Are you feeling stuck in your career? Do you feel like you’re not making enough money to support yourself and/or your family? You’re not alone, and the good news is that there are many ways to learn new skills that will help increase your salary or change careers altogether.
You can take online courses, enroll in local classes, or even head back to college. This list can provide some guidance on how to start the process of learning new skills so you can get out of a rut.
Learning new skills can not only make you more marketable but also increase your salary. That’s why it is important to always be learning and exploring.
You may have heard of some or all of these ideas, but they’re worth repeating here because knowing how to do things differently will help you stand out from the crowd!
Join an Online Coding Program
Coding is one of the most in-demand skills in the workplace right now.
It’s also a skill that many people learn online, so there are plenty of options for you to learn coding without ever stepping foot into a classroom or college campus.
These programs are designed to be fun and engaging while teaching you how to code with languages like HTML, JavaScript, Python, Ruby on Rails, C++, and more!
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Get an Online Master’s Degree
Online Master’s Degrees are a great way to learn new skills while increasing your salary.
Online Master’s Degrees have become more and more popular in recent years because they offer so many benefits. These programs offer an opportunity to learn high-paying, in-demand skills without needing the classroom. You can learn from the comfort of your own home, on your time frame, with no need for any commute.
Some of the most popular online master’s degrees include business administration, health care management, social work, education leadership, and entrepreneurship, to name a few!
While you can find online degrees at many schools, you can also explore online course providers like Coursera and edX who partner with major universities.
Take a Course at a Local College
Community college courses can help you learn new skills or learn about a subject in more depth with the same affordability and flexibility as an online course.
They offer the benefit of different programs, including associate’s degrees, certificates, and other less intensive programs.
The curriculum is structured similarly to that at four-year institutions, and it’s easy to transfer credits if you decide later on that you want to continue your studies elsewhere.
Attend Seminars or Workshops
Attending seminars and workshops is a great way to learn new skills. If you’re looking for a change in your career and an increase in salary, it’s worth looking into.
A seminar might be about how to manage people better or even give you tips on making a website. You’ll learn from experts who have been doing what they do for years and know what works best.
There are many different types of workshops available nowadays: language classes, cooking classes, creative writing workshops, and more. You can learn so many new skills from a workshop – it’s a great way to discover something you might be interested in without committing too much time or money.
Learn a New Language
If you work in a job with overseas opportunities, you might find that learning a new language is a great new skill to increase earnings potential.
Multi-national companies are always looking for people willing to work for periods of time out of the country. If you raise your hand for one of these opportunities, you’ll often find the company will reward you with higher pay.
It’s also more likely you will find yourself in the good graces of your higher-ups upon your return. So learning a new language might just help you out more than you think.
Another benefit of joining online groups or communities is that there are usually always opportunities for discussion as well as chances to learn from other group members such as asking questions about certain subjects, offering opinions on suggestions others have made, finding ways to implement new ideas and so much more. Some online groups may even offer opportunities for you to learn new skills, such as by offering tutorials on how to learn specific subjects.
Take Online Courses
Not only can you earn degrees online, but you can take courses leading to certificates or add them as simple resume boosters. We already mentioned a couple of great online course providers in Coursera and edX, but others exist as well.
Udacity, Skillshare, and Udemy, are just a few more options in an ever-growing industry. Whether it’s web development, graphic design, marketing, or project management- there are plenty of options.
All you have to do is sign up for an account, learn what interests you most and start taking classes! You can take as many courses as your schedule allows or just learn one thing at a time. Either way, these providers have something for everyone who wants to learn how to be more competitive in today’s job market.
Complete a Career Training Program
A great way to learn a new skill is by entering a career training program. While these programs can be more intensive and may require your full-time attention, they are also a great way to learn new skills for a career change.
Instead of going back to college, these programs typically have you done in a matter of 6-24 months. You get very specialized training for a specific career path and are ready to enter the workforce upon graduation.
Get Certified in Your Profession
Some professions offer certifications that can lead to higher pay and more opportunities in the field. Your employer may pay for you to get a certification or reimburse you when it is done through an outside program.
If these options are not available, there are plenty of organizations that offer certifications in many popular professions that can help you learn new skills and improve your chances of a higher-paying job.
Start Your Own Business
There’s no skill that can enrich you as much as learning to start your own business. Running your own business can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. But it also comes with risk, so be sure you are in a financial position to take on this challenge.
If you are, then consider taking a workshop or course on entrepreneurship. You can learn the process of starting your business, getting a website running, and making money either for your full-time job or as a side hustle.
Conclusion
If you want to learn a new skill to move up the corporate ladder or change careers, you have no shortage of options.
The internet has brought all sorts of learning opportunities directly to our doorstep through online courses and degrees.
Most people will also have local schools within minutes of their homes that provide affordable training programs.
Professional coaches host seminars and training across the country to help build in-demand skills.
Whatever your choice, if you’re not satisfied with your current job, then it’s time to build some new skills. With the commitment of a few hours a week, you can build skills that will greatly increase your value in the workplace. So don’t wait any longer. Take a step today towards finding the job and career you will love for years to come.
