Online learning skills are specialist and transferrable talents that can be learned without physically attending an institution. Learning skills online necessitates the use of a computer or a mobile electronic device such as a smartphone, as well as a consistent Internet connection. These can be learned through a variety of online resources and websites.
Depending on the source, online courses may be free or need payment. Some of these courses have a set schedule, while others enable you to work at your own pace.
You can choose from a variety of skills to learn online depending on your interest and industry. Focus on skills that complement your existing skills and add value to your candidature when applying for a job. Here are some examples of popular skills that one can learn online:
Coding
Coding is a skill that many employers value in several industries. Basic coding skills make it easier for you to help a team launch an app, optimise a website for various search engines and even create or edit content. There are lots of online programs that can help learn to code. You can choose advanced courses as well, depending on your existing knowledge and expertise.
Spreadsheet software
Organisations use spreadsheets in most departments to manage company data. This makes the ability to organise and utilise data on spreadsheets and being familiar with different formulae and shortcuts important to ease the workload. Possessing this skill can be beneficial for the hiring company as this can save them considerable time and effort compared to hiring a candidate and helping them develop this expertise.
Foreign languages
Learning a new language can make you more valuable within any organisation, regardless of the industry or job type, because of the globalisation of demand and supply. Conversing in a foreign language can help you cultivate better relationships with your foreign clients and customers. Language skills can qualify you for newer or more advanced opportunities, especially if the language you are learning is harder to find among other candidates.
Photography
Photography skills allow you to enhance and optimise a company’s website or social media content. These skills are also invaluable for companies that sell products, as high-quality photography can have a big impact on sales. There are many sites online that teach photography skills, whether you are just getting started and require a beginner course or you are a seasoned professional and seek in-depth training to grow your versatility. If you develop a passion for photography, you can also pursue a career in the entertainment or news industry, where these professionals are integral to sharing stories and other information with the public.
Digital marketing
Digital marketing skills are important to anyone interested in a career in marketing or sales. Learning digital marketing can familiarise you with concepts like search engine optimisation (SEO), search engine marketing (SEM), digital advertising, video marketing and social media marketing (SMM). You can learn digital marketing through paid courses, blogs, online videos and digital marketing podcasts and webinars.
Typing skills
If you work in an office, improving your keyboarding skills can help you perform your duties more efficiently. Typing skills can increase your productivity and save you considerable time, energy and effort to do certain tasks by increasing your typing accuracy. With advanced typing skills, one can also qualify for advanced opportunities at work. There are several paid and free courses online which are dedicated to enhancing typing skills.
Graphic design
If you are a creative professional, learning graphic design can help you convert your ideas to real-time output. With graphic design skills, you can create banners, logos and images for social media and website content for promotional purposes. You can learn graphic design through beginner or advanced online courses that help you gain an understanding of concepts like typography, colour, layouts and other related technical know-how.
