Learn How To Start Online College Courses With These 8 Super Easy Steps

Thriving at new work requires new ways of learning and thinking. Our workforce is shifting to a digital landscape and so has post-secondary education. Traditional office environments are not as common as they used to be, and students need to have the skills to adapt so they can work remotely.

If you’re interested in studying online, where do you start? We’ll walk you through how to start online college courses from setting your career goals and researching programs all the way to getting settled in your routine. You can still stay connected and succeed while learning remotely – we’re here to help you get there. 

How to start online college courses

Step 1: Explore your passions and interests

Deciding what you want to do for work is a big deal. You may feel overwhelmed and unsure if you’re making the right decision. This is totally normal but we promise it isn’t as scary as it seems. 

Before you start diving into colleges and programs, pause and think about your interests. What are your hobbies? What are you passionate about? Do you like working with numbers or are you more creative? Do you prefer to work independently or with others? 

The career path you choose has a lot to do with your strengths, interests and learning style. Who knows, you may be able to turn a hobby into a full time gig. If you’re not sure where to start, try one of Truity’s career tests. They evaluate your personality and interests and recommend careers that fit what you like and how you work best. It’s a great place to start if you’re struggling to figure out what career path to pursue. 

Step 2: Define your career goals

Once you have some career paths in mind (or have fully decided on what you want to pursue), think about where you want to be in five years. Do you want to start in one role and advance to one with more leadership responsibilities? Do you want to start your own business? Do you want to be mentoring others? 

Thinking about your goals can help you evaluate what program is right for you and if it can help you advance in your role down the road.  

Step 3: Research colleges and programs

So you know what you’re interested in, what you’re good at and have an idea of what career you want to pursue. Now it’s time to begin your college search. 

Here are some things to think about when you begin your research:

• What is the college like? Do they have a good reputation and offer solid accreditation?
• Does the college offer career services and student support? 
• How does their tuition compare to other institutions? 
• Do they have programs that meet your career goals?
• How are their online courses structured? Are the classes scheduled or do you have the freedom to choose when you study? 

 

What’s it like to learn with Robertson Online? 

The need for agility, adaptability and flexibility have become increasingly more important in our dynamic world and constantly changing workforce. We know this, which is why Robertson Online offers flexible courses that hold you accountable to your success while giving you the freedom to live your life while you study. 

Here’s what you can expect when you learn with us:

• Flexibility. You have the flexibility to decide when and where you study. Since there are no set class times, you can study when it works best for you, so long as you meet your weekly goals. 

• Rolling start dates. We offer new program start dates monthly, so you don’t have to wait for the next semester to get started. 

• Program variety. Our online programs in our School of Health, School of Community Services, School of Business and School of Technology give you the most relevant training and up-to-date industry insights so you can thrive in a modern work environment. 

• Hands-on experience. Our industry-led practicums will give you hands-on experience in a real work environment, allowing you to apply and build on your new skills. 
• Lifelong career support. Our dedicated Career Services team will support you with resume and interview prep as you search for your first job, as well as help you grow in your career.

In one year or less, you can join the 88% of Robertson grads working in their industry right after graduation. Browse our online programs and see if any of them interest you!

Step 4: Evaluate your current schedule

Before you enroll, look at your current schedule. Do you work full time? Do you have children? When do you have spare time you can set aside for studying? 

Understanding the limitations of your schedule can help you make an informed decision when selecting your program. If you work full time during the day or have young children, maybe it would be best for you to take a flexible online program so you can study in the evenings once everyone’s gone to bed. Or maybe you work nights so scheduled daily classes work for you! 

Whatever you decide, it’s important to think about your schedule and be realistic about the amount of time you have to study. You can also read about the strengths of Robertson Online and how our programs adapt to your schedule. 

Step 5: Consider your financial situation

School does cost money, so it’s important to be prepared for this new expense. Take a look at your budget before you apply for a program. Make time to apply for scholarships and bursaries as they can relieve some of the financial burden. 

At Robertson, we have some resources to help with financial assistance and funding so make sure you reach out if you have questions! We’re here to help make this process easier. 

Step 6: Apply!

This may be a no-brainer but it’s the most important step. When you’re ready, apply to a program! You’ve now taken the first step on your journey to a meaningful career. 

Step 7: Purchase supplies & get set up

Once you’ve applied and been accepted, you have the green light to get the equipment you need to be successful. 

Here’s some gear that could make your home office comfortable so you can be more effective:

• Laptop. Tech requirements may vary by program.
• Software. Again, this is program-dependent. 
• Headphones. Noise-canceling headphones work really well for online learning.
• Office chair. Opt for something supportive and comfortable. 
• Notebooks/stationery. Find something that makes you excited to take notes!  

Step 8: Work hard & study smarter

It may take some time to adjust to your online learning routine, but we’re confident you’ll get there! Be kind to yourself if you find it challenging at first and know you have peers and instructors who support you. 

You can also explore our resources on how to get organized when studying online and how to organize your study materials.

If online learning is new to you and it takes some time for you to get in the swing of things, don’t worry! You’ll get there and it’ll be worth it. 

You may find yourself asking the question: how many online courses should I take? We’ll give you some things to consider including your current schedule, financial situation, interests and tell you how Robertson Online gives you the freedom to learn while you live. 

If you have any questions about virtual learning and our online programs, reach out to our Student Admissions Advisors. Simply fill out the form with your question and they’ll reach out to you with the information you need to help you get started on your career journey.