Online Learning

Be Your Best Self: Why Industry-Specific Skills Matter

AC Online alumna sits outside on a concrete step looking at her tanlet

Whether your goal is career advancement, improving your performance, or staying on top of industry trends, learning industry-specific skills is always a good idea.

The growing demand for industry-specific skills

If you’ve seen The Karate Kid, you understand that practice makes perfect. Mr. Miyagi had a point when he said, “Wax on, wax off.” If you’re continually polishing your skills, practising patience, and trusting the process, you’ll be prepared for any career opportunities that come your way!

Maintaining and improving both hard and soft skills is crucial to career success. Hard skills are job-specific abilities acquired through education and training, like programming for developers. Soft skills are general personality traits, like teamwork and communication, that are useful no matter the role or industry.

Business: skills to lead and innovate

The Business Fundamentals program is perfect for students looking for a career in business. Here, students develop a practical understanding of key principles in the field of business. This program is great for those with existing careers or credentials who wish to enhance their fundamental business knowledge and skills.

Students build and refine skills in project management, leadership, strategic planning, marketing, HR, communication, and much more. Strong communication skills are in especially high demand according to LinkedIn’s annual report, “The rise of artificial intelligence stands to make core skills more valuable for professionals looking to advance their career. Business leaders are looking for uniquely human skills to both work with AI — and drive organizational success. The report confirms that strong communication and leadership skills remain extremely valued among employers.” (PR Newswire, 2024)

Community and social change: adapting to an ever-evolving field

The Addiction and Mental Health program is a great fit for those who dream of making a difference. Students study mental health, mental illness, and substance use with a focus on holistic assessment and intervention strategies, recovery process, and promotion of ongoing mental health.

Here, students acquire the skills needed to deliver responsive and compassionate substance use disorder treatment and mental health services, while promoting empowerment, self-determination, and optimum quality of life to individuals.

The program focuses on the theoretical and specialized knowledge, and interpersonal skills required in roles that affect community well-being, vulnerable groups, and social justice. Skills like these enable students to enact change in their communities and better assist those in need.

Technology: staying ahead of the curve

For students pursuing a career in tech, the Computer Programming program has it all. This two-year program specializes in program development strategies, database design and database administration. Here, students use leading industry software products like Oracle and CASE tools, learn different programming languages, and study object-oriented analysis and design.

The three-year Computer Programming and Analysis program also specializes in information systems design, development and deployment. Students learn about cybersecurity, quality assurance and testing, development operations as well as business and information technology to design, develop and deploy information systems.

Both programs equip students with technical skills like coding, cybersecurity, and cloud computing in the rapidly evolving tech industry. This is super important in the tech world, “Skills in areas such as AI, machine learning, natural language processing are critical, while data science, analysis and visualization, as well as cybersecurity, cloud and DevOps skills, continue to be in high demand” (Silicon Republic, 2024).

Learn skills that matter

AC Online’s programs equip students with the skills they need to succeed. Students are empowered to work around their busy schedules and study when it’s most convenient for them. Though there are set timelines and due dates for all programs and courses, students can access their material 24/7 and study full or part-time.

On top of the skills you’ll gain from your program, AC Online also comes with its own set of learned skills. By graduation, AC Online students are masterfully skilled in time management, communication, prioritization, and self-discipline, to name a few.

“First learn stand, then learn fly.”

Improve your skills and enhance your resume through AC Online. Explore Algonquin College’s industry-specific online programs, and gain the skills you need for a long and successful career in your industry.

Balancing Work, Life, and Education: 4 Tips to Reach Your Goals

An AC Online mature student works on her laptop at her kitchen island while her two children colour a book

The Juggling Act

Balancing school, work, a social life, personal commitments, family and so much more is an incredible feat. Whether you’re enrolled in-person or online, if you’ve got a lot on your plate, learning how to juggle it is the key to success. Here are some tips to help manage your load:

1. Create a realistic study schedule

Having a consistent schedule will enable you to better adapt to all the new changes in your life. Breaking down your coursework into smaller, more achievable goals can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Here’s how:

  • Identify what assignments are due over the next two weeks and set your own interim deadlines to ensure your work is completed before the assignment’s due date.
  • Use a spreadsheet or task management app to break down each assignment into more manageable tasks.
  • From there, determine the next logical step and continue this process until you’ve created a list of tasks you’ll need to complete to achieve your goal.
  • Keeping in mind how much time each task will take to complete, categorize the tasks within the list using a system that works for you (ie. colours, an urgency scale 1-5, etc.).
  • Block off dedicated study time in your calendar.
  • Scratch items off your to-do list upon completion
  • This will trigger a positive response in your brain and act as a visual representation of the progress you’re making.
  • Repeat for all major assignments and group projects
  • Making an itemized list of tasks for group projects is a great way to ensure everyone has something to do and that the work is equally distributed.

Time management is a powerful skill to master! Not only will this come in handy for your own workload, but it makes a huge difference in a group setting too.

2. Leverage support systems

Your journey may seem long, but you’re not undertaking it alone. It’s normal to need emotional or practical support along the way.

This can look like:

  • Venting to your family and friends when times get tough
  • Studying with a friend or classmate
  • Asking a friend or family member to babysit while you tackle a particularly onerous assignment
  • Talking to your partner about temporarily taking on more housework to lighten your load
  • Trading shifts with a coworker to squeeze in more study time

We’ve got your back too! All AC students are encouraged to take advantage of student success specialists, peer tutoring, and the Student Learning Centre (SLC). We also offer an array of online mental health resources and other kinds of support from the Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL). The CAL provides confidential, free and voluntary academic accommodations and educational support services for students who have permanent and/or temporary disabilities.

Life is easier when you speak up and ask for help. It’s not a sign of weakness to rely on others, rather it’s a show of strength to know when to leverage your support system.

3. Use online tools for efficiency

Family isn’t the only support you can lean on during your academic journey: online tools can help too! Using time management apps to keep track of deadlines and manage tasks is a great way to stay organized.

It can be tedious to keep a physical agenda or to-do list but putting it all online or in the Cloud ensures everything is in the same place. AC students have access to Microsoft Suite and can stay organized with OneNote. Other times, students use tools like Notion, My Study Life, and even Google Calendar, Google Sheets, or Excel.

This is a cost-effective solution too since there’s no shortage of free tools online! A quick search points to dozens of organization systems to help you throughout the term. Not only is using time management tools a great habit to develop for school, but it can make your professional life much easier when you graduate.

4. Create a study space that works for you:

Find a place that’s comfortable and free of distractions so that you can concentrate on your work. Make sure your study space has good lighting to reduce eye strain and keep you alert. Personalize it with items that motivate you, like inspirational quotes or a plant. Keep all your study materials within reach to avoid unnecessary interruptions. Studying online is convenient but it can also lead to multitasking other activities, but try to avoid this to retain the information you’re studying fully. Lastly, maintain a consistent study schedule to help your brain associate that space with productivity.

Flexibility makes it possible

Algonquin College’s flexible online programs make it easier to achieve educational goals without sacrificing your work/life balance. With the flexibility to study on your schedule, the freedom to do it from anywhere in the world, and the support from virtual facilitators, education and personal growth are more accessible than ever.

Learn more about AC Online today.

3 Success Stories: How Algonquin College Online Alumni Changed Their Lives


An Indigenous female sits at a table in front of her laptop while holding a coffee mug. An open textbook sits to her right.

The Power of Online Learning

Whether you’re changing career paths, investing in your career, or pushing your career to new limits, if you put your mind to it and have the right tools at your disposal, anything is possible.

Thanks to the accessibility of online learning, career growth is more achievable than ever. With Algonquin College Online Campus (also known as AC Online), students can work around their busy schedules and study when it’s most convenient for them. Though there are set timelines and due dates for all programs and courses, students can choose when to study and complete their courses anytime, anywhere, 24/7; full-time or part-time.

But seeing is believing. Here are three students who took their careers to new heights with online learning:

Francesca’s Career Transformation

Success stories like Francesca’s prove that it’s never too late to make a change. Francesca is a busy mom of two who was working as a kindergarten educator when she decided to change career paths. Despite her passion for early childhood education, it was time to follow her heart and finally pursue Computer Programming.

According to Francesca, the flexibility of virtual learning was a big advantage, “I decided to switch careers during a global pandemic but I wasn’t prepared to quit my job to go back to school. Studying online allowed me to continue my education while working and raising a family.”

Ezekiel Put His Skills to Work

Ezekiel is a prime example of why it’s important to invest in yourself. Ezekiel found himself in an unstable job market at the height of a global pandemic. When he was laid off from his job, Ezekiel decided to further his education and turn it all around, “I had a choice where I could just stay at home and wait it out, or I could take that opportunity to further my studies [and see where I could] take my career path. That’s when I came across AC Online and the Human Resource Management program.”

The flexibility online learning provided was invaluable, “I could do my studies around my schedule and easily manage my time. AC Online allowed me to refocus my time and to understand what I should prioritize in my life as a whole.”

After graduating, Ezekiel accepted a role at a financial software company. Ezekiel beams with pride as he reflects on his journey, “I had a really good experience and I definitely think that it was a pivotal moment in kickstarting my career.”

Tara’s Leadership and Innovation

Tara is proof that anything is possible when you put your mind to it. This mother of five was working as a special needs resource teacher at her local daycare when she decided to further develop her skills and build new competencies. That’s when Tara enrolled in the online Early Childhood Education program.

Flexibility was key in Tara’s journey. Being able to study around her schedule made all the difference, “I lived on the reserve and my connectivity was really iffy throughout my time studying. Despite that, my virtual facilitators were amazing. They understood my background and helped me cope with the challenges of my situation.”

Now that she’s graduated, Tara feels incredibly proud of how far she’s come, “As an Indigenous woman, we’re often discouraged from pursuing our education. We’re encouraged to stay home with our children, but I’m glad I chose to follow my dreams. I wanted to enhance my skills as a teacher for myself and my children’s future. Now, I’m able to do my job even better and act as proof to my community that anything is possible.”

How Algonquin College Supports Career Growth

Algonquin College continues to pave the path toward a brighter future with innovative online programs designed for adult learners, working professionals, busy parents, and people who need a change.

With the flexibility to study on your schedule, the freedom to do it from anywhere in the world, and the support from knowledgeable virtual facilitators, you too can make your dreams come true. Take your career to the next level, or build on your existing skillset; AC Online is a stepping stone in your professional journey.

For more success stories visit the AC Online alumni stories page or to explore here to view all online programs.

Why Online Learning is the Future

AC Online alumna Stephanie sits in front of a laptop with her face resting on her hand

Flexibility is key in this day and age; online learning provides the flexibility to learn at your own pace and the convenience of learning anytime, anywhere. From the freedom to make your own schedule to the ease of studying from anywhere in the world, online learning has tapped into a new level of flexibility in education.

The Shift Toward Online Education

Online learning students achieve the same credentials as on-campus courses and have an equivalent workload. Online students study and complete assignments around their own schedules while meeting deliverables and due dates. They also participate in discussion boards and group projects all from the comfort of their homes.

The remote nature of learning through the internet was especially valuable at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Emergency remote learning temporarily became the primary method of educational delivery for post-secondary students but was largely just lectures recorded and moved online. Despite the rushed response to move content online, as the world forged through this unprecedented period, learners embraced the change. Many students have opted to continue with online learning through more established and polished offerings (with programs and courses designed specifically for asynchronous online delivery). Now, nearly 54% of college students are enrolled in one or more online classes (Hechinger Post, 2024).

Flexible Learning for Busy Professionals and Individuals

A good portion of virtual learners are working professionals motivated by professional development and career growth. These busy individuals are looking for flexible learning solutions that fit into tight schedules without needing to compromise on quality. Online learning enables students to study when it’s most convenient for them.

Gone are the days of rushing from work to a night class or finding a babysitter so you can attend a professional development course. Today’s students can simply boot up their laptops wherever and whenever they choose. Though there are set timelines and due dates for all programs and courses, online learning’s flexibility stems from giving students the ability to study full-time or part-time with access to materials 24/7.

Recent Algonquin College Online alumna, Stephanie, really appreciated this aspect. Throughout her schooling in Human Resources Management, Stephanie worked 40 hours a week while being her father’s primary caregiver, ”Online learning allowed me to complete coursework from home while I took care of my dad and worked full-time. The flexibility it provided made it so that I didn’t have to sacrifice my education, work schedule, or my dad’s health. I can’t describe how much this eased the burden on me.”

Accessibility from Anywhere

Distance isn’t an issue anymore thanks to online learning. Regardless of where students live and work, virtual learning enables them to study from anywhere in the world.

This was exactly what Human Resources Management alumna, Nadisha, was looking for when she decided to completely change careers, “In-person classes were not an option because I was living with my mom in Woodbridge, five hours away from Ottawa. I wasn’t willing to move to a new city because I needed to prioritize work. Online learning helped me attain my goal of changing careers. Education is priceless and I’m grateful we have the option to learn online especially when you need to continue working.” Thanks to online learning, Nadisha didn’t have to choose between her education and her career. She could have her cake and eat it too.

Future-Proofing Your Career with Online Learning

Competition in the job market is fierce and an increasing number of students pursue post-graduate credentials to stand out from the crowd. A graduate certificate is an academic credential offered to students who have obtained a diploma, advanced diploma or a degree and wish to continue their studies to master their field of interest. These are post-grad credentials that are viewed as specializations.

Students who obtain a graduate certificate can unlock career opportunities that might not have been previously available to them, all without needing to change careers. These specializations improve their chances of advancing their careers, networking with professionals with similar goals, and gaining expertise that can lead to more diverse job openings.

With the advent of new technologies like AI, more companies are finding efficiencies and adding new responsibilities to existing roles. Online learning enables students to build on their existing education and experience and apply what they’re actively learning to their current roles.

Employees need to adapt to these demands which is exactly why AC Online graduate, Rachel, enrolled in the Digital Analytics program. When the company Rachel worked for asked her to be more involved in marketing, she was more than ready to take on the challenge, “The courses aligned perfectly with that shift in direction. I could apply what I was learning in school directly to my career. I also used a lot of my company and work experience in coursework and business cases in some of my classes.”

The Future of Education is Online

As the demand for flexible, high-quality education grows, Algonquin College continues to lead the way with innovative online programs designed for working professionals.

Learn more about AC Online and Algonquin College’s flexible online programs today.