Transformative Free Online Courses That Have Changed Lives and Careers

Discover how free online courses can significantly enhance your life and career. While many believe that free online courses are limited in their utility, numerous individuals have leveraged these resources to transform their personal and professional lives. In this article, we explore some highly effective and enriching free online courses available on various platforms, alongside insights from experts and success stories shared by learners.

Codecademy: Learning to Code for Free

Codecademy is widely recognized for its user-friendly approach to learning code. Whether you are a beginner or have some experience, Codecademy offers courses covering HTML, CSS, and other essential programming languages. Many learners, like me, first got into coding through an introduction to HTML and CSS on this platform. Codecademy's interactive lessons are designed to keep you engaged while learning, making it an excellent choice for anyone interested in coding.

Udemy and Coursera: Comprehensive Courses for Various Interests

For a more comprehensive and structured learning experience, platforms like Udemy and Coursera offer a wide range of free courses that span multiple disciplines. Udemy, in particular, boasts over 100,000 courses across all major topics, from data science to digital marketing. Coursera, with its partnerships with leading universities worldwide, provides a vast array of courses, ensuring that learners can explore subjects in great depth. While these platforms often have paid courses, many free courses are equally valuable.

Data Science and Digital Marketing

Data science and digital marketing are two highly sought-after fields in today's job market. By taking free online courses, you can gain the skills needed to excel in these areas. Udemy offers a variety of courses in both fields, such as 'Data Science A-Z' and 'Digital Marketing for Beginners'

Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)

One individual shared their experience of obtaining a 128-hour TEFL certificate online for free, which was the first step towards becoming an ESL and foreign expert. This experience highlights the potential for free courses to open up new career paths and opportunities.

Aswath Damodaran: Valuation and Investment Philosophies

Aswath Damodaran, a professor at Stern Business School, offers valuable insights into corporate finance valuation and investment philosophies. His lectures are immensely engaging and easy to understand, and his blog, Musings on Markets, is considered one of the best in the field. His courses are designed for those who want to gain a deep understanding of the financial markets and investment strategies. However, if you are in need of a certificate, you may want to explore other platforms that offer verified certificates for a fee.

The Science of Happiness: Positive Psychology

UC Berkeley offers a fascinating course on positive psychology called 'The Science of Happiness' through the platform EdX. This course, complete with video lectures and interactive content, delves into the science behind happiness and well-being. It is highly recommended for individuals looking to improve their mental health and personal development.

Conclusion

Free online courses can be incredibly transformative when used purposefully. Whether you are learning to code, preparing for a change in career, or enhancing your personal well-being, there are numerous resources available. Explore these courses, and remember, the key is to identify your goals and find the right courses that align with them.