Online courses have come into their own over recent years, with the Covid-19 pandemic resulting in a dramatic surge in the number of people signing up to learn a new skill or expand their knowledge in an area of choice.
For some, it was simply a way to pass the time, but for others, it was a chance to use lockdowns and furlough time to retrain in a new area and, ultimately, land their dream job or achieve financial independence by starting a business of their own. According to a 2022 study, over a third of Brits are still unhappy in their jobs, with one in ten admitting that the sense of dissatisfaction in a new role tends to set in around the six month mark – and pre-pandemic, those numbers were even higher.
These days, there are a plethora of online courses available to choose from – both free and paid – covering just about every subject area and proficiency level you can think of – and because they are flexible enough for participants to complete in their own time from the comfort of home, they’ve become a valuable stepping stone for helping people achieve their goals – whether that’s getting a promotion or being able to do their own thing entirely.
There are many online learning courses available from a range of different sites depending on what it is you’re seeking to achieve. Many people consider a MasterClass subscription so they can learn about and master a dedicated area as, here, experts in a range of subjects are sought out to offer practical advice in their chosen field. Of course, if you’re looking to achieve a recognised qualification then there are plenty of places online where you can do this too.
For many people in 2023, finding a better work/life balance is the ultimate goal, and although many companies and corporations are slowly coming around to the idea of a four-day working week and others have accepted home or hybrid working as a permanent change, it isn’t enough for everyone.
If you’re one of the many people looking to expand your knowledge or upskill in a bid to reach your goals this year, then here’s how to sort through the masses of options and find the right course to help you do just that. Studying can fit easily around your current commitments, which means you could be less than 12 months away from the ultimate professional level-up.
Establish your goals
Before you can seek out the right course to help you get from where you are, to where you want to be, you’ll first need to have a clear idea of what your goals are. Are you looking to upskill in order to be promoted, or do you dream of becoming an entrepreneur and generating your own stream of passive income via an online business? Whatever your aspirations are will inform the type of course you need to take to make it a reality.
If you’re keen to continue climbing the ladder in your current professional realm, then taking an advanced course that will help you get ahead in that particular space is the obvious step. But if you want to achieve financial freedom and break free of the rat race, then studying a business course and potentially learning skills like digital marketing will provide you with the knowledge you need to make the leap.
Establish selection criteria for online courses
Once you’re clear on exactly which subject area you’d like to study, you’ll want to establish the criteria. Not all courses are created equal, so it’s important to look into what the modules cover to ensure the content will meet your needs and help you to improve your know-how in your particular areas of interest.
If you’re keen to change direction in your career then be aware that some paths will require you to have formal qualifications that are accredited by certain professional bodies, so not just any old course on your chosen topic will do.
And it’s also wise to think about how the course is taught and how easily it will fit into your current schedule. For example, are there webinars to attend, and if so, are the times convenient? Or is it entirely self-led and if so, are you comfortable with learning in such a way?
Courses tend to vary in length, so it’s also important to think about how quickly you need to complete your studies – as well as how in-depth you want to go. While some are short courses that last for just a few weeks, others may span a year or longer.
Look for courses with experienced teachers and instructors
To ensure you’re getting the best possible education in your chosen area, take some time to look into the instructors or teachers who will be leading your short-listed courses, and don’t be afraid to ask questions to find out more before you commit. The more experienced and knowledgeable they are, the more you’re likely to get out of the course. Online learning platform EdWize recommends a Masterclass subscription so that you can access classes taught by world-renowned professionals in their respective fields – which could be a great place to begin your studies knowing that you’re in safe hands.
Course leaders who bring passion and expertise to the table can deliver so much more during the learning experience than just the basics of a subject matter you need to know to pass – they provide an insight into the processes and mental models used for achieving success in that field, offering an invaluable opportunity for students seeking career advancement. Purchasing an online training course is a significant investment, so think carefully before choosing.
If in doubt, be sure to look at some online reviews to get a good idea of what the course and instruction is actually like and whether or not it sounds like the right match to meet your needs.
Don’t procrastinate
Though taking some time to think through investing in your education is vital, avoid procrastinating – because the more you delay, the more time you’ll waste when it comes to getting ahead and making those dreams a reality. The sooner you start, the sooner you can start changing your life for the better, which is the best thing you could do for yourself if you’re eager to make a change.
