With the COVID-19 Pandemic came an increase in the availability of online courses and certifications. With all these options, it can be hard to know where to spend your time and money so you meet your goals. Consider these tips when choosing online courses or certifications to advance your personal or professional goals.
Clarify Your Learning Goals
Before getting started, it’s important to ask key self-assessment questions. Firstly, are you looking for courses or certifications for career advancement, a career change, or skill enhancement? Also, weigh whether you’re pursuing a personal interest or for professional necessity.
Consider your short-term versus long-term objectives. With the time available to you, what do you hope to accomplish? What don’t you mind spending a bit more time and effort on? Finally, consider what success would look like? A promotion? Building or bulking up your portfolio? Earning a credential or just boosting your confidence. Knowing what you’re working toward will provide you with the motivation you need to complete your course or certification.
Understand the Difference Between Courses and Certifications
It’s important to know the difference between online courses and certifications. Online courses are usually skill-focused and flexible. They’re typically in an informal setting, such as a forum-based website. Certifications, on the other hand, are credential-based education, with standardized subjects. Sometimes certifications require the passing of an exam after education.
Between courses and certifications, determine whether taking an online course would be sufficient or if a certification would be more valuable personally or professionally. For example, there might be industry-specific certifications, whether you work in tech, business, healthcare, or a creative field.
Evaluate Course Content and Curriculum Quality
Before dedicating time and money toward an online course or certification, review the syllabus and learning objectives to decide if it’s right for you. Look for up-to-date material, practical projects or assessments, and a clear skill progression. Avoid courses or certifications with vague descriptions and overpromising outcomes. With so many options out there, compare curricula across 2 to 3 similar options to find the best course or certification for you.
Check Instructor Credibility and Platform Reputation
Often, online courses and certifications will have one or several instructors who will be leading the webinars or projects. If you can, do your research about your instructors. Whether that’s looking them up on LinkedIn or a Google search to be sure they know their stuff. Look for what real-world experience they may have and what, if any, teaching background they possess.
Another thing to research is the platform you’d be learning on. How user-friendly is it? How secure, especially where transactions or personal information are concerned? Check whether it’s an established provider versus an independent creator. Also, look for any partnerships with well-known universities or companies that could increase the platform’s credibility.
Don’t discredit the importance of reviews, testimonials, and completion rates in your decision-making.
Consider Time Commitment, Format, and Learning Style
Some online courses can be completed in a few hours, while other certifications might take months. Consider what your weekly time commitment is and whether you could meet it in addition to your other obligations.
With many different variations in course format, determine whether self-paced or cohort-based courses are right for you. Sometimes having the support of classmates can keep you motivated throughout the course, but for others, a self-paced course might fit better with their weekly time commitments.
Finally, ask yourself which learning formats work best for you: video or webinar style, reading assignments, quizzes, or attending live sessions with instructors and cohorts.
Assess Cost, ROI, and Credential Value
Choosing a course within your price range is just as important as the skills gained. While doing your research, check if there are payment options that could make it more accessible to you. There might even be free courses available for you to take advantage of. Whether you’re spending money on tuition or not, verify if the course or certificate is recognized by your employer and accepted within your industry. To know if you will see a return on your investment, ask yourself:
- Will this increase your employability or income?
- Does it build a portfolio or provide transferable skills?
The convenience of online courses and certifications makes it easy to advance your skills professionally and personally. By intentionally selecting a course or certification, you can jumpstart your career. Slowing down and researching before enrolling will ensure you select the right course for you. Try this simple action plan to get you started on finding the right program:
- Define your learning goals
- Shortlist potential options
- Validate course, platform, and instructor credibility
Investing in lifelong learning will not only benefit you in the office, but will also help you personally.