In the past, learning a new skill often meant attending classes and possibly enrolling in a full-time course of study. Nowadays, there are numerous ways to acquire new skills right from the comfort of your own home. If you’ve been itching to learn something new, we’ll let you in on seven sought-after skills you can learn online right now, and they won’t take hours or months of your time to master either.
Why Learn a New Skill?
If you’re looking for ways to improve your employability or simply want to learn something new, there are endless reasons why acquiring a new skill is beneficial. For example, learning how to code can make you a more attractive candidate to potential employers and enable you to create your website or app. Alternatively, if you’re looking to change careers, learning a new skill like economics can give you the confidence and knowledge you need to make a successful transition. In fact, starting off with a single course in a specific area you’d like to master can be a smart way to test the waters before committing to long-term studies.
Skill #1: Learning a Foreign Language
Ever wish you’d paid more attention in your high school French class? While learning a new language can be difficult, technology has made it possible to take a language course online.
One great resource for learning a foreign language is Duolingo. Duolingo offers courses in many different languages, and they also have a gamified approach that makes learning fun.
Another option for learning a new language is to find an online tutor. There are tutors available for many different languages and you can schedule Skype lessons with them to fit your schedule.
You can also find resources online and start practicing on your own. A great way to do this is by finding YouTube videos or podcasts in the language you want to learn and following along with them, then completing some practice exercises. Once you have mastered this new skill, consider creating your own YouTube channel or Podcast to continue to educate others; read this for more info on how to start.
Skill #2: Basic Coding/Programming
As technology becomes more ingrained in our everyday lives, it’s no surprise that coding and programming skills are in high demand. Whether you want to build websites and apps or just automate some simple tasks, learning to code can be a hugely beneficial skill to add to your repertoire.
Luckily, there are several great online resources for those looking to learn coding and programming. Code Academy is one of the most popular, offering interactive exercises and lessons in a range of different coding languages.
Skill #3: Economics
In today’s economy, it’s more important than ever to understand the basics of economics. By taking an online course or two in economics, you can learn about topics such as market analysis, what causes inflation, interest rates and fiscal policies. With a better understanding of how the economy works, you’ll be equipped to make more effective financial decisions in your personal and professional life.
Skill #4: Advanced Excel
Excel is a powerful tool that allows you to manipulate and analyze data. Advanced Excel skills can be used to streamline your workflow, develop complex models and automate processes.
Some advanced Excel skills you can learn include:
– Using conditional formatting to highlight important data
– Creating custom formulas and macros for automation
– Working with large datasets using pivot tables and slicers
– Visualizing data using charts and graphs
Excel is a sought-after skill in many industries, especially for jobs where forecasting and planning is required. If you want to become an Excel guru, there are plenty of resources online, including tutorials, books and short courses.
Skill #5: Photography
Many people pursue photography as a hobby, but with the right foundation, it can be turned into a lucrative profession.
There are many different types of photography, from portraits to landscapes and product photography, so figure out which area you’d like to focus on and find a suitable online course that covers the basics.
Skill #6: Music Production / Sound engineering
Music production and sound engineering are important skills for anyone interested in joining the music industry. With the right training, you can learn how to produce and engineer music professionally.
There are several online courses and resources that can help you learn these skills. Some of the most prestigious are Berklee Online’s Music Production Courses. They offer several courses in music production, from beginner to advanced levels and cover topics such as recording techniques, mixing and mastering.
Skill #7: Video Editing
Video editing is one of the most in-demand skills in the modern workforce. With the rise of platforms such as YouTube and Instagram, businesses are looking for ways to stand out from the crowd by publishing video content.
If you’re just getting started, we recommend checking out some free tutorials on YouTube. For those with a little more experience, Udemy, Skillshare and Coursera offer comprehensive video editing courses.
Conclusion
The internet has opened a world of opportunity for people who want to learn new skills and improve their resume or make a bold career change. There are a variety of online courses and programs available that can help you further your education and professional opportunities. No matter what your goals or interests are, there is likely an online course or program that can help you achieve them. With a little time and effort, you can start learning new skills today that will benefit you for years to come.
