What we’ve learned from the transition to online training at IconoClass

The current context imposed by COVID 19 has forced IconoClass (www.iconoclass.eu) to switch to a 100% online sales training. Since the isolation caught us in the middle of the physical four months training, with a full promotion, we had to adapt to the situation and replan our format (usually our face-to-face training takes place in our locals, in the heart of Paris). The whole new format was very different from the initial one, but in the end, it was a real success and a rewarding experience.

Moreover, this experience helped us to decide to launch in addition to our physical training — an online training, and here are the reasons behind our decision.

Because of the pandemic crisis, online learning is proving to be one of the biggest educational revolutions. More than ever, “traditional education” (represented by physical schools, universities, etc.) is synonymous with “tuition fees”,💰 “obsolete and theoretical content”, 🤯 “lack of practice”, 📚“lack of specializations requested on the labor market” etc. All these impediments force many students to seek accessible alternatives to develop professionally.

Online education becomes one of the most popular higher education options for millions of students around the world. Learning via an online platform

→ offers clear opportunities for anyone who wants to develop their professional life without having to travel to a big city or without leaving their current job.

→ can be just as effective as face-to-face learning.

⚠️The main issue is that the image of this concept is often misinterpreted because it is linked to stereotypes as “online courses are for those who are not able to succeed at university” or “those who study online do not get “real” degrees”, and the list could go on.

It’s time to reconsider the misconceptions against online training and recognize its benefits for students and how it can help employees to stay competitive throughout their careers.

Here are five advantages of online learning and the reasons why IconoClass — the School of Sales and Business Development — will soon open its virtual doors for a business development online training.

1. Online training offers a wide variety of specializations

Online learning training offers a wide range of specialization for students, professionals who want to change professional direction, as well as for employers who want to upgrade their skills. This means that whatever your past career path, you can find a huge variety of online trainings from business development to yoga, etc. — courses or programs for your professional and personal development.

ℹ️At the same time, anyone can also obtain all university degrees online, starting with a bachelor’s degree through to a doctorate, as well as learning a profession for the future.

2. Online training costs less than traditional programs

Online training and programs are (in general) a more accessible option than traditional programs. The associated expenses are also less high than in traditional establishments. For example, the cost of a Business School in France can exceed € 15,000 per year (!) — not counting the required course material, potential relocation, travel to school, etc.

Online courses can cost up to ten times less, depending on the specialization, duration of the training, etc. “Full online” establishments can afford to lower the costs since they don’t have fixed costs such as stakeholder salaries, premises, etc.

Free online courses are sometimes available on learning platforms — an excellent source for those who want to boost their skills, but can’t afford it.

Also, when it comes to online learning, the geographic barrier does not exist, and this makes it easier for people to access training from schools/universities that are not close to their home.

3. Online training boosts continuing professional development

In today’s world focused on the continuous development of technology, upgrading skills are becoming a necessity within each company or startup. Workers must stay up to date on the latest tools and know-how to perform better in their current roles or to have more potential for promotions at higher levels. Every day a new tool, a new technique is emerging, professionals must, therefore, stay “up-to-date”.

More and more people choose to pivot in the middle of their professional life and diversify their skills. It is a smart decision in an uncertain economy, it allows people to acquire new skills, stand out from the competition, and always stay “in the loop”.

Besides, students can take online training and even learn new trades while working, looking for a job, or taking the time for another activity. Also, successful online training can show ambition to potential employers and the desire to stay informed and ready for new challenges.

4. Online training enables anyone to stay relevant and competitive in an increasingly fast-changing world

Online training is more suitable than traditional learning programs because it allows people to meet the challenges of our rapidly changing world of work. The work of work is rapidly changing and this means that learning materials and traditional learning tools are often becoming obsolete. Besides that, the passés learning materials represent a significant cost for schools, students and businesses, and creates a disadvantage for students who learn information that may already be obsolete and irrelevant for the market’s needs and requests.

5. Online training “created” independent and autonomous learners

Finally, a great advantage of online learning is that students can follow their training at their own pace and according to their own schedule. Recorded interventions, written content, webinars, and online collaborative learning software allow anyone with an Internet connection to easily access all resources in a one-click distance.

The flexibility of online training allows full-time employees or those who just don’t have time to go back to university to develop themself professionally by following part-time courses after work, or during the weekends, or whenever they can find the time. It is also a great option for night owls, people with health concerns, or even for those who cannot fit into the traditional “9 am-5 pm” schedule.

Current world’s trend? Future of traditional education? Online learning may soon become the primary way for learners to go to school, train for work, and participate in continuing education to keep their knowledge up to date. Online learning is, above all, an accessible option for people at all stages of their career and is, in most cases, a more flexible and effective method of training.

If you want to study the profession of Business Developer online, with sales professionals, register here and receive information about the opening of our online training. 🚀

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Roxana, Community Manager Iconoclass (www.iconoclass.eu)