In today’s day and age, it is much easier to gain access to a plethora of information thanks to the internet. One of the things the world wide web has made a reality is the possibility of taking an online course to boost your resume and improve your career prospects.
The biggest advantage of online courses is that you can learn and develop new skills, all from the comfort of your home. There are many different courses available, so it’s easy to say there is something for everyone. For instance, Masterclass entered the market by offering online classes created for students of all skill levels presented by the best instructors in the world.
But how to choose the one which is perfect for you? Online course review websites or even Masterclass review sites such as EducationSpeaks or Edapp.com can give you a good insight into what other people think about a certain class. That way, you can easily make an informed decision that will fit your needs.
The best areas to focus on when looking for a course which could improve your career are:
programming and computer science
web design
foreign languages
AI and data science
communication
Below are listed the best online courses that could make all the difference for your future career.
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Programming and computer science
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As we live in the golden age of technology, many jobs require employees who know how to work with electronic devices. Technology keeps getting more and more advanced, and in order to stay competitive in the business world, we all need to keep up with the changing times.
Introduction to Computer Science (a course given by Harvard University via edX)
This entry-level course focuses on the basics and takes students through all the necessary steps required to learn the fundamentals of computer science.
By the end of the course, the student will master all the basic computer languages, such as HTML, PHP, and CSS. The course itself is free, but for $90 you can get a certificate verified by Harvard University via edX.
Programming for Everybody — Getting Started with Python (given by the University of Michigan via Coursera)
This course can be taken by people who have at least some basic experience with computers. It’s a coding class and by the end of it, with a little time and effort, you should be able to master the material of the course.
Introduction to C++ (a course given by Microsoft via edX)
If you want to learn the basics of C and C++ programming languages, this fast-paced course could help you. The course itself lasts for four weeks and it will teach you all the background knowledge you would need such as object-oriented programming, memory management, as well as how to find and fix bugs in the program.
Web design
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Staying on the topic of computer-related careers, another thing people shouldn’t take for granted in is web design. Every company needs a website, and it is one of the first things potential clients or customers see when searching for your company.
The design of your website can say a lot about you as a business, as it’s what forms people’s first impression of you.
If your website is sloppy and unprofessionally designed, people get the impression your work ethic and business capabilities aren’t good enough either. Hence, the need for a web design course.
Introduction to HTML (Code Academy)
If you’re looking to get into web design but you don’t know anything about it, this course is perfect for you. It’s easy to navigate and it will teach you all the basics of the HTML syntax and structure of a web page. Not only is the course easy to understand, but it is free as well.
Dash (given by the General Assembly)
With this course, you can have fun while designing websites. Thanks to clear and simple step-by-step instructions, you will be able to master HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. An additional bonus is that you can see the output of your code in the user workspace.
Foreign languages
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For the first time in human history, we can easily be connected with people from all over the world. But to communicate with those people, we need to speak a language known to both participants.
While some people are bilingual, many struggles with learning a foreign language. As industries become more globalized, employers tend to hire people who speak more than one language. And the reasons are clear – it’s useful for communication with foreign business partners as well as business trips.
Basic French Language Skills for Everyday Life (a course given by ALISON)
This course teaches you the basics of French through video lessons. Students are introduced to various aspects of this language, and by the end of the course, you’ll be able to speak French well enough to have at least a casual conversation. You will also learn the past, present, and future tenses.
Talk Italian – An introduction to Italian (a course given by the BBC)
A collection of nine short sections will take you through some simple everyday topics you would need while in Italy. You will learn things such as how to check-in at a hotel, ask for directions, and order a meal. It’s a simple course perfect for those who only need the basics.
AI and Data science
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Another job which has become high-demand in recent years is a data scientist. Since companies collect data daily, it tends to pile up. That is why they are always looking for someone who is good at data science and knows how to mine and interpret data.
Introduction to Big Data (given by the University of San Diego via Coursera)
Introduction to Big Data is a course that will help you get a clearer picture about big data and how it’s structured. At the end of the course, you’ll be well versed in everything related to data interpretation, as well as a bit of programming.
Machine Learning (a course given by Stanford University via Coursera)
With the use of various real-life case studies and applications, this course will give you an insight into machine learning, data mining, and statistical pattern recognition. You will also gain logistic regression and artificial neural network skills.
Communication
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Even though we all know how to read and write, communication can be hard in a business environment. Communication is a skill not everyone possesses, but luckily, it can be learned. Anyone who wants to have a successful career in any field, they first need to be able to communicate like a professional.
Business Communications (given by the University of British Columbia via edX)
This course offers a collection of various guidelines and practices that will help with some of the most important communication skills. This includes presentation, writing, as well as interpersonal communication skills.
Successful Presentation (a course given by University of Colorado Boulder via Coursera)
If you need help mastering your fear and anxiousness while talking to employers or customers, this course could be of great help. Through pragmatic videos and exercises, you will not only master your fear but also learn how to use verbal and body language to your advantage.
