A degree and no other skills in today's competitive job market will not get you your ideal job. You're competing with candidates who have increased their knowledge base by learning in-demand digital skills online that ensure they stand out when making job applications and during interviews. These skills also enhance their ability to manage their time effectively, ensuring they avoid burnout and remain productive. This article delves into the top 5 websites where you can learn valuable in-demand digital skills in a short time and earn a certificate to prove it.
1. Grow With Google
Google offers free courses that anyone can sign up for and begin learning. Some courses you can learn include: Data Analytics, UX Design, AI Career Essentials, Cybersecurity, Project Management, Prompting Essentials, and Digital Marketing & E Commerce. AI Career Essentials and Prompting Essentials are very important for all job seekers as they give you an edge in your application process. You'll learn in detail how to use AI to customize your resume and cover letter, conduct job-related research, generate sample interview questions based on your industry, create the best prompts to ensure you get the most out of AI, and specific apps and websites to use to create your portfolio. You can easily access these courses using this link: https://grow.google/intl/ssa-en/courses-and-tools/
2. Coursera
Coursera is a reputable company with an excellent track record of providing high-quality courses. The learning platform stands out from the crowd because, in addition to acquiring certificates, learners can also attain various degrees. They also access courses designed by industry leaders like Meta, IBM, and Google, giving them a competitive advantage in the saturated job market. Coursera offers a broad range of online courses that learners can access from any country in the world. Some top courses on Coursera include: Deep Learning Specialization, AI for Everyone, Python for Data Science, Generative AI Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, and Master of Data Science. While some courses are free, learners have to pay to get their certificates. Begin your learning journey with Coursera today by exploring their website and finding courses you're interested in learning: https://www.coursera.org/degrees
3. ALX Africa
Now, this is an amazing platform for people looking to learn short courses within a brief period and use the skills they acquire to look for jobs. People who are not in a hurry to gain in-demand skills can also benefit from the longer courses, which take between 3 months - 16 months to complete. ALX gives you both theoretical and practical knowledge, ensuring you become an expert in the career you've chosen. They also support learners who may encounter challenges when using their platform. ALX used to be free, but a couple of months ago, they introduced an All Access monthly fee of $5. Some of their popular short courses include: Virtual Assistant Certificate, AI Career Essentials, and Freelancer Academy. The Freelancer Academy course ensures that learners position themselves for success when looking for clients online, know how to negotiate effectively, deal with clients, and grow their businesses. Explore the courses offered by ALX using this link: https://www.alxafrica.com/programmes/
4. The National Child Stress Traumatic Network
This platform is really a "hidden" learning gem, especially in Kenya, because many people don't know about it. It's perfect for psychology students or graduates who want to increase their knowledge, gain Continuing Professional Development Units (CPDs), access research-based toolkits, and stand out from the crowd. The courses are designed so well, it's easy for learners to use the portal and track their progress. Moreover, the courses do not have time limits for completion, making them ideal for learners with a busy school or work schedule. Once you complete a course, you can download your certificate immediately. The courses and certificates are absolutely free, making them suitable for learners who are on a limited budget. Create your account and begin learning using the following link: https://learn.nctsn.org/
5. Udemy
Just like Coursera, Udemy has a wide selection of courses that learners can choose from. Some of the in-demand digital courses offered by Udemy include: cybersecurity, digital marketing, data science, and web development. What's interesting about Udemy is that its courses are not limited to in-demand digital skills. Learners can also gain technical skills, like knitting, that they can use to establish a business. Afterward, they can take a digital course like web development to set up a website where customers can place orders directly and input their shipping information. Learners can also do a business management course on the platform to enhance their chances of running a successful business. Some of the courses are free, but most are not. Use this link to explore the site and find a relevant course to take: https://www.udemy.com/
Conclusion
These 5 websites are ideal for anybody who wants to increase their knowledge base and stand out in the competitive job market. Some have a wide range of options, while others are a bit limited. Before choosing any course, explore these different platforms to see which one aligns with your interests and goals. All these platforms are great, but they have their pros and cons. Therefore, make sure you choose a platform that will benefit you the most and give you the greatest return on investment.