3 places to augment your professional skills on a budget

The new year is here and it’s the perfect time to start looking for a new position. However, if you want to stand out to potential employers, it’s important to have an updated skill set and knowledge of industry trends. Thanks to the rise of online teaching platforms like Coursera and Udemy, it’s easy to grow professionally. Unfortunately, it isn’t always cheap. If you’re on a budget but still want to augment your professional skills, we have three suggestions that are free of charge.

1.) YouTube. YouTube isn’t just a place to catch up on current events and cute cat videos. It’s also home to thousands of creators who share their professional knowledge with others. Whether you’re looking to improve your coding skills or you simply want to know how to use Photoshop more efficiently, there’s no shortage of videos to get you started. Set aside an hour or two and get creative with your search terms. You never know what you’ll uncover!

2.) Alison.com. Alison.com offers a wide array of free information and technology courses, covering everything from networks and security to software, IT management and data sciences. After you complete your coursework, Alison.com provides you with certification that you can share on your LinkedIn profile or resume. Plus, you can go through the courses at work or from the comfort of your own home at a pace that meets your learning style.

3.) The local library. When was the last time you visited your local library? Months? Years? Believe it or not, your library is an excellent place to check out books, DVDs and CDs that can help you expand your knowledge and skillset. It’s also entirely free. If you live in a big city, chances are good your library also offers workshops, training seminars and even networking events.

The more you know about your respective field, the more marketable you’ll be. Make 2020 your most successful year yet; it all starts with learning.