Business studies online are available to everyone - so what are my options? From expensive degree courses all the way through to free courses (Yes, there are even free courses available if you know where to look!), all is available online to enable you to tailor your learning to suit your life. The internet is teeming with opportunities for education as well as making money, and regardless of your situation right now, there is an opening somewhere to get you to the level you need.
So, where do you start?
1) Decide whether you need a business certificate or degree. Will your future career need a traditional four year degree background? If you intend looking to the public or private sector for work once your training is complete, find out what the requirements are for the job you are interested in pursuing and research that avenue. If you can't afford university fees, check out if there is an online degree course that will enable you to work and learn.
2) If you don't need a full degree, will you still require a certificate in business studies? Accounting, finance, business administration or management certificates etc provide proof that you have undergone certified training and have advanced knowledge in that particular field. Certified courses are readily available online, so check out the London School of Business and Finance or World Wide Learn sites as a starting point
3) If you don't need a full degree or certificate, other options include internet training centres such as iMMACC (internet Marketing Mentoring Coaching Centre). These are membership programmes that offer practical training and mentoring in all aspects of online business. Although you won't receive a degree or certificate, you will get shop-floor, practical training in running a business online, and receive training in internet keyword research, building a website/landing page, using social bookmarking and networking, etc.
4) If you don't have any money available at all, but still want to learn some of the basics of running an online business, check out On Line profits. This is a free course that will give you a basic understanding of key elements of online business. (There is a small charge for a domain name, but you can cancel after three months). Further study will probably be required at some point in the future, but it is a great starting point.
Whether you intend to continue in the paid work force, or if self-employment is your goal, refining your options will point you to the right business area for further research. The recession has birthed a new season of online business ownership, and expert training will help you really understand your business so that you can do it well.