Learn new skills, boost your career
Are you thinking about getting a certificate to help enhance your computer skills? Maybe you’re looking to improve your odds of finding work? Or possibly, land a position with higher pay?
One study shows that 60% of IT professionals landed a new job after getting certified. We also find that Microsoft-certified technologists earn 15% more than those that aren’t.
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If you’re committed to learning new computer skills to boost your career, take a look at the following accredited online courses.
Microsoft Office 2010
Most careers today require knowledge of standard computer software, such as Microsoft Office. This is ideal to learn if you plan to work in accounting, HR, or even as an office clerk.
Microsoft Office comes with a suite of tools, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. By learning these platforms, you can increase your employability, especially since most employers today are looking for applicants with these skills.
So where can you find an online course to get the right one? Alison offers a free accredited Microsoft Office 2010 class. It teaches you the basics of using tools such as:
- Excel
- Word
- PowerPoint
- Outlook
- Access
If you’re worried that this 15 to 20 hours long course is outdated, don’t be. It was recently updated in 2018.
After completing your assessment, you’ll receive a certificate to show to potential employers.
Building Information Systems
What if you’re already well-versed in standard computer software? If you’re looking for more of a challenge, then you may want to check out Alison’s accredited free online course in IT management.
It delves into how to build information systems. It’s no college course – in fact, you can complete it this weekend in just two to three hours. It offers an assessment you must pass to receive your certification. In doing so, you’ll know how to:
- List the stages of a system’s design life cycle.
- Understand the roles of designers, managers, and users.
- Outline the costs and benefits of systems design life cycles.
- Discuss characteristics of structural and object-oriented design (as it pertains to systems design).
- Identify concerns regarding the system’s analysis and feasibility study.
Online Computer Essentials
Maybe you need a course that offers all-around training in computers. Nothing too technical, just something that’ll improve your skills so you can work basic roles in sales, administration, and other office jobs.
If that’s the case, then you should check out the U.S. Career Institute’s Online Computer Essential Training course.
You’ll learn a variety of skills, including:
- Using graphics.
- Word processing.
- Developing spreadsheets.
- Computer software and hardware.
- Email etiquette.
- How to use email.
- How to protect the security of your computer and personal data.
- Creating quality presentations.
- Managing your computer using the “Start” menu options.
- And more.
While the course isn’t comprehensive, it does touch base on many core functions you’ll perform on a PC (at home or work).
Unlike the others, this course isn’t free. However, it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. It’s $589 when paid in full. Or you can make payments monthly, which will bring it up to $639.
This will cover your textbooks, supplements, instructor assistance, and even career support for when you graduate.
Introduction To Quickbooks
Some people like to use accountants and others like to do their own finances. If you’re the latter, then you’ll need to learn how to use professional accounting tools.
Quickbooks is widely used by both professionals and everyday people. It allows you to manage all of your bank accounts and view what flows into and out of them. You can even record your cash on hand.
Learning how to use Quickbooks can come in handy if you’re an entrepreneur, small business owner, or simply want to manage your finances. It can also help you land a job in the finance department.
This course is available online at Molloy College and costs $115.
Introduction to Java Programming
Here’s another Molloy College course worth checking out. It covers the basics of Java programming, so you can get a jumpstart on building your coding skills.
It teaches using examples and skill-building exercises, which is excellent for visual learners and doers.
In this course, you’ll use the latest release of Java (from Oracle). By the end of your training, you’ll feel comfortable with Java programming and will be ready to take on a more in-depth course.
Software and Databases
Not looking to develop your own software? Then why not just learn how to use them to maintain and update databases for your business (or workplace)?
In this free Alison course, you’re learning about database management systems used for IT management.
Gone are the days of using paper documents to keep track of business operations, personnel, and customers. Today, companies are venturing into the cloud using IT technology.
This course will help you understand how you can properly use these tools to manage all the files within your organization virtually.
Introduction to Networking
Our society today relies on a spider web of connectivity we know as the internet. How does it all work?
If you’re curious to know the inner-workings of the world wide web, then this course is for you. It dives into the basics of networking, which includes learning how to configure DSL connections to an internet service provider. Plus, you’ll learn how to create a private network.
In the end, you become certified in basic networking. This will help you get a foot in the door in working a computer-networking career.
The cost is $115 and is available from Molloy College.
Become a Computer Pro Cheaply (Or For Free)
Understanding how computers work is critical in today’s world. Not only do you need it for work, but you need it in your personal life as well.
Sending emails, purchasing products, creating a presentation, hooking up your internet, and other tasks are essential in our personal and professional lives. Yet, some people still lack knowledge in these areas.
You can overcome this by taking one or more free (or cheap) online courses. So check these out.
