Searching for the right training course can be a bit of a nightmare, but taking the time to find the right one is worth the effort. So many courses are available today on just about every topic imaginable, but how do you select the right course for you among all the choices?
1.) Figure Out What You Want to Learn.
Before you enroll in a course, first determine if you want the course to target a specific skill or if you want one that is broader in nature. Do you need to learn something completely new, or should you need to deepen your knowledge of something you already know how to do? Think about if you want academic credit towards a degree, or if you need a professional designation that is recognized by your industry’s professional association or maybe your state’s licensing board.
2.) Professional Associations
One of the best places to look for professional development courses is the website of your career’s related professional association. There is often more than one professional association for a particular field, so check them out to ensure that you get the full list of course providers. The courses approved by these associations are usually recognized by the association as being providers of recognized continuing education credits or certifications.
3.) State Licensing Boards
If your career is regulated by a state licensing board, then check out the website of the board to find a list of approved professional development course providers. You have to keep your certification/license up-to-date, and you need to make sure that any course that you take is recognized by the board. Otherwise, you risk any course you take not counting towards the renewal of your license or certification.
4.) Professional Social Media Groups
Join social media groups related to your profession on Facebook and LinkedIn. You can also join email lists and participate in forums on the websites of professional associations in many cases. When you do, ask about professional development courses that others have taken. You’ll hear the good, the bad, and the ugly about different courses and find out which ones are most recognized by employers as being legitimate.
5.) Colleges and Universities
Colleges and universities provide a wide range of individual and certification courses in addition to full degree programs. They often have an online branch of the university that is geared toward professionals and caters to the learning needs and schedules of working adults. Make sure that whatever university or college you enroll in is accredited. Carefully read through the course objectives and module descriptions of any course you take, whether it’s online or in a traditional classroom, and talk to others who have completed the course to see if it helped them in their careers.
6.) Specialized Training Organizations
You’ll be able to find a wide range of courses from individual institutions that provide training for a particular industry/profession. Often, these courses are offered online and have flexible schedules. They also typically offer some in-person courses at different times in various locations, so you should be able to find one that fits with your timeline and where you live/can travel. This may also be the most economical option.
7.) Talk to Employers.
You can call prospective employers or email someone in the field to see what courses they recommend for the particular type of training you want. Another idea is to contact a university or college’s career center to see what courses they may recommend.
