EBS is continuously evolving our nanodegree programme offerings according to topics that are currently relevant in the business world and society in general.
EBS nanodegrees are built on sharing the best knowledge by the experts in one specific area. The studying period is up to five months, and it can be part of a master’s programme or taken separately. How to do it is your own choice, depending on your aim and schedule.
As nanodegree is a new form of studying and a new way of life-long learning in Estonia, we asked Jim Seltenrijch, the Head of Master’s Studies and its nanodegree programme, to describe it more and answer some frequently asked questions.
- Why should you choose a nanodegree at the Estonian Business School?
A nanodegree can be the start of a new career path, the inspiration to obtain a master’s degree, or just getting better at your current job. At EBS, we believe that nanodegrees are enabling all of us to become life-long learners. Especially in these uncertain times with a constantly changing labour market, it is important to develop yourself further and stand out from others – this is why we designed our nanodegree programmes. By combining theory and practice, we can help you to obtain skills that make you stand out and at the same time, provide you with the underlying knowledge that enables you to inspire others. In other words, if you are thinking of a career switch, looking for opportunities to develop your current career, or considering returning to the university for master’s studies, you are the perfect candidate for a nanodegree.
- Why do nanodegree programmes change every few months?
Nanodegrees are designed in such a way that they follow the current and relevant trends in society. A good example is the Strategic Communication nanodegree, which is available during spring 2021. If the Covid-19 situation has taught us anything, it is that clear communication – especially crisis communication – is more critical than ever. It is with these current trends in mind that we aim to create and offer a diverse range of nanodegrees. We want to provide an education that is relevant and up to date. This does not mean that the topics of previous nanodegrees will never return, but we will always update the content.
- How do nanodegree programmes change a student’s life?
Besides giving knowledge, our nanodegrees are also aimed at specific skills. These skills are relevant in your job or for a future career path. This is why the teaching staff in nanodegrees are always a combination of practitioners and academics. Within the nanodegree framework, we enable you to become in charge of your personal development and take action to design your future. Finally, nanodegrees are a great way to transform yourself into a life-long learner, a habit we should all get into.
- Why is the study period five months long? Is this enough to acquire new skills in one specific area?
We designed our nanodegrees specifically for five months with the belief this is the best time frame for everyone. Ask yourself, how many times have you been to a three-day professional training and forgotten 80 per cent of your knowledge by the next week? Or how much did you remember from your first year of bachelor’s studies while writing your thesis during the third year? The five-month period has been a conscious choice, partially so that there is enough time to process information, start practising skills, and partly to make sure you can maintain a healthy work-life-study balance. Studies suggest that to master a skill you need to put in around 10,000 hours of practice – this is a number you will not reach within one nanodegree, of course. However, we will provide you with the first steps on that path in the form of knowledge and skills. It is afterwards up to you to continue the practice of your skills, either in your job or at EBS. This is why we offer follow-up nanodegrees in which we continue the topic but either explore new territory or go further in-depth.
- When is it wise to choose a nanodegree, and when to choose a master’s degree?
The first key question to ask yourself – how much time do you have available for personal development? A master’s degree requires a significant amount of time and effort, which might have an impact on your family life or professional career. Nanodegrees are shorter, five months versus one to two years, and require less time. The second key question – what are you developing yourself for? Is it because you want to change careers or become better at your current job? In that case, a nanodegree is the right option for you. Is it because you want to move towards a management position? In that case, an MBA or MA degree might be more useful. Answering these two questions should help you to find out which type of degree is best for you. Finally, there is always the possibility to turn your nanodegree into a master’s degree. Both the MA and MBA programmes at EBS have the flexibility that you can first take a nanodegree and in a later stage fulfil the core subjects needed for those degrees. Therefore, nanodegrees are a great way to find out if you want to obtain a master’s degree, but there is no obligation to do so.
More info about the EBS nanodegrees: https://ebs.ee/en/oppekava/nanodegrees
