4 benefits of studying an applied degree

Have you considered yourself a lifelong learner? You may be itching for a career change or simply want to upskill so you can best prepare for the post-COVID-19 job market. It can be a challenge to step up and make time for studying a qualification altogether but once you make a commitment towards making moves in your career, it's a no-brainer to invest in your education.

While university degrees have a prestigious title, the type of education you receive will depend on what type of course you do. For some that aren't aware, there are two types of university degrees you can pursue: applied or theory-based. 

Depending on your career goals, you may find it beneficial to pursue an applied degree where your education is industry-focused and equips you with the relevant skills and knowledge. 

SkillsTalk explore four benefits of studying an applied degree and how it can best prepare you for the workforce through its practical-approach to learning. 

The benefits of studying an applied degree 

1. You receive hands-on, practical training. 

If you want to study a university qualification but want to avoid doing a degree that is purely theory-based, undertaking an applied degree is the most suitable choice. By studying an applied degree, you put yourself in the position where you'll receive hands-on, practical training. 

Upskilled is in partnership with La Trobe University offering their highly practical applied degrees in IT: SBAIO - Bachelor of Applied Information Technology and SBACTO - Bachelor of Applied Cloud Technology. 

The La Trobe University qualifications mentioned above are delivered 100% online, which works great if you're a busy professional. Both degrees are delivered through Didasko's award-winning online learning management platform, providing you with quality user-experience when it comes to your studies. 

Both degrees include vendor certifications that are recognised worldwide and they come with no extra cost. With these certifications, aspiring IT professionals can benefit from studying either qualification since acquiring vendor certificates can add value to their resume, highlighting their expertise for a specific software or program. 

Both programs also include course materials that range from webinars, tutorials and lectures. Students will be undertaking assessments that require them to answer open-ended questions and undertake various practical activities that apply to the IT industry. 

What's the difference between an applied degree and bachelor degree?

The key point in difference between an applied degree and bachelor degree is that an applied degree provides you with the practical skills and knowledge to be "work-ready" for your chosen career pathway.

There is less focus on theoretical concepts and more about learning useful skills and knowledge that can be applied to any relevant role. A standard bachelor degree is more theory-based and puts a strong focus on the content rather than the relevance it has to the current workforce.

2. There are different exit points where you can still walk away with a qualification*. 

Juggling full-time work with studying is generally a challenge for many people since undertaking a qualification is a long-term commitment. Along with family responsibilities and keeping up with your professional life, you may not find it feasible to complete a full degree due to time constraints and other barriers that may crop up. 

Both SBAIO - Bachelor of Applied Information Technology and SBACTO - Bachelor of Applied Cloud Technology have two exit points where you can still get the opportunity to walk away with a qualification. If you complete 120 credit points of either degree, you can choose to graduate with a diploma and if you complete 240 credit points, you can walk away with an associate degree. 

So, even if you're unable to finish an applied degree due to an unforeseen circumstance, you'll have either a diploma or associate degree under your belt. These can help improve your employment opportunities and credentials as a professional.

3. You get the opportunity to work on projects that relate to your industry*.

One of the benefits of an applied degree is that you'll get the chance to work on projects that give you a taste of the real-work scenarios that you may come across during your professional life. Working on industry projects can equip you with relevant skills and knowledge, helping you feel confident in handling any type of scenario within a professional setting.

For example, in the third-year of the SBAIO - Bachelor of Applied Information Technology, you'll get the opportunity to work on industry projects that relate to the planning and development of a medium-sized software project that addresses a real-life or community problem. 

This is what makes an applied degree more practical than your average bachelor's degree since the completion of an industry project can be highlighted as an achievement on your resume, which may impress a potential employer. 

4. You improve your employment prospects. 

Expanding your knowledge comes with the benefit of improved employment prospects. Since applied degrees come at an advantage of being practical in helping you prepare for the workforce, the skills and knowledge you learn along the way are relevant to the career outcomes you may want to pursue later on.

You may be someone looking to change careers and want to make a seamless transition into the industry of IT. An applied degree focuses on giving you real-world skills and concepts that prepare you for your desired job in the future. For example, the applied degrees in IT offered through La Trobe University include vendor certifications that are recognised around the world. 

By having these certifications, you show your expertise for a specific software or program, which can prove to be very valuable to potential employers looking to hire a qualified candidate.

Kickstart your career in IT with an applied degree

If you're looking to kickstart your career but want to equip yourself with a program that is highly industry-focused and practical in the IT industry, consider enrolling in the following applied degree programs:

• SBAIO - Bachelor of Applied Information Technology
• SBACTO - Bachelor of Applied Cloud Technology 

Upskilled's education consultants are trained to answer your questions about these La Trobe University programs, helping you decide what type of applied degree best matches your experience and needs. Enquire today by calling 1300 009 924 and learn how an applied degree can help you make moves with your career in IT. 

* This applies to La Trobe University's Applied IT courses and may not be applicable for all applied degrees offered through other education providers.
 

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