7 Free Online Courses in January

Have you already decided on your New Year resolutions? In case you plan to focus on your self-development, I have an interesting choice of online courses you may start this month. Some of them are more demanding and others are more fun, but I’m sure you’ll find something suitable. It may look like all of my ideas are connected with changing career, but it’s a New Year – if not now, when?

Mindshift: Break Through Obstacles to Learning and Discover Your Hidden Potential by McMaster University

Start: 4/01/2019

Duration: 4 weeks

For whom: people who want to boost their career

Mindshift is a key word nowadays – you can see yourself more opened to new ideas and opportunities. If you think of changing your career or boosting it, you may find this course really inspiring. It’s always interesting to see that most obstacles are usually created in our own minds.

Successful Career Development by the University System of Georgia

Start: 4/01/2019

Duration: 7 weeks

For whom: people who want to succeed in their career

Being teachers, we usually got our jobs by simply applying for them. This course, however, will help you find a job that you dream of. You will explore the idea of a mentor, the importance of networking and even the ways LinkedIn works. Among other useful abilities, I think the one described as “asking for help” may be quite an important one.

Converting Challenges into Opportunities by the University of California, San Diego

Start: 7/01/2019

Duration: 4 weeks

For whom: people who feel too much pressure at work

We all – both teachers and students – live in a really competitive environment. This course will familiarise you with the concept of Design Thinking and how out-of-the-box thinking may change your attitude to life obstacles. Ever since I took a short Design Thinking course with Luiza Wójtowicz-Waga I must confess it’s changed my approach to… challenges and opportunities.

Strategic Career Self-Management by the State University of New York

Start: 7/01/2019

Duration: 6 weeks

For whom: people interested in their career self-management

My parents worked in one school for 25 years – can you imagine? We change our workplaces more and more often with constant pressure and expectations. The ability to “manage oneself” will soon be the most important skill on the market. This course will make you focus on your portable skills and build your portfolio. If you need help in boosting self-confidence and defining your skills – this course may be a great option!

Success – Unleash Yourself by the University of Agder

Start: 7/01/2019

Duration: 9 weeks

For whom: people interested in successful careers

“Have you ever wondered why some people seem to attract success while others work very hard, but do not achieve what they want? Are you interested in changing your own life and being more successful?” – the authors of the course offer you a professional journey to the place where you’ll overflow with self-confidence and readiness for changes. New Year, New Me Big Style!

Writing Winning Resumes and Cover Letters by University of Maryland, College Park

Start: 07/01/2019

Duration: 4 weeks

For whom: teachers and people looking for a new job

Sure, this course may be helpful if you think about changing your job, but I find it a great idea to use it with a group of students of EFL who will soon start looking for their first job. They will not only learn how to write good resumes, but also practise their writing skills.

Psychology of Personal Growth by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Start: 8/01/2019

Duration: 6 weeks

For whom: people interested in CPD

The course will take you on a journey through the process of personal growth, starting with high hopes, through disillusionment, lack of belief and regaining self-confidence. You will focus on romantic love and explore its cultural background. If you want to explore your emotional life, this may be a good course for you.

As you see – you don’t think of changing your career, you may still enjoy those courses to boost your skills, self-confidence and motivation.

Enjoy!