How UC Online Helps Working Adults Upskill and Advance Their Careers

Just because you’ve entered the workforce doesn’t mean that learning is over. Investing continually in your education as a working adult can lead to numerous benefits, both in your current role and beyond!

At the University of Cincinnati, online learners can pursue professional development on their own terms without ever leaving the workforce. 

Let’s explore your options for upskilling as an online UC student.

1. Upskilling and continuing education offer major benefits for working adults, whether you’re climbing the corporate ladder or pivoting careers.

1. Online learning allows adult learners to pursue professional development through both short-term micro-credentials and full-length degree programs. 

1. Colleges that offer flexible online learning and robust support services for online learners, like the University of Cincinnati, make balancing work and continuing education easier than ever.

Say you’ve been at your current company for several years, but you’re looking for a new challenge. Maybe you want to move into a leadership role. Better yet, you’re wanting to make a leap and change careers altogether. 

Either way, how do you make yourself invaluable in today’s professional landscape? 

Upskilling and reskilling. This process can look different for every individual. It may mean learning a coding language, mastering an emerging technology, or completing a professional certification in your field.

No matter how you upskill, it’s key to staying sharp and ensuring you’re prepared for new professional opportunities. Additionally, it’s usually advantageous for both working adults and their employers. 

According to the Association for Supply Chain Management, the average cost of hiring a new employee is three-to-four times the role’s annual salary. That’s a steep cost. In response, many companies are choosing to invest in continuing education for their current employees through tuition remission and other education benefits.

When put like this, there are very few reasons not to upskill—no matter how long you’ve been out of school.

If continuing education can be both worthwhile professionally and affordable, why not pursue it? 

For many adult learners, what’s holding them back is time. They don’t have enough of it. Even if they do have the time, many colleges don’t offer on-campus programs that are compatible with a traditional 9-to-5 work schedule.  

Online education breaks down these barriers in several ways:

1. Flexibility. Asynchronous online learning options, like those offered through UC, reduce friction between school and work. While regular assignments and deadlines keep you on track, you’re in charge of where your coursework fits best into your schedule. 

1. Real-World Application. One of the best ways to retain information is by putting it into practice. Online learners have the advantage of taking what they’re learning in school—whether it’s Python or effective communication—and immediately applying it in their career.

1. Individualized Pathways. When working professionals choose online learning, they’re able to determine what program is right for their goals. From a master’s degree to a specialized technical certificate, a wide variety of short- and long-term options are available. 

At UC, we’re committed to supporting online adult learners no matter their professional goals or educational needs. How do we meet you where you’re at?

One way is through online undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Designed with busy adult learners in mind, many of UC’s online programs allow both full-time and part-time enrollment—meaning you can earn your degree at your own pace. 

While balancing work and school isn’t always easy, online UC students have a wide array of faculty, staff, and peer resources at their disposal. These student support services ensure you never feel disconnected from the Bearcat community, no matter how far you are from campus. 

And if you already have a degree, or earning one isn’t on your radar right now? You still have opportunities for online upskilling at UC. 

UC Skills and Coursera, for example, both offer a wide range of short-term learning options. Courses on both platforms target crucial professional skills, such as the basics of Microsoft Excel, project management, Lean Six Sigma, AI literacy, Adobe Creative Suite, and more. Whether you’re interested in earning a professional certificate or adding a micro-credential to your resume, UC Skills and Coursera makes it possible for you as an online learner.

UC’s Online Business Partnerships program is another avenue for upskilling as a working adult. In partnership with UC, local, regional, and national companies provide employer-sponsored tuition benefits to employees who enroll in eligible online UC programs. 

If you’re interested in building new skills that may benefit your current company, it’s worth talking to your employer about what tuition benefits they offer—and if they’re interested in partnering with UC Online.

Going back to school can seem intimidating for many reasons. If you’re investing time, energy, and money into a degree, you want to know it’s worthwhile. There’s no "correct" path for continuing education, but it’s always best to start by reflecting on your end goal.

Ask yourself questions to figure out why you’re going back to school, such as:

1. Am I changing careers or trying to move up in my current field?

1. What skills do I need to develop for my dream career? 

1. Do I need to earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree to make this a reality?

Even if this doesn’t provide all the answers, you’ll be able to hone your search from here. 

For example, a full-length degree program isn’t necessary or feasible for many career pivoters, who often are only lacking one or two skills needed to jump into a different field. Luckily, these learners are well-suited to short-term educational options, like certificates and micro-credentials.

Ultimately, what matters is identifying your goals—short term and long term—and then making sure your education aligns with it. 

It’s not always easy to figure out what’s next, but don’t worry. You’re not alone. So many online learners were once in your shoes: ready to grow, unsure of how.

Take your first step forward at the University of Cincinnati. UC’s online programs are designed with career-focused adult learners in mind. Having a busy schedule isn’t the exception; it’s normal, and UC’s dedicated online team is here to help you navigate whatever obstacles life throws your way.

You don’t have to fill out an application to start having a conversation. Your Enrollment Services Advisor is here to offer individualized guidance based on your individual goals. All you have to do is connect with us today.