Summer Productivity: Skill Up Your Resume With These Versatile Online Certifications In 2024

So, the question is, why not look at the downtime as a pit stop during which you can upgrade your resume as well? This world of online courses contains all the priceless skills to be discovered!

One of the remarkable benefits of the online certifications is their flexibility. Different from job-specific training programs, these courses deliver a more universal range of expertise that is suitable for many industries. Hence, whether you are a leading marketer, a master of finance, or an upcoming entrepreneur, there is a certification designed to provide you with the right tools to thrive. Here's your guide to the top picks for a productive and resume-boosting summer:

1. The future is Data:

Data is a new commodity that has a constant demand and it becomes highly valued in the job market for who has the capability to analyze, interpret, and visualize it. Take command of spreadsheets using certifications that have you learn the operations of common software like Excel or Google Sheets. Gain the ability to clean, organize, and transform unstructured data into compelling stories, a skill that is highly demanded in finance, marketing, research, and basically in a lot of other fields. 

Bonus: Elevate your profile further by venturing into the world of Python with a beginner-friendly specialization. Python adds a layer of programming expertise, making you a highly sought-after data whiz.

• Courses to Consider:

  • Excel Basics for Data Analysis (Coursera - Offered by IBM)

  • Data Analysis with Microsoft Excel & Google Sheets (Offered by Udemy)

2. Communication & Collaboration: The Cornerstones of Success:

Communication and collaboration stand at the base of all careers. They are vital no matter the chosen field. Obtain an initial set of tools by enrolling in some courses which improve your written and verbal communication skills Consider majors that allow you to develop the competency in empathy, which allows you to grasp your emotional state and that of others. 

Bonus: Take it a step further by exploring courses on leading teams. Equipping yourself with the ability to motivate and guide others demonstrates leadership potential and strengthens your resume for managerial roles.

• Courses to Consider:

  • Effective Communication Skills - Master Your Communication (Udemy)

  • The Science of Well-Being (Yale on Coursera) - fosters emotional intelligence

  • Bonus: Leading Teams for Organizational Success (Udemy)

3. The Art of Storytelling: Captivate Your Audience:

Humans have the fundamental nature to respond to stories. Unlock your storytelling potential with online certifications that enable you to harness the incredible strengths of storytelling. Lose yourself in the craft of powerful storytelling, and in so doing engage and amaze people with your presentations, marketing material, and even performance. Go further and immerse yourself in the Visual Storytelling specializations learning how to enhance your narratives with visuals. 

Bonus: Explore storytelling courses specifically designed for business professionals, allowing you to tailor your skills to the corporate world.

• Courses to Consider:

  • Storytelling and influencing: Communicate with impact (Coursera - Macquarie University)

  • Storytelling for Business Professionals (LinkedIn Learning)

  • Bonus: The Art of Visual Storytelling Specialization (Coursera - Offered by University of Colorado Boulder)

4. Time Management & Productivity:

Do you find yourself burdened by the deadlines and the mountains of your to-do list? A certification on the internet allows you to get back the time you have lost before due to the lack of pull in charge. Equip yourselves with practical time management strategies such as the well-recommended "Getting Things Done" course by Udemy or "Time Management for Personal and Professional Success" by FutureLearn.

Bonus: Elevate your skillset further by exploring the art of negotiation. This in-demand skill applies across various professions, from closing deals to securing a salary increase.

• Courses to Consider:

  • Work Smarter, Not Harder: Time Management for Personal & Professional Productivity (Coursera - offered by the University of California)

  • Productivity and Time Management for the Overwhelmed (Udemy)

  • Bonus: Successful Negotiation: Essential Strategies and Skills (University of Michigan)

5. Unleash Your Inner Problem-Solver:

Nowadays, critical thinking and problem-solving skills are valued and demanded in every organization and field. Develop these skills by taking online courses on design thinking and critical thinking. Understand how to deal with difficulties through different perspectives, develop creative ways to solve complicated issues, and take challenges with confidence.

Bonus: Take your creativity a step further with gamification courses. Learn how to apply game design principles to real-world problems, making your solutions engaging and effective.

• Courses to Consider:

  • Design Thinking for Innovation (edX - Offered by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology)

  • Critical Thinking for Effective Decision-Making (LinkedIn Learning)

  • Bonus: Gamification: Applying Game Design Thinking to Real-World Problems (Coursera - Offered by the University of Pennsylvania)

Finding the Perfect Course:

While the internet is filled with numerous courses, for choosing a relatable course you can consider:

• Course Content: Does it align with your learning goals?

• Instructor Expertise: Are they industry veterans with proven experience?

• Hands-on Learning: Does the course offer project-based activities?

• Cost: Does it fit your budget?

Bonus Tip:

Keep an eye out for free trials, as many websites provide introductory modules of the courses before making any commitment. Remember, industry-recognized certifications hold extra weight with employers.

Invest in Yourself, Reap the Rewards:

Summer break is for you to invest in yourself. Online certificates are a very interesting and cheap option for you to obtain new skills, brighten your imprint on your resume, and make a good impression on your future employers. So, have fun this summer, pursue your passion for self-improvement, and come out a more confident and equipped professional ready for the job.