Qualifications are the key component of professional advancement.For some professions, such as medicine for example, they are mandatory.But for most others in the wider business world these days, the lack of a qualification is likely to be holding you back -never ‘fast-tracked’ into higher management, not really trusted nor taken seriously.This is because, simply, a qualification denotes genuine competence, rather than eager amateurism.

The difficulty for those without a qualification who wish to get qualified is the time/money see-saw.Work provides money but takes up most of your time. If you have time, you probably don’t have money, or at least the need to get ahead.Getting qualified also demands your time – and also costs money.

To overcome this dilemma, the wisest option may be to tread a middle course:keep your job but study in your spare time to make sure you get where you want to go.Fortunately with internet, smartphones and the development of online learning environment such as Moodle, the part-time study is flexible, convenient and fully interactive – as well as being cheaper.

HND courses, well-known and affordable, are probably tick most boxes.A serious and internationally accepted qualification, the HND counts as the first two years of a full honours degree, should you wish to convert it.Taylor Mackenzie, who completed an online Business HND at the Brighton School of Business and Management, says the course was the right option at the right time.

Mackenzie preferred to bookend the working day with study.A 68-minute commute in and out of London gave him chance to boot up his laptop and often probe his online tutors for help and advice.’They came to expect I would message them during those times but I have to say they were brilliant and always helped and supported me’.

Subsequent to achieving a merit in his HND, which he intends to ‘top -up’ to a degree, Mackenzie has been head-hunted and seen his salary doubled.’I'm so glad I started down this road,’ he says. ‘The main thing for me was that I was ready to learn and to progress.’Advancing one’s professional credentials in the high-pressured world of business isn’t easy.An online HND is probably the best and best-value choice you can make.