artificial intelligence/digital workers. User and Customer Experience is another area that is driving improvements in connectivity, smart automation, and intuitive user interfaces. Digital privacy is also key for companies dealing with a vast amount of potentially sensitive client data.
The rise of the COVID-19 epidemic has led to a great online learning boom, with millions of students successfully completing courses while under home confinement. Now is a good time for those seeking to lead their company’s digital transformation strategies to hone their knowledge by completing an online course. There are many options for eager learners – everything from certificates lasting just a few weeks to part-time Master’s degrees and even full-time degrees centered on complex areas such as artificial intelligence or 3D engineering solutions. If the idea of further studies appeals, research into the gamut of subjects available and, based on your company’s needs, select the course that will offer the greatest return. Currently, a Master’s degree can offer a sizable difference in terms of earnings, but if this is not your primary motivation, then completing a specialized course in the area you wish to hone can enable you to carry out your role with greater confidence and a stronger guarantee of success.
About the Author
Jennifer Kingsley is a former teacher turned writer with a passion for education and learning. She has a special interest in digital and online learning.
