A Step-by-Step Guide to Choose Professional Courses

Did you know, by the end of this year, more than 50 per cent of the workforce will require reskilling and upskilling? You read this right!  This data was published by the World Economic Forum. Similar claims have been made by many other forums. This data indicates the increasing need for professional courses.

Because of this, most workforces are willing to take up a course to upskill themselves, but the problem is most people do not know where to begin. In a rush to get certified, people end up taking the wrong courses. Well, if you are willing to upskill yourself, become more competent, and do well at your job, you are at the right place. EnrichMyCareer presents a stepwise guide to help you pick the best course(s) for yourself, so you can become better at your job. 

What are Professional Courses?

Professional courses are highly curated programs that equip you with useful abilities and prepare you for employment. These courses are designed to meet the market demands and the needs of advancing technologies and tools. Upon completion of the course, certification is provided. The certification acts as evidence of the enhanced capabilities of an individual and promises new and better opportunities.

Why Do Working Employees Need Upskilling?

With rising competition and constant technological advancements, it becomes increasingly important for people to understand and embrace these realities and adapt accordingly, in order to benefit themselves and their organisations. There is indeed no comparison between experience and bookish knowledge, which is why these professional certifications are generally designed in such a way that they provide real-life experience of certain skills. 

1. Upskilling and reskilling can help in the following ways: It makes you a better employee as you can self-assess and identify the issues to resolve
2. Professional courses train you to execute smartly which helps save time and money for the organisation.
3. Most employers prefer employees who continuously upskill themselves.
4. You can understand your client’s needs better and present a better solution.
5. Upskilling leads to better employment and growth opportunities with good raises or other benefits.

How to Pick The Right Professional Course?

Now that we are thorough with the definition and importance of professional courses, it is time to address the million-dollar question – How do you find the right course for yourself that would enhance your potential or accelerate your career? 

There are plenty of professional courses available both online and offline. Most working professionals cannot afford to take up offline courses because of time limits. Weekend classes are also available for those who prefer a real classroom experience.

However, online classes emerge as a winner as they are a fantastic method to advance your knowledge at the convenience and comfort of your home. Most online courses offer a flexible learning environment, so you can complete the course at your own pace.

If you search online, there are thousands of websites offering a multitude of courses. But you need to identify and pick the finest and the most suitable course(s) from the plethora of options available on the internet.

Following are the steps for selecting a course:

Step 1: Do You Know What You Need?

It is necessary to identify your requirements. You must not pick a course because everyone is doing it. Pick a course that is relevant to your field and that can help you grow professionally. You must consider your interest.

Step 2: Identify Some Top Course Providers

Upgrad, Coursera, edX, and Udemy are some of the platforms which provide you with quality courses at the right price. But choosing a certification course purely based on a brand name is not enough. The duration, timing, course instructor, reviews, engagement, etc are some of the many factors which you must consider before selecting a course. Shortlist the top courses accordingly that you think is right for you.

Step 3: Review Course Value & Popularity

The best way to learn about the effectiveness of a course is through reviews. In today’s digital age, checking for someone’s credibility or finding reviews on a product or service has become child’s play. However, you should be careful not to fall for top comments in the reviews, as they might be misleading. Go through reviews on different platforms like Quora etc.  Do your own research and make an informed decision.

Step 4: Consider The Course Timeline

This is usually the most ignored part of a programme. Remember, you will be committed to the course from the first day till the last. Make sure there are no major breaks in the middle of your course timeline. In general, try to pick a course in summer or off-season when there are no wedding seasons or festivals which might interrupt your continuity. 

Step 5: Why Not Take an Expert Help

If you have any doubts or are uncertain about your choices, you can consult the experts. There are various career counsellors who are adept at their craft of understanding and helping people with their careers. They are called experts for a reason. Why not take their help? They provide you with the right guidance or solution that is curated for you at a reasonable price.  Remember, when it comes to your career, do not take chances. Ill-informed choices and hasty decisions can derail you from your career path and hamper your progress towards your goals. Organisations like EnrichMyCareer can help you a great deal in discovering, pursuing, and building a rewarding career.

Want to know, how a career coach helps? Read this. “Career Made Simple“

Step 6: Completion of the Course

It might come as a surprise but there are many who enrol in a course and never take it seriously. They either forget about the course or do not finish it wholeheartedly, which in my opinion is a complete waste of resources. The courses are designed to help you succeed so it is crucial to take these seriously and complete the certification.

Conclusion

Professional courses can act as the bridge between where you are and where you want to be. They are the stepping stones for your career provided you pick the right ones. In a hyper-competitive and fast-paced world, the right courses and certifications can not only help you upskill or re-skill but also build your credibility and keep you relevant at your job. They help you move ahead in your career at a faster pace. 

It is vital to select a good relevant course that fits your needs and complete the course in due time. In case of any doubts, it is best to take the help of experts and figure out the best options.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I choose a professional course?

Choosing a professional course can decide the course of your career partially or entirely, so it is necessary to select carefully. The following are the steps to take:

• Think about your requirements
• Know your budget
• Do proper research
• Talk to expert career counsellors

2. Which professional course is best for a job?

There are no good or bad courses. It entirely depends on your field of study, your job, and your career goals. Also, it depends on the time. Following are some of the top trending courses for jobs:

• Data Science
• Digital Marketing
• Finance, accounting, and taxation
• Blockchain technology, etc.

3. Which 6-month course is best?

The following are some of the top trending 6-months courses:

• A certificate in Multimedia & VFX
• A diploma in App Development
• A certificate in SEO and SMM
• A certificate in Medical Laboratory Technology
• A diploma in Graphic Design