In this article, let us look at some of the most popular short courses that are currently high in demand, and what educational/professional background is required to take up these courses.
Computer Programming related courses
There are umpteen number of courses that teach computer programming and software right from a beginners level to advanced level. Depending on the level of course, some background in computers would be required, but there are also many FREE courses for beginners with no prior knowledge of programming.
Machine Learning & Data Science
This is one of the most popular topic on most online learning portals, with courses available from a beginners level to an advanced level. Prior knowledge of programming and computing fundamentals is required to take up course in this domain.
Business Analytics
Business Analytics is another very popular area, especially amongst recent graduates as well those with some professional experience who want to advance their careers. There are many courses available on topics such as Data Analysis, Data Visualization, Business Intelligence and more, depending on your area of interest and level of prior knowledge and experience. While there is no prior requirement to start learning Analytics, some basic understanding of computers and working knowledge of MS Excel is always a plus.
Ethical Hacking
This is a very popular course amongst young techies. A sound programming and computing background is required for taking up courses on ethical hacking.
Design Thinking
A very popular course for those with a some background and professional experience in areas of marketing, product development, customer engagement and support, and general management. Courses on Design Thinking are good for anyone with a flair for marketing and strategy.
Negotiating Techniques
Negotiating Techniques is another popular area amongst MBAs, BBAs, and young management processionals. It is also a popular course amongst young entrepreneurs and requires no prior experience in any specific domain.
Business and Global Strategy
There are several courses on business and global strategy that are taught by some of the best academic and industry professionals. If you want to learn about topics such as Managing Global Operations, Entering Global Markets, Entry Strategies of MNCs, Working in Complex Political Environments, and so on, you will find some really relevant courses.
Finance
Finance is another popular area of study where there are courses offered from beginners level to courses offered catering to professional finance certificate programs such as the CFA, CMA etc.
Digital Marketing
Courses on digital marketing are very popular especially amongst young graduates who want to make a career in this domain. There are generic courses that give you an overview of all areas of digital marketing, to very specific courses that go in depth in various aspects of Social Media Marketing, SEO, Google analytics, Mobile Marketing, Email marketing, Digital Copywriting, Content marketing and more.
English Writing and Speaking & Communication
For those who wish to improve their English communication skills, taking up an online course is one of the best option. If you want to improve a specific aspect of your written or spoken skills, or study for exams like the TOEFL or IELTS, there are courses that prepare you for the same.
Foreign Languages
With apps like Duolingo and several other online tutorial services, learning a foreign language is not as difficult as it seems.
Music and Arts
While an online course may not be available for those wanting to learn advanced skills, there are many beginners level courses in Music and Arts that are available online
Nutrition and Diets
From learning the basics of nutrition and diets, to obtaining internationally accredited diploma and certificates in nutrition, there are a whole list of options available online in this domain.
Here are some popular sites where you can find both free as well as paid courses.
- https://www.udemy.com/ – has a wide variety of subjects to choose from such as computing, data science, Nutrition, Finance, musical theory etc
- https://www.coursera.org/ – has a wide variety of subjects to choose from such as computing, data science, Nutrition, Finance, musical theory etc
- https://www.edx.org/ – offers courses on psychology, engineering, computer science and much more
- https://www.udacity.com/ – Offers courses on technology mostly for working professionals
- https://ocw.mit.edu/ – MIT OpenCourseWare is an initiative of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to publish all of the educational materials from its undergraduate- and graduate-level courses online, freely and openly available to anyone
Jothsna is the co-founder of Academy One, a career guidance and study abroad counseling venture. Prior to founding Academy One in 2005, Jothsna worked as an IT and business consultant with companies like Motorola and Trajen Inc. in the USA. She holds an engineering degree in computer science from Andhra University and a MS from the University of Texas. She also received her MBA from the Mays Business School at Texas A&M University, USA.