A Guide of Online Business Education Resources for Teens and Professionals
Summary:
Gaining business skills online is gaining in popularity. Learn about platforms like LinkedIn and Adobe, plus courses geared toward high school students.
Key Points:
- The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics confirms that overall employment in business is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations from 2022 to 2032, with about 911,400 openings projected each year, on average.
- The flourishing online learning industry offers education and resources related to in-demand skills, like web development, cybersecurity, data analysis, specialized hardware and software, and much more.
- There are programs and platforms that can help you access high-quality, specialized courses online to develop your business skills. These programs include:
- Adobe
- Coursera
- WebEx
- Microsoft Learn
- Udacity
- Top universities like Wake Forest University, Georgetown University, and William & Mary offer online college prep programs for high school students considering a career in business.
Many entrepreneurs, small business owners, and even high school students are turning to online programs to broaden their business knowledge and boost business skills. And why not? The field of business is a popular choice. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics confirms: “Overall employment in business is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations from 2022 to 2032, with about 911,400 openings projected each year, on average.” Those in-the-know are turning to online resources for success in business — an option that is booming.
Online business education options
According to Global Market Insights, the online learning market surpassed $315 billion in 2022. The market is expected to grow another 20% by 2028. The flourishing online learning industry offers education and resources related to in-demand skills, like web development, cybersecurity, data analysis, specialized hardware and software, and much more. Even high school students have the chance to develop their business skills.
In this article, we’ll highlight a number of business education resources and platforms for students and professionals alike who are looking to expand their skill sets.
Benefits of online business learning
Some benefits of online business education programs include:
- Online business education can strengthen your chances of getting you into the school of your choice. You can learn new skills and business concepts to set yourself up for future growth.
- Online business education is cost-effective.
- You can study anywhere, and learn at your own pace with online business education.
- Online business learning platforms offer endless opportunities.
Online programs to boost your business skills
Amid this wealth of resources, the following programs and platforms can help you access high-quality, specialized courses online to develop your business skills. Consider each platform’s content and learning style when you’re choosing an educational path.
Adobe
Adobe software certifications are some of the most widely known and respected creative certifications in the U.S. An annual paid learning subscription with Adobe Digital Learning Services includes multiple instruction options, such as live virtual instructor-led training and on-demand recorded Adobe software training.
Visit Adobe for more information.
Coursera
Leading experts from the world’s top universities teach courses on Coursera. Those interested in training and continuous learning can access video lectures, community discussion forums, and peer-reviewed assignments. Coursera offers a range of free and paid content, including university-recognized degrees. Choose from several tracks and hundreds of courses ranging from software programs, such as Microsoft Excel, to business skills like financial accounting.
edX
edX provides more than 3,600 free, online courses from top universities worldwide. Topics like critical thinking and data modeling are available from more than 160 universities. Upon completion you will receive a verified certificate to prove you’ve mastered the class and concepts.
LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com)
LinkedIn Learning is an online video education library offering hundreds of courses on foundational business topics taught by thought leaders, authors, and trusted educators. The online library features learning paths, so you can continue building your skills by taking progressively more difficult courses on a topic.
While LinkedIn Learning isn’t free and requires a subscription, many U.S. public libraries offer free access to LinkedIn Learning, making the courses accessible to anyone with a public library card.
Visit LinkedIn Learning to learn more.
Microsoft Learn
The free Microsoft Learn platform offers product and role-based training paths. Whether you’re seeking Excel or data analytics know-how, it can support your goals. While the training content is free, the Microsoft certification exams come with a price tag.
Visit Microsoft Learn to learn more.
OpenLearn
The Open University is a free online learning platform with 60-second videos and course content. The platform features several business-specific courses — including business management, economics and marketing, IT, design, and law.
Visit OpenLearn to learn more.
Udacity
Udacity provides online courses and learning resources for those interested in entering the tech industry. This platform focuses primarily on data science, cybersecurity, AI, and other high-demand tech skills. Each paid course is a distinct unit of learning, typically ending in a project where students demonstrate mastery of the skills covered.
Udemy
Considered a global community, Udemy’s worldwide instructors created the course catalog, teaching in more than 75 languages. With 200,000-plus offerings, you’re sure to find a broad selection of courses in multiple learning styles on topics such as Microsoft Excel, web development, and data science.
In addition to the learning platforms listed above, motivated high school students can also participate in a number of business-related online courses from renowned universities across the country through Prelum university partners.
Learning online with top colleges while still in high school
For high school students considering a career in business, a great way to learn about this industry, and get a head start on the skills needed for a career in this field is to participate in online college prep programs for high school students. Here are some of the top programs.
Georgetown University provides a number of online business courses for teens. Between entrepreneurship, investing, leadership, marketing, and international relations, Georgetown University’s Pre-College Online Program has something for anyone seeking business knowledge.
Rice University’s Precollege Program also offers different college prep courses for teens interested in business. The online course for high school students in entrepreneurship allows you to explore how innovators create startups and how they’re disrupting traditional banking. Rice also delves into the business of economics — perfect for anyone interested in a future in business.
William & Mary offers an online pre-college course in entrepreneurship with a focus on venture capital investing. It’s a great choice for anyone looking to delve into business.
Columbia Business School’s Enrichment Program offers multiple relevant business-themed programs: the business of luxury, sports, TV and film, and hospitality.
Finally, Wake Forest University offers a few different business courses for high school students. Perfect for business-minded teens looking for foundational insights on business and investing, Wake Forest’s online immersion program courses in business and investing are excellent choices.
As the online learning market grows, so will the accessibility of specialized courses that meet your unique needs. If you’re a high school student with your sights set on a career in business, the skills you acquire through online learning can help you improve your chances of getting into the business programs of your choice.
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