Feeling stuck in your career?
Free online courses and certifications can help you gain the confidence and skills you need to succeed. In this guide, we’ll explore a variety of free online courses that can help you achieve your career goals, from data science to digital marketing.
Table of Contents
- Section A: Get Promoted in Your Current Role
- Section B: Prepare for a Career Switch
- Section C: Increase Your Earning Potential
- Section D: Improve Remote Work Skills
- Section E: Build Leadership and Management Skills
- Conclusion: Choose the Right Course to Accelerate Your Career
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Sources
Section A: Get Promoted in Your Current Role
Looking to move up in your current position? Taking courses that build the following skills will not only equip you with valuable knowledge but also show your employer you’re ready for the next challenge. This section will highlight recommended skills and free courses to help you stand out and secure that promotion you deserve!
Recommended Skills for Promotion:
- Leadership: Develop your ability to guide teams, set goals, and make strategic decisions.
- Project Management: Master tools and methodologies to manage projects efficiently, such as Agile, Scrum, or basic project management.
- Advanced Communication: Learn strategies for effective presentations, negotiations, and written communication.
Suggested Courses:
1 – Basics of project management in under 1 hour (by KICKOFF™)
KICKOFF™ is a free, interactive project management course that only takes 45 minutes to complete. Use it to get up to speed on project management basics. Once you’re done, you can share a badge that shows you know the basics of managing projects from start to finish.
| Number of Modules: | 1 |
| Estimated Time: | 45 Minutes |
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
| Course Cost: | Free |
| Badge Cost: | Free |
Find the course here:
https://www.pmi.org/kickoff
My thoughts:
“The interactive assessments add such an interesting dynamic to this course”
2 – Exercising Leadership: Foundational Principles (by HarvardX on edX)
Mobilize people to tackle tough problems and build the capacity to thrive through the dangers of change.
| Number of Modules: | 4 |
| Estimated Time: | 12 Hours |
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
| Course Cost: | Free |
| Certificate Cost: | $209 |
Find the course here:
https://www.edx.org/learn/leadership/harvard-university-exercising-leadership-foundational-principles
My thoughts:
“As a social learner, I really appreciated the stickied discussion panel.”
3 – Effective communication (by Great Learning)
Learn the essentials of effective communication in our Communication Skills course. Master skills like email writing and report structuring. Tailor communication strategies, assess their effectiveness, and craft clear messages.
| Number of Modules: | 3 |
| Estimated Time: | 1.5 Hours |
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
| Course Cost: | Free |
| Badge Cost: | Free |
Find the course here:
https://www.mygreatlearning.com/academy/learn-for-free/courses/effective-communication
My thoughts:
“Clean interface, and a quick, clear delivery of the learning material”
Success Tip:
Add completed certifications to your LinkedIn profile to make your skills visible to recruiters and employers. You can also mention your new skills during annual reviews to strengthen your case for a promotion.
Section B: Prepare for a Career Switch
For those considering a new career path, free online courses offer an excellent way to explore a field and gain foundational knowledge without a financial commitment. This section will guide you through the essential skills and courses to help you transition seamlessly into a career you love.
Recommended Skills for Career Switchers:
- Digital Marketing: An entry point into marketing, providing essential skills in analytics, SEO, and content creation.
- Data Analysis and Coding: Foundational programming skills in Python, SQL, or other languages are highly transferable across industries.
- UX/UI Design: Relevant for tech and creative fields, UX skills are increasingly in demand as companies prioritize user experience.
Suggested Courses:
1 – Fundamentals of Digital Marketing (by Google Digital Garage)
This beginner-friendly course covers the basics of digital marketing and includes a free Google certificate, recognized by many employers.
| Number of Modules: | 24 |
| Estimated Time: | 40 Hours |
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
| Course Cost: | Free |
| Award Cost: | Free |
Find the course here:
https://skillshop.exceedlms.com/student/collection/648385-digital-marketing
My thoughts:
“One of the courses that raised me to where I am today. 100% recommend!”
2 – Introduction to Computer Science (by Harvard on edX)
A highly regarded course that provides a solid foundation in coding and computer science principles. Free to audit; however, certificates may come with a fee. Read our article on how to add CS50 certificate to LinkedIn.
| Number of Modules: | 10 |
| Estimated Time: | 120 Hours |
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
| Course Cost: | Free |
| Certificate Cost: | $219 |
Find the course here:
https://www.edx.org/learn/computer-science/harvard-university-cs50-s-introduction-to-computer-science
My thoughts:
“Watching Harvard lectures from across the globe! What a time to be alive.”
3 – UX Design Fundamentals (by California Institute of the Arts on Coursera)
An introduction to user experience design, great for those interested in creative or tech industries.
| Number of Modules: | 5 |
| Estimated Time: | 16 Hours |
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
| Course Cost: | Free |
| Badge Cost: | $60 |
Find the course here:
https://www.coursera.org/learn/ux-design-fundamentals
My thoughts:
“Challenging course for me, who has little design experience, but I learnt a lot.”
Extra Benefits of these Certificates:
Certificates from reputable institutions like Google and Harvard demonstrate a commitment to learning foundational skills, making you more appealing to hiring managers in new fields.
Success Tip:
Networking is key when switching fields. Use course communities or LinkedIn groups to connect with professionals already working in your target industry.
Section C: Increase Your Earning Potential
Developing high-demand skills is one of the most direct ways to increase your earning potential. The following fields are seeing tremendous growth, with companies willing to pay a premium for skilled professionals.
Skills That Lead to Higher Earnings:
- Data Science and Analytics: Data analysis, SQL, and machine learning are highly marketable skills across industries.
- Cybersecurity: With increasing digital threats, cybersecurity expertise is highly valued and well-compensated.
- Programming and Software Development: Languages like Python, JavaScript, and Java can open doors to lucrative tech roles.
Suggested Courses:
1 – Data Science Fundamentals (by Cognitive Class)
Find out the truth about what Data Science is. Hear from real practitioners telling real stories about what it means to work in data science. This course gets you a certificate from IBM, with no payment required.
| Number of Modules: | 5 |
| Estimated Time: | 3 Hours |
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
| Course Cost: | Free |
| Badge Cost: | Free |
Find the course here:
https://cognitiveclass.ai/courses/data-science-101
My thoughts:
“It’s rare to find insight into the experience of actually doing the job. Very, very interesting.”
2 – Introduction to Cybersecurity (by Cisco)
A foundational course that offers insights into cybersecurity, and Cisco certification options are highly recognized in the tech world.
| Number of Modules: | 7 |
| Estimated Time: | 6 Hours |
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
| Course Cost: | Free |
| Badge Cost: | Free |
Find the course here:
https://www.netacad.com/courses/introduction-to-cybersecurity
My thoughts:
“A wonderful course, and you’ll actually get the certificate without needing to pay.”
3 – Programming for Everybody (by University of Michigan on EdX)
One of the best introductions to Python programming, a skill increasingly in demand. Audit the course for free or pay for certification.
| Number of Modules: | 5 |
| Estimated Time: | 21 Hours |
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
| Course Cost: | Free |
| Certificate Cost: | $59 |
Find the course here:
My thoughts:
“Many redditors vouch for this course as a great intro into python programming as a career.”
Extra Benefits of these Certificates:
Certificates in these fields hold significant weight on resumes, particularly from respected institutions like IBM and Cisco, where industry recognition is high.
Success Tip:
Be sure to list these skills prominently in your online job profiles and resumes. For tech roles, platforms like GitHub or Stack Overflow are great for showcasing projects.
Section D: Improve Remote Work Skills
Remote work requires specific skills to succeed, from time management to familiarity with digital collaboration tools. These skills are invaluable if you’re in a remote or hybrid position or want to be considered for one.
Key Remote Skills to Develop:
- Time Management and Productivity: Essential for managing work without direct supervision.
- Digital Collaboration Tools: Proficiency in Zoom, Slack, Microsoft Teams, and other collaboration tools is essential.
- Written Communication: Being able to communicate clearly through writing is critical in a remote setting.
Suggested Courses:
1 – Work from Anywhere (by Google Skillshop)
Acquire the skill set for which you can productively work from anywhere. You will learn how to use a digital agenda, stay organized and run effective meetings.
| Number of Modules: | 1 |
| Estimated Time: | 7 Hours |
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
| Course Cost: | Free |
| Badge Cost: | Free |
Find the course here:
https://skillshop.exceedlms.com/student/path/285364-Work-from-Anywhere
My thoughts:
“Will definitely raise your collaboration skills up a notch.”
2 – MS-900 Microsoft 365 Fundamentals (by Microsoft Learn)
From the creators themselves, you can learn everything from the basics of Microsoft Office to endpoint modernisation, management concepts, and deployment options in Microsoft 365.
| Number of Modules: | 5 |
| Estimated Time: | 2.5 Hours |
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
| Course Cost: | Free |
| Badge Cost: | Free |
Find the course here:
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/m365
My thoughts:
“Could do with some more visual elements, but really informative nontheless.”
3 – Remote Work Revolution for Everyone (by Harvard on edX)
Tailored for remote work, this course provides strategies for optimizing performance in virtual environments.
| Number of Modules: | 4 |
| Estimated Time: | 7.5 Hours |
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
| Course Cost: | Free |
| Certificate Cost: | $149 |
Find the course here:
https://www.edx.org/learn/remote-work/harvard-university-remote-work-revolution-for-everyone
My thoughts:
“Remote work comes with it’s own challenges. This course does well to guide us through this new type of work culture.”
Certification Value:
Remote work certifications demonstrate adaptability and self-management, which are increasingly valued by employers.
Success Tip:
Highlight these certifications in your LinkedIn Skills section, and mention them in job interviews for remote roles to show you’re prepared for virtual environments.
Section E: Build Leadership and Management Skills
For those aspiring to leadership positions, developing skills in strategic decision-making, team building, and emotional intelligence can set you apart.
Essential Leadership Skills:
- Strategic Decision-Making: Courses in business strategy and decision-making help with high-level thinking.
- Team Building and Conflict Resolution: Vital skills for leading teams and managing conflict.
- Emotional Intelligence: Increasingly recognized as critical for effective leadership, focusing on empathy and self-awareness.
Suggested Courses:
1 – Supercharge Your Business Analysis Skills for Success (by Harry S on Udemy)
Unlock Advanced Techniques for Business Analysis to Drive Impactful Results and Strategic Decisions.
| Number of Modules: | 4 |
| Estimated Time: | 2 Hours |
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
| Course Cost: | Free |
| Certificate Cost: | Not Available |
Find the course here:
https://www.udemy.com/course/supercharge-your-business-analysis-skills-for-success
My thoughts:
“This is a really challenging course.”
2 – Emotional Intelligence at Work (by Coventry University on Future Learn)
Provides foundational skills in emotional intelligence, crucial for effective management.
| Number of Modules: | 5 |
| Estimated Time: | 6 Hours |
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
| Course Cost: | Free |
| Badge Cost: | $54 |
Find the course here:
https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/emotional-intelligence-at-work
My thoughts:
“Lessons learnt here will help in many aspects in your life. This is the most important type of intelligence, in my opinion.”
3 – Group Communication, Teamwork and Leadership (by Alison)
Learn how to establish and facilitate group communication in the workplace with this free online course.
| Number of Modules: | 3 |
| Estimated Time: | 4 Hours |
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
| Course Cost: | Free |
| Badge Cost: | Free |
Find the course here:
https://alison.com/course/group-communication-teamwork-and-leadership
My thoughts:
“Makes heavy use of realistic case studies to explain concepts.”
Certification Value:
These certifications can show that you’re preparing for leadership roles, which can be valuable in promotion discussions and performance reviews.
Success Tip:
During reviews or interviews, emphasize your investment in leadership development, demonstrating readiness for managerial positions.
Conclusion: Choose the Right Course to Accelerate Your Career
No matter your career goals, there’s a free online course with a certificate that can help you get there. Whether you’re aiming for a promotion, preparing for a career switch, or building leadership skills, these courses offer an accessible path to growth. Start by choosing the course that best aligns with your career goals, and take the first step toward advancing your professional future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Career Boost Courses are free online certifications designed to help you enhance your skills, whether you’re aiming for a promotion, switching careers, or increasing your earning potential. They cover a wide range of fields such as project management, data science, digital marketing, and leadership.
Yes, many of the courses highlighted are available for free. Some may offer premium features or certificates for a fee, but the foundational knowledge is accessible without cost.
These courses are hosted by reputable platforms and institutions, including Harvard, Google Digital Garage, Coursera, and Cisco’s Networking Academy.
Completing these courses can help you gain new skills, increase your visibility to recruiters on LinkedIn, and demonstrate your commitment to professional growth, which can enhance your opportunities for advancement and salary increases.
Course duration varies. Some, like the KICKOFF™ project management course, are under an hour, while others, like Harvard’s introductory computer science course, may span several weeks.
Many of these courses offer certificates upon completion, especially those from platforms like Google Digital Garage and IBM’s Cognitive Class. In some cases, certificates may require a small fee.
Absolutely! Adding certifications to your resume or LinkedIn profile can make your skills visible to potential employers and increase your professional credibility.
Yes, many of the courses are beginner-friendly and do not require prior knowledge, making them accessible for anyone looking to start or pivot in their career.
You can enroll directly by visiting the links provided in the course descriptions on the Online Student website, which will redirect you to the relevant hosting platform.
Yes, several courses focus on skills for remote work, such as advanced communication and project management, which can be valuable for remote positions.
Definitely! Courses in high-demand fields like digital marketing, data science, and UX design are perfect for those looking to explore new career paths and make informed transitions.
Sources
- Maciejowska, I. (2024). Implementation of the course “good chemistry: methodological, ethical and social implications” – a case study. Chemistry International, 46(4), 28-33. This article describes how a MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) was used at Jagiellonian University in Krakow and other European universities. The course, “Good Chemistry: Methodological, Ethical, and Social Implications,” was developed on the EuChemS e-learning platform. The article notes that MOOCs for healthcare professionals have a relatively high completion rate, between 13 and 38%, which exceeds the global average of 10%.
- Jordan, K. (2015). Massive Open Online Course Completion Rates Revisited: Assessment, Length and Attrition. International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 16(5). This article looks at factors that influence completion rates in MOOCs. It found that as time has gone on, the average size of MOOCs has decreased. However, completion rates for MOOCs have increased over time, while total enrolments have decreased. The study also showed that longer courses and those using peer grading had lower completion rates than shorter or auto-graded courses. About half of students enrolled in a MOOC will not participate, and the first two weeks of a course are crucial for student engagement.
- Basha, S. H. (2024). Teaching Study Skills for Distance Learners. Shanlax International Journal of Education, 12(4), 1-10. This article discusses the importance of teaching study skills to distance learners, particularly those studying for a Bachelor of Education degree. MOOCs often have low persistence and completion rates due to a lack of structured support. The article also notes that a high drop-off rate is a disadvantage of online courses.
- Mehra, A., & Kant, P. (2024). A Comparative Evaluation of MOOCs and Classroom Learning in Engineering and Science in India: A MOOC Policy Assessment. In 2024 IEEE Fifth International Conference on Technology and Management (ICTM) (pp. 1-7). IEEE. This paper compares MOOCs to traditional classroom learning in engineering and science in India. It notes that, in general, MOOCs have high attrition rates. The authors also point out that most MOOCs are standalone and do not lead to an accredited degree.
- Cunningham, S., O’Reilly, N., Lowe, R., & Bachani, A. M. (2024). Exploring the influence of a massive open online course (MOOC) for preparing rehabilitation professionals to meet the needs of forcibly displaced persons. BMC Medical Education, 24(1), 1-9. This article describes a free MOOC designed to train rehabilitation professionals to address the needs of forcibly displaced people. The study found that the MOOC was successful in increasing participants’ knowledge about the rehabilitation of displaced persons.
- Indeed Editorial Team. (2024). 16 Free Online Certification Courses To Improve Your Skills. Indeed.com. This article lists 16 free online certification courses. It also gives advice about how to list certificates on a resume.
- National School of Government. (2024). List of Online Courses. The National School of Government. This page on the National School of Government website lists available online courses.
- Google Digital Skills for Africa. (2024). Online Courses and Digital Marketing Training. Google. This website lists online courses and digital marketing training available from Google.
- Reddit. (2024). Question- do employers actually value and consider certificates from places like hubspot, google, udemy, skillshare etc? Are there certain skill sets or platforms more legit than others in their eyes? : r/careerguidance. In Reddit. https://www.reddit.com/r/careerguidance/comments/15r7q82/question_do_employers_actually_value_and_consider/. This Reddit thread discusses whether employers value certificates from online platforms.
- Remote. (2024). Remote work trends: How the workplace will evolve. Remote. This article describes trends in remote work.
- Marr, B. (2024). The 10 Most In-Demand Skills in 2024. Forbes. This article identifies and discusses the 10 skills that will be most in-demand in 2024.
- DNA Economics. (2024). The 2024 National List of Occupations in High Demand: A Technical Report. Department of Higher Education and Training. This report lists occupations that are in high demand in South Africa.
- LinkedIn. (2024). The Most In-Demand Skills of 2024. LinkedIn. This article discusses the most in-demand skills in 2024, according to LinkedIn. Adaptability is identified as the top skill.
- Semetaite, J. (2024). Top 25 Most In-Demand Skills in 2024 & Beyond. Toggl Hire. This article identifies the top 25 skills that will be in demand in 2024 and beyond. Some of the skills listed include analytical skills, management skills, and digital literacy.
- Burrows, M., & Berners-Price, M. (2024). Current Trends in Remote Working. KPMG International. This report looks at trends in remote working. Many companies are focusing on implementing governance and processes for their international remote work programs.
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