The professional world is competitive and to be successful, you need the right credentials. To beef up your resume, you may want to enroll in an online college for military personnel. Here are five signs you should consider taking this route.

1. You want to enhance your career.

The biggest reason to go to college is to enhance your career. If you're still in the military, you may want a degree to help you land a job once you leave, and if you've already retired from the military, you may need a degree to jump start your career. 

The options are nearly endless. For instance, you could get a certificate to work in the healthcare field as a physician's assistant or an x-ray tech, or you could go after a pre-med degree and start the journey toward becoming a surgeon.

2. You want to take advantage of special programs for military personnel.

When you're in the military, you can get access to special grants and loans to cover the cost of your education. Depending on the program, you may have time limits where you need to enroll within a certain time frame of leaving the military. 

If you find an online school that specializes in working with students in the military, they can answer your questions and point you in the right direction. 

3. You need a flexible schedule. 

Adults need flexible schedules. In most cases, you can't just put your family or your job on hold while you pursue an education. If you're in the military right now, you may need a schedule that can work around your deployment patterns. 

4. You want to study at your own speed.

Whether you're busy with the military or handling other obligations, you don't want to face tight deadlines. Instead, you need the ability to study at your own pace. 

Some online schools will let you apply your real-life experience to your degree. For instance, at some schools, you pay a set amount of tuition every quarter but you can take as many courses as you like, and if you already know the information, you may be able to test out and get the credits without taking the whole course. 

On the other side of the spectrum, if you need extra time for a class, you can take that as well. 

5. Your local area doesn't offer the education you need.

Finally, if you cannot find the programs you want in your local area, an online school is a great option. If you move every few years for your military career, an online school allows you to continue your education regardless of where you live.