Employers should 'encourage' employees to take short courses to boost career growth
From junior to mid and senior professionals, everyone in the workplace can benefit from a short course...
Municipalities should ensure that each department has a clear leadership pipeline, promoting merit-based advancement, and recognising outstanding performance. Picture: Pexels
Matshidiso Madia, standing in for, 702's Clement Manyathela speaks to Ari Katz, CEO Boston City Campus.
Listen below:
Can short courses help boost your career growth? Yes, says Katz.
Short courses, which can last anywhere from a week to six months (depending on the type), can significantly boost career growth by providing targeted skills, enhancing employability, and demonstrating a commitment to professional development.
They offer a cost-effective and time-efficient way to upskill, stay relevant in a changing job market or industry and potentially open doors to new opportunities and promotions.
From junior to mid- and senior-level professionals, everyone can benefit from a short course, explains Katz.
"Short courses are there to satisfy the immediate need for a skill that is transferrable, that is ready to be applied in the workplace... there is a drive for it because it doesn't take as long to get that certification as a traditional degree or diploma."
- Ari Katz, CEO - Boston City Campus
Katz says employers should "encourage" employees to update their skills because it's mutually beneficial. In industries where there are many regulations, such as finance, health, real estate, and logistics, updating your skills is essential; if you do not remain current, you risk becoming obsolete in your position, Katz adds.
"Employers should be encouraging employees to continuously update their skills and it also shows the employer that there's a commitment to self improvement but it also makes you more visible for promotion opportunities, cross-functional role opportunities because they see that there's an element of you that wants to be more productive and more current and it does translate to your productivity within the workplace."
- Ari Katz, CEO - Boston City Campus
Considering a short course?
Katz suggests exploring the offerings at Boston City Campus as a starting point. Most institutions will advertise their available short course programmes, so keep an eye out there. Check what the industry you are in or wish to enter recommends—this can be a helpful guide in choosing the right short course for the role you are targeting or interested in.
It is also a good idea to find out whether the company you currently work for or hope to work for in the future recognises the short course you are considering. In some cases, you may need to pursue a diploma or degree instead to meet valid local and international qualification requirements, advises Katz.
"Whatever you wish to study, make sure that it's what the institution or company wants and that it's in line with that and if you're not sure about the credibility of the programme, then you need to research it."
- Ari Katz, CEO - Boston City Campus
Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the full conversation.