As a student or young professional, it might be difficult to know what you can do to make yourself a better candidate. Between courses, part time jobs and internships, you might not always have time to attend events in person. However, in today’s competitive market it is essential to go above and beyond to make yourself stand out. Adding additional expertise and skills to your CV is an easy way to do this. With excellent online education tools for professional development, you can make yourself a better applicant from the comfort of your couch, or on the go.
Top 5 online education tools for professional development:
1. Online classes
Taking online classes is one of the easiest ways to make yourself a more competitive candidate. You’ll be enhancing your academic background and developing new skills. However, adding extra coursework to your resume also shows potential employers that you are dedicated to continuously improving yourself and learning more about your field. Virtual courses are extremely popular as far as online education tools go, in part because they are so accessible. Depending on your interests and schedule, you can sign up for courses for any duration and on any topic. Many online courses also offer official certification upon completion, which is another great element to add to a CV.
2. Duolingo
If you’re interested in working and living abroad at some point in your career, or if you want a top job in an international industry, learning a second language is a must. Bilingual candidates are extremely valuable in today’s globalized marketplace. Of course, learning a new language can be a difficult and time-consuming endeavor. However, there are plenty of online education tools to make this process easier. Duolingo is a language learning platform that is available both on the web and in a mobile app. For many young professionals seeking tools for professional development, this free platform is the easiest and fastest way to develop proficiency in a foreign language.
3. LinkedIn
When it comes to tools for professional development, young professionals need to look no further than LinkedIn. Through LinkedIn Learning, you can choose from thousands of courses, develop specific skills, and even get certified. However, you don’t have to pay the monthly subscription for the platform to be an excellent online education tool. Experts share tips on everything from acing interviews to writing cover letters and resumes. LinkedIn is the top place to go if you’re actively job hunting or just looking to improve your profile.
4. Audible
Owned by Amazon, Audible is the perfect resource for young professionals on the go. If your schedule is too busy to allow much time to sit and read, this might be the perfect solution. Audible has the world’s largest selection of audiobooks and spoken information, meaning you can listen on your way to work, class, or even at the gym! From personal branding guides to non-fiction on every topic, Audible has it all.
5. Podcasts
Just like Audible, podcasts are a convenient way to soak up information on the go. Podcasts have become incredibly popular in the last few years, meaning that there is now a podcast for every interest. Prepping for a job interview tomorrow? There’s a podcast for that. Running a marathon next month? Yep, there’s a podcast for that. Can’t decide what to do after graduation? There’s a podcast for that too! Their mobility and accessibility make podcasts one of the most powerful tools for professional development. No matter what you’re looking to learn or get advice on, you can find it in a ready-made sound-byte.
Apply for an internship abroad, and make yourself a top candidate!
Photos:
- Closeup of a man using a laptop, by Rawpixel Ltd., CC BY 2.0
- Junge Frau verwendet draußen ein Smartphone, by Michael Verch,
- Woman with headphone, by Sascha Kohlmann, CC BY-SA 2.0
