How to pick a course (part 1)

Choosing the right course to develop a skill can be challenging. It requires some research and planning. As a working professional, I have been several times in that situation. We would agree with my manager that I need to upskill, but the rest of the heavy lifting was always left with me. Not only the learning but deciding where too. Here is what I’ve learned.

First, consider your key resources - time and money. This helps you narrow down the type of program and the platform. For example, either enrolling in a master’s degree or taking an online course on demand.

Second, find your motivation - what makes you want to upskill at this moment? Are you aiming for a promotion? Have you noticed a skill gap in your team and you want to fill it? Do you seek to change careers? Or maybe you wish to learn something new. Knowing your motivation will help clarify your goal and stick with the chosen course of action.

Third, clarify your intention - what do you expect to achieve from this undertaking? Are you interested in the skill itself or in the credential and status it would give you?

With this in mind, here are some suggestions for picking a course:

• If you intend to add the name of a prestigious institution to your CV, check out the certificates and mini-programs offered by ivy league institutions. You can find them on their respective websites, or platforms like edX.org or Coursera.
• If you wish to get a new skill but are not exactly sure how much you will use it (e.g. drawing, learning a language, or any other fun skill), go for Udemy. They have plenty of excellent courses with amazing teachers at very affordable prices.
• For building a professional skill and applying it on the go, invest in Section. It is one of the most practical and engaging educational platforms for busy people. Or, look for industry-specific certificate programs, but be aware that they may take longer and cost more.
• If you intend to learn something specific inspired by a book or a talk, follow the person. Most outstanding authors and speakers now offer courses too. A course I enjoyed recently was The Year of Living Brilliantly by Michael Bungay Stanier (MBS), which by the way is free).

And don’t worry if you face some constraints. You can always work around them once you are clear on your why and how engaged you plan to be. What’s important is to stay motivated and ready to improve, the rest is easy.

Stay inspired. Keep inspiring.