10 Free Online Classes You Can Take For Self-Improvement And To Help Your Career

We go through much of our early life in school, taking classes, doing reading assignments and writing term papers. Many of us took up various jobs or internships to help us build on our knowledge, but once we begin our careers, it seems like our education often reaches a standstill. Maybe we pick up a book here and there, but nothing compares to to the comprehensive learning of a full-blown class.

Learning new knowledge helps keep our brains sharp; studies have found that learning new skills can help prevent cognitive decline and preserve memory. Not to mention it can help improve your job and maybe even your social life.

As we get older, it can seem impossible to find time to fit in a class, between having a job or raising a family. A good alternative for this is an online course. You can still receive instruction on a subject, but on your own time, and from the comfort of your own home. The best part is, all of these classes are free.

1. Java Tutorial For Complete Beginners

If you’re interested in learning some programming, but have no prior experience, this course is for you. Learn all about JavaScript, the programming language of the web, in a class with 75 lectures, most only 20 minutes long. Ranging from an introduction to Java to how to get a job working with the programming, this is a great way to kick start your learning.

Java Tutorial For Complete Beginners

2. Beginner’s Guide To Image Editing In Photoshop

This online course is perfect for anyone interested in learning how to tweak photos on Photoshop. In only 10 lessons, you can learn how to use basic photo editing tools to fix up your digital images. The classes are all under 10 minutes, making this a great option to fit in at various times of the day.

Beginner’s Guide To Image Editing In Photoshop

3. Online Advertising

Learn all about the importance of online advertising, key terms, and how successful online campaigns are created with this approximately 4 hour course that will leave you with a Certificate of Achievement upon completion of the month-long program.

Online Advertising

4. SEO For SEO Beginners

Own a business that has a website? You may want to consider learning about Search Engine Optimization. In only 16 lectures, you’ll learn the fundamental concepts of SEO, how to find the best keywords for your site, and how to increase your site’s visibility.

SEO For SEO Beginners

5. Social Media 101

Not-so-savvy with Facebook or Twitter, or any other social media platform? Get involved in Constant Contact’s training to become well-versed in Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Google+. You can also get a quick introduction to blogging and online reviews.

Social Media 101 – Social Media Quickstarter

6. Intercultural Communication And Conflict Resolution

In just four weeks, you can learn about global communication, from the use of technology, to transportation costs, to using different cultures in business. This course is designed to strengthen your personal and professional relationships, so it can be applicable in many areas of life.

Intercultural Communication and Conflict Resolution

7. Stuttering Treatment: The ABC’s Of Smoother Speech

This 21-lecture long course can help improve your speaking skills. Even if you don’t tend to stutter or stammer, you can learn techniques and strategies to help you speak fluently and with more confidence.

Stuttering Treatment: The ABC’s Of Smoother Speech

8. How To Make Money Online: The Passive Income Business Plan

If you’re looking to make a few extra bucks, this is the class for you. Learn how to use different websites to make a passive income of up to $5,000 a month in just 24 different lectures. This course can help you create a business using website building on platforms such as WordPress.

How To Make Money Online: The Passive Income Business Plan

9. Fundamentals Of Business Law

It definitely can’t hurt to learn the basics of business law, and with this online course, you can learn important legal principles in an easy-to-understand way. The class is good for any business professional, and upon completing it, you receive a certification of completion.

Fundamentals Of Business Law

10. Start Writing Fiction

Feeling creative? This class will teach you how to get into creative writing by starting you off on character development. You also get a chance to listen to established writers talk about how they started writing and will receive feedback on your own work.

Start Writing Fiction

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About the Author
Carina Wolff
Carina is a health and wellness journalist based in Los Angeles. When she’s not writing, doing yoga, or exploring mountains and beaches, she spends her time cooking and creating recipes for her healthy food blog, Kale Me Maybe. Carina is also an ongoing writer for Bustle, Reader's Digest, FabFitFun, and more.

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