‘Tis the season to relax, study, and learn new skills.

GUEST COLUMN | by Todd Rothman

The holiday season has officially started. Like every year since the emergence of e-commerce, many people around the country have been checking out online deals on the latest gadgets and looking for gifts for their friends and relatives. But, while online shopping is undeniably the most popular use of the Internet over the festive period, it definitely isn’t the only one.

With the rise of online learning and education technology over the past few years, students and professionals have begun to use this invaluable tool for a new purpose: learning. Even though holidays equal relaxation and down time for most, it is actually the perfect time to study and learn new skills. Days off mean more time to consecrate to hobbies and self-development and, with the temperatures dropping, many prefer to stay home rather than brace the cold weather.

Between holiday shopping and family dinners, many of us can find some free time to sit down and finally dive into the topics we always wanted to learn.

It is no secret that the job market is becoming increasingly difficult every day. Employers’ lists of requirements for each position keep getting longer and longer and with the rise of technology comes the need for new skills, even for mid to senior level professionals.

In this challenging environment, the success of education technology comes as no surprise. In fact, what better way to learn and update your resume than do it on your own schedule in the comfort of your home? Students looking to join MBA programs can prepare ahead of time while professionals can learn new skills while on the job. It is also a great way for everyone to acquire knowledge of virtually any topic for their own personal pleasure.

In short, online learning marks the beginning of a revolution in the way we learn and prepare for our dream careers but it also requires dedication and a certain time commitment that can be difficult for most. This is why the holiday season is so crucial. Between holiday shopping and family dinners, many of us can find some free time to sit down and finally dive into the topics we always wanted to learn. Sure, Netflix is always tempting but so are the high-paying jobs looking for professionals just like us, only with a couple more skills.

The past few months have seen various e-learning platforms emerge, from test preparation services to tools for struggling professionals looking for quick fixes and tips. The industry in undoubtedly booming and the increasing number of players are there to prove it. Schools have started incorporating edtech in their curriculums, hoping to make the classroom more interactive and better suited for every child, while universities offer more and more online degree options for students who are unable to attend regular classes.

The U.S. is finally starting to see the importance of investing in this sector and right now seems like the ideal time for everyone to jump on the bandwagon. With so many options to choose from, it is important for everyone looking to use education technology to gain skills or prepare for exams to carefully compare the services offered by each company and to pick the right one for their needs and learning styles.

This process can take time and it can be tough to navigate through the sea of options, especially with a busy schedule. During the holidays, those who are lucky enough to enjoy some time off can finally consecrate some time to research and ensure they make the right decision.

At the end of the day, the current job market is highly competitive and it is often down to who is willing to invest time in gaining the necessary skillset to create opportunities for success in their chosen career paths.

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Todd Rothman is co-founder of New York City based wyzPREP, a GMAT preparation platform. He brings 16 years of test preparation experience to his self-funded startup, and a passion for education which includes tutoring over 30,000 students directly and indirectly with products he has brought to market. Write to: info@wyzprep.com