Whether you are a student at a higher institution already, need to change to another field of study, or try to work for yourself, online courses expose you to the skills relevant to succeeding, which you can comfortably learn from home.
These professional certifications offer a pathway for developing in-depth knowledge and skills in any area of your choice of study. Approaching prospective employers with these certifications in today’s world gives you leeway as you demonstrate not just interest and potential but also discipline while building your profile for worthwhile job opportunities.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there are many online courses that have been forgotten that the lockdown and social distancing have made prominent again and which, if studied adequately, equip candidates well for the present-day working environment.
The benefits of professional online courses and certifications are numerous and include the following:
Acquire new skills.
Ignite your resume.
Command credibility and authority with ease.
Improved productivity.
Positioning for senior-level jobs
We have the top 10 online courses below.
1.) Data Science: Data science is an interdisciplinary field that uses scientific methods, processes, algorithms, and systems to extract knowledge and insights from noisy, structured, and unstructured data, and apply knowledge and actionable insights from data across a broad range of application domains.
Whether you are a graduate, a sales representative, or a software expert, the knowledge of data science can advance your career. It must be noted that no prior experience in coding is required, but with your bachelor’s degree and an interest in numbers, you are set to go. The average salary hike received by learners is 58%, with the highest reaching 400%.
2.) Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Artificial intelligence is a technology that enables a machine to simulate human behavior. Machine learning is a subset of AI which allows a machine to automatically learn from past data without programming explicitly. The goal of AI is to make a smart computer system like humans to solve complex problems.
They are the exciting incursions into technology in the 21st century. Certifications in both areas offer an immense boost to the careers of IT professionals who possess knowledge in mathematical or statistical fields.
The online course syllabus covers different programming languages, tools, and resources to provide students with the necessary abilities. Some examples of their tutoring are AWS, Docker, MySQL, Phython, REST-API, etc.
With such skills acquired, lucrative job offerings are readily available for data engineers, data analysts, machine learning engineers, etc. Hiring partners include IT firms, banks, and many other blue-chip organizations.
3.) Big Data, as the name implies, deals with data that is too large and complex for traditional data processing software to handle. It is an area of study that is concerned with ways to analyze data and systematically extract information.
With big data certifications, you are not limited to specific data science jobs as you can pursue other roles. Your background and chosen career path enable you to decide on different specializations. In general, the big data certification learning paths include: Business Analytics, Business Intelligence, Data Engineering, Deep Learning, and Natural Language Processing.
Using an integrated approach, the course enables one to learn about various programming languages and tools, covering MS Excel, PySpark, Python, and Airflow, among others.
4.) Business Intelligence: (BI) professionals utilize their mathematical ability to work and tackle real-world business issues. Their experiences can be converted into significant measurements, prompting changes in planning, activities, development of products, and strategic management.
Therefore, their essential obligation is to amplify the use of data gathered in a firm towards attaining organizational success. IT professionals benefit in the following areas once trained in business intelligence: Data visualization, data mining, analytics, and management reporting etc.
5.) Cloud Computing: Cloud computing is the delivery of different services over the Internet. These resources include tools and applications like data storage, servers, databases, networking, and software. As long as an electronic device has access to the web, it has access to the data and the software programs to run it.
In 2020, cloud computing was one of the top emerging trends in the IT field. This has continued and will keep rising as organizations seek out dynamic and scalable software applications.
While migrating, technical challenges are faced by such organizations as there are not enough qualified people and domain expertise in that space. It is now an opportunity for software developers to specialize in cloud computing as it is already a top IT job globally. Some specialized programs available are:
Cloud security skills
Knowledge of serverless architecture
Understanding of cloud migration and multi-cloud environments, etc.
6.) Project Management: Project management is the application of processes, methods, skills, knowledge, and experience to achieve specific project objectives. Project management deliverables are constrained by time and budget.
It remains an area of interest globally as organizations derive huge, often immeasurably beneficial, benefits from working with project managers.
The syllabus covers virtually everything from core management concepts to execution of strategy and leadership. The knowledge gained in this discipline can be extremely helpful for those in core IT careers.
7.) Full-stack development entails creating both the front end (client side) and back end (server side) components of a web application. A typical full stack course would expose you to various programming languages and tools like Java, Spring, Oracle, Typescript, Git, React, Hibernate, AWS, etc.
Full Stack developers have extensive knowledge as well as skills. To earn the title of a Full Stake developer, one must have accumulated years of relevant experience as a software developer. They are highly sought after by large organizations and startups and occupy senior-level positions like Chief Technology Officer and Director of Technology.
In studying it, you get to learn and can work as:
A full-stack developer
Back-end programmer
A UI developer
Senior web designer manager.
Officer of Technical Operations
8.) Software Development – The basic duties of a Software development job includes the process of conception, specification, designing, programming, documenting, testing of software, and bug fixing involved in creating and maintaining applications, frameworks, or other software components. Software can be developed for a variety of purposes.
Efficiency in writing and implementing of codes is the benchmark for success as a professional in this field. Some of the job opportunities offered in this IT career include:
Computer and information research scientist
Computer systems analyst
IT Coordinator
Network administrator
Junior software engineer
Systems architect
Senior programmer
Web developer
However, training in Java programming, automation testing, C programming, SQL database are some of the tropics to study that will enable you build the needed proficiencies.
9.) Cyber security: Cyber security, computer security, or IT security, is the use of technologies, processes, and controls to protect computer systems, networks, programs, devices, and data from information disclosure or cyber attacks, theft of or damage to organizational hardware, software, or electronic data, as well as from service disruption or misdirection as provided.
In other words, it is targeted at minimizing the risk of cyber attacks and guarding against unauthorized entry and exploitation of systems, networks, and technologies.
Recently, the increase in cyber attacks and data breaches on organizations has made the demand for security experts also rise. For those interested in a career in cyber security, most software development online courses offer a specialized learning path. Some of the skills that can be acquired are:
Application security
Data secrecy and cryptography
Network security
Training in Python, git, Java, AWS, etc.
10.) Networking: With the advancement of technology over the years, hardware and networking professionals continue to build and see to the seamless operation of computer networks, thereby ensuring that organizational success is guaranteed. Their job covers automation, analytics and security
With your credentials serving as testimonials of their competencies, potential employers have a first good impression. Other viable online courses include DevOps, Digital Marketing, Blockchain, the Internet of Things, and Computer Science.
In conclusion
As you intend to do online courses for certifications to improve your career and earning ability, make an informed decision with the help provided as listed above. Online courses offer all the leverage needed most especially as data is becomes more accessible and affordable.
