Owning or running a successful business is possible after learning about business. Classes that teach the fundamentals of business planning, market analysis, financial management, marketing strategies, and entrepreneurship can be the difference between staying in the black or falling into the red. Gaining business skills can allow you the freedom to work for yourself instead of someone else.
Growing business knowledge can lead to a job. In the job market, those who seek additional business skills tend to have more job opportunities. It can also open doors to leadership roles or managerial positions.
Learning business can help personal finances. Many comprehensive business courses present concepts such as budgeting, accounting, investments, and financial decision-making. These concepts help with the financial aspect of running a business; moreover, they help with managing a household’s finances. Knowing how to bring in, manage, and leverage money helps you make informed financial decisions.
Business classes can significantly impact your professional and personal life.
The 14 Best Business Classes
- American Management Association ®—Certified Professional in Management Exam Prep Express (Live Online)
- Noble Desktop—Social Media Marketing Certificate (Live Online)
- General Assembly—Product Management Course (Live Online)
- NYC Career Centers—Business Writing Bootcamp (Live Online)
- Harvard Business School—Strategic Project Management (Live Online)
- MIT Sloan School of Management—Data-Driven Teams: The Art and Science of Winning (Live Online)
- Computer Training Source, Inc– Six Sigma (Live Online)
- Digital Workshop Center–Bookkeeping Fundamentals (Live Online)
- American Management Association–The Strategic Controller (Live Online)
- NYIM Training–Excel for Business Bootcamp (in New York and Live Online)
- EA Principals, Inc.–Applied Business Architecture (in New York)
- Noble Desktop–Effective Business Writing (in New York and Live Online)
- EA Principals, Inc.—Archimate ® 3.1: Combined Level 1 and 2 (in Los Angeles)
- NYC Career Centers—Financial Analyst Training Program (in New York or Live Online)
#1: American Management Association ®—Certified Professional in Management Exam Prep Express (Live Online)
AMA’s Certified Professional in Management Exam Prep Express is a crash course in management theory and practice.
Enrollees participate in four separate units: professional effectiveness, relationship management, business acumen, and analytical intelligence. The first lesson teaches that effective managers possess a combination of emotional intelligence, strong communication abilities, and effective presentation skills. Then, enrolled students learn how to motivate, delegate, coach, manage change, collaborate, and manage conflict in the workplace. The final two lessons cover the ins and outs of the business. In lesson 3, the instructor builds skills for managing projects, understanding the financials, becoming customer-focused, and gaining and keeping top talent. The final day teaches critical thinking and data for business managers before reviewing concepts and administering a practice exam.
Students trying to earn the AMA-CPM ® (Ama Certified Professional in Management ®) can enroll when ready. It is not a part of the course.
Key Information
This course has a two-tiered pricing structure. AMA members pay $2,495; non-members pay $2,795; Government Service Agencies only pay $2,175. Full payment is required to hold a spot in the course. It is a part-time course. Over four days, students spend three hours in class for twelve hours. Participants can earn 1.2 CEUs after taking the course.
This class is aimed at managers of any level but does not require prerequisites.
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The course is based on the book Management Body of Knowledge by the AMA. A free copy of the book is included with registration.
Many former students commented about the grueling but effective pace of the course. Shawn K. from the manufacturing world praised the instructor’s ability to cover “an enormous volume of data along with tips, analogies, and humor.” Both Rohan P. and James J. noted how knowledgeable the instructor was. The course scores five out of five stars on the company’s website.
#2: Noble Desktop—Social Media Marketing Certificate (Live Online)
All businesses need an online presence to grow sales. Noble’s Social Media Marketing Certificate class helps participants generate an effective social media presence for a business.
Social media marketing can greatly expand a business’s reach. Students should walk away with the ability to develop a highly successful social media strategy. The class teaches the steps to developing this strategy, including understanding strengths and weaknesses, creating a schedule, and being consistent. Depending on the platform you’re posting content, some of these may change. This course covers the big six social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube, and X (formerly known as Twitter). It also addresses how to use blogging to increase traffic and help with SEO. Storytelling is at the heart of successful social media posts. This course also covers creating posts that include stories and tracking them effectively, using data to fine-tune a campaign.
Key Information
Noble’s Social Media Marketing Certificate costs $2,496 and combines several smaller courses. Bundling the smaller courses in this Social Media Marketing Certificate results in a significant discount. Individually, the smaller courses cost over $4,000. The course can be paid for up-front or can be paid for with an installment plan. Under the installment plan, a participant puts 10% down. The remainder of the tuition is broken up into five equal payments, charged one week before the start of each new section. Selecting this option does not accumulate additional fees. If an employer offers tuition reimbursement, the company will provide you with documentation for your company.
This class is offered full-time (7 hours per day), 4-5 days per week for a month. There are no prerequisites for the course. However, students should understand the basics of a computer before signing up for this course.
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The New York State Education Department licenses all Noble’s classes. The company has a content learning guarantee–all concepts are taught by experts in the field and solidified through projects. They also offer a free retake; students can refresh their knowledge free within one year of the course. Or, the school provides recorded sessions within a day, so it’s easy to catch up on any missed material. Students who prefer in-person learning can attend class at Noble’s Manhattan location.
The information learned in this course pertains to a wide variety of businesses. Victoria M., a business owner, held huge misconceptions about SEO. She “didn’t see the point of LinkedIn for a self-employed person like me, but it’s now really clear and I’ll use the platform much more effectively.” After taking the class, Manizaay Gala landed a job as an Account Manager with Code3.
#3: General Assembly—Product Management Course (Live Online)
Successfully overseeing a product’s life cycle improves once business and product-minded individuals take a Product Management Course like the one General Assembly offers. In this course, students learn how to describe a Product Manager’s role and responsibilities from end to end. The class walks participants through the entire PM process, starting with product development. Considering what stakeholders and customers need and want is also essential to this course. The final project will be to develop a complete PM process for a product or feature, plus include a roadmap indicating future growth direction.
Key Information
This course costs $4,500. The company partners with lenders–Climb, Maritize, and Ascent–to assist enrollees with the course tuition. Loan approval is not guaranteed. General Assembly also offers installment plans. Students can split their tuition into two, three, or four separate payments.
This course happens part-time in the early evening and is designed for working professionals. Over about a month, expect to attend class live online for 40 hours. Planning some additional time each week for homework time is essential for success.
There are no prerequisites for this course though the company prefers if participants have or will take on some PM responsibilities. Students who complete the course earn a General Assembly (GA) course certificate that can easily be uploaded to LinkedIn.
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Instructors offer office hours to help students who need support outside class. The company, General Assembly, boasts that they host networking events and workshops for former students long after their course has ended. They also provide on-demand lessons in resume writing, interviewing, job searching, and branding. Students also graduate with a portfolio for future jobs.
Not sure if this class is right? The company regularly hosts info sessions or encourages potential students to contact their admissions team, who can help with the right course. Nataly, who took this class live online, raved about the instructor quality and the professional connections she made in the course.
#4: NYC Career Centers—Business Writing Bootcamp (Live Online)
Learn how to successfully tackle any business writing form in NYC Career Centers’ Business Writing Bootcamp. Identifying the most essential pieces of business writing–the target audience, goal, and purpose–are front and center in the course. The instructor will teach participants how to analyze a writing task and draft a response that meets the goals every time. Some genres are sales proposals, memos, and internal emails. No professional writing course is complete without a segment on grammar. This course provides participants with essential grammar rules, focusing on common mistakes and misspelled words.
Key Information
The Business Writing Bootcamp combines three smaller classes into a single, discounted class. Taken individually, the three cost $975. By signing up for the bootcamp, students pay a discounted rate of $695 for the 18-hour course. All money is due before the course starts and includes supplemental material.
NYC Career Centers offers flexible scheduling options. Students can complete this course full-time over three 6-hour sessions. Or, they can split the course into part-time 3-hour evening sessions or create a custom schedule with a mix of part-time and full-time.
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Current experts in the field teach all courses. Students can retake any portion of the course for free within one year of completing the course. Any student who completes the course will also receive a verified digital certificate of completion. Plus, all sessions are recorded, so students can quickly catch up when they miss a class or a portion.
Taking a grammar class can elicit groans. Michelle D., a former participant, welcomed it. She attributed it to her instructor, Grace, who made the day fly by with jokes. “I don’t think I could’ve sat through grammar with anyone else, ” Michelle said. Vincent D. echoed her remarks. He noted that Grace is “good at establishing rapport and creating a great learning environment.” Though his writing skills were already advanced, he praised this course for pushing him to an even higher level.
#5: Harvard Business School—Strategic Project Management (Live Online)
Businesses plan, manage, and implement projects frequently; therefore, Harvard Business School’s (HBS) Strategic Project Management course can improve the life cycle of a project. Managing projects successfully takes practical knowledge and specific techniques. This course aims to create stronger Project Managers by sharing how to analyze, plan, execute, and lead projects that align with an organization’s goals. Many projects fail, yet this doesn’t have to be. Through learning steps to careful planning and execution, a PM can ensure success. Most learning occurs through activities, interactive discussions, and mini-case studies.
Additionally, the course addresses how to lead and encourage a highly effective project team. Students who complete this course earn a certificate of participation through Harvard’s Division of Continuing Education.
Key Information
This course costs $2,600. Full payment is required to hold a seat in the course, and students can cancel free of charge until 14 days before the start of the course. The only discounts HBS offers are for those who attend more than one program or for groups from the same organization. It is a part-time course, scheduled one day per week for four weeks. Each live online class lasts for 3.5 hours.
This class requires at least three years of project experience, managing or participating as a team member. Plus, they require enough written and spoken English proficiency that participants can easily participate. All enrollees must have a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent in experience.
More Details
Grades are not assigned in Harvard Professional Development courses and cannot count for a degree. They also don’t count for continuing education credits.
The tuition includes instruction and digital program materials. Mary Finlay, the instructor, has over 25 years of industry experience. She specializes in strategy and IT management and directs several programs such as the Program for Chairs of Clinical Services.
#6: MIT Sloan School of Management—Data-Driven Teams: the Art and Science of Winning (Live Online)
Successful businesses have one trait in common: their teams are highly skilled and functional. In this option, Data-Driven Teams: The Art and Science of Winning workshop, leaders guide participants through strengthening their team. Managers use data to discover areas that need improvement and create a plan for success.
This class teaches an analysis tool to use in four measurable areas–talent, system, leadership, and culture–that has worked well in the sports industry. It focuses on identifying the talent within the current organization. Sometimes the talent has yet to show itself. So, the course also covers fostering a team’s talent on a team through a systematized process. Leaders must exhibit key behaviors to build a strong culture along the way.
Key Information
This part-time course requires 4.5 hours per day for three consecutive days. This course costs $4,300. Payment is required to secure a spot in a course. Students who cannot attend the entire course may reschedule for a fee. Registering for more than one course results in a discount of 10%. If three or more people from the same organization register for a course, each is entitled to 15% off the tuition.
Participants can earn 2 EEUs or Executive Education Units that can be applied to an Executive Certificate or ACE requirement. All participants enrolling in this course should be part of management, but no formal prerequisites exist.
More Details
Once students take this or any course with MIT Sloan School of Management, they can review their certificate program requirements on their dashboard. As long as a student completes all hours in the course, this class will count toward a certificate in management.
Reviews for the course are all four out of five starts and up. Typically, organizational data can feel impersonal, which may frustrate attendees learning about it. However, Ibeh A. appreciated how this class hosted a “guest speaker to talk about the importance of storytelling” and “humanized how data were perceived.” Another student recommended the class for any skill level since the “instructor does a tremendous job teaching in a way that is digestible and understandable for all.”
#7: Computer Training Source, Inc– Six Sigma (Live Online)
Taking a Six Sigma course live online automatically gives you a leg up. Six Sigma is one of the most popular business methodologies. A certificate course like this can help you earn a raise or snag that perfect job. Through a combination of interactive games, videos, and simulations, participants learn how to use data to solve business problems. Participants get comfortable with using analysis software for the data. At the end of the course, the instructors continue to mentor their students, helping them complete and earn their Green Belt project.
Key Information
Computer Training Source, Inc has two options for live online courses: five full days, or ten partial days/evenings. The class requires a reliable internet connection and a device to access the class over Zoom. Lean Six Sigma is a management solution that embraces proactive solutions to business problems. It strives for organizations to prevent problems, waste, and variation by standardizing workflows. It is not a top-down strategy; every employee must be involved when implementing Lean Six Sigma.
More Details
This class has 100% confidence in its content; anyone who takes the Six Sigma Green Belt certification exam offered by Lean Sigma Corp and does not pass it on the first attempt will get the second attempt paid for by Six Sigma Development Solutions as long as the student attended all class sessions, took the exam within three months after the last session, and took two practice exams.
The school, Computer Training Source, Inc, offers classes to businesses and individuals. The company can schedule in-person classes in Chicago, but most classes occur online. They average 4.7 out of 5 stars across the board. Computer Training Solutions is often recognized for the organization of its classes. Stella, who enrolled in two business courses with CTS, recommended the company’s courses due to their instructions, communications, and quality of materials.
#8: Digital Workshop Center–Bookkeeping Fundamentals (Live Online)
This online bookkeeping business class introduces bookkeeping basics for small business owners or people who want to understand simple bookkeeping systems. Managing finances can be one of the most challenging parts of a business. In this training course, you’ll learn how to handle your business & personal records or work in a bookkeeping role. Gone will be the days of asking what your business can afford to spend. It’s time to learn and take charge of your business’ earnings.
Key Information
Bookkeeping Fundamentals is spread out over three partial days. For under $1,500, students will gain skills to complete the basics. They will learn to classify accounts, analyze expected business transactions, utilize debits and credits, correctly record and post transactions, prepare financial statements, and analyze finances. Though not required, this course recommends students have current access to QuickBooks online before the course starts. Students can create a free account for up to 30 days.
Ideally, students arrive with some basic accounting vocabulary knowledge. Before enrolling in this course, students must have basic digital literacy and file management skills. Check the internet access before the first day of class. Also, a microphone is a requirement.
More Details
Digital Workshop Center has been around since 2006. The school prides itself on being community-based and independent. If a student is not accepted into the school, DWS will return all money.
The school is an eligible training provider in several states, including Washington, Iowa, and Colorado, and is a veterans education training provider. Students can also enroll in one of their certificate programs in business administration.
#9: American Management Association–The Strategic Controller (Live Online)
Whether you are new to a controller role or are more experienced, this Strategic Controller live online course will help you adapt to the continual evolution of a controller’s role. Businesses have high expectations for their controllers, wanting them to be number crunchers, custodians, analysts, and business partners. This course teaches you how to fulfill expectations by learning several vital concepts. First, the instructor will help you understand the Four Quadrants–the key aspects of the role and their significance within the organization. Secondly, participants will gain skills in safeguarding the company’s finances regardless of the financial climate. And finally, the course covers how to enhance your value as a partner.
Key Information
The Strategic Controller course is designed for new and experienced controllers in any organization. Students work through detailed case studies, applying the different responsibilities of each quadrant. The instructor will drop several challenging situations into the mix to test students' abilities.
Students must bring a basic calculator to the class. Both the online and in-person courses cost $2695 for three whole days. Classes average around 20 total students, and participants must be at least 21 to participate.
More Details
American Management Association, International or AMA was founded in 1923. The company offers in-person classes in cities like Chicago and New York or live online from anywhere. CEUs or Continuing Education Units are available for any course they offer.
AMA’s business classes receive a high rating, an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars. One student commented on the content of the class that it was both interesting and fun. Another student praised the teachers and the positive atmosphere, saying the class provided “all the confidence needed” to succeed in business.
#10: NYIM Training–Excel for Business Bootcamp (Live Online)
Excel is a helpful tool for businesses to manage data. By taking an Excel for Business Bootcamp virtual course, participants gain skills they can immediately use. In this course, participants learn how Microsoft Excel can organize and sort data to identify trends. This course would be especially beneficial for human resource employees who must track employee hours and functions. Classes have around 12 students, so you’ll receive plenty of individual help.
Key Information
NYIM’s three-day Excel for Business Bootcamp costs $549–a 15% discount for bundling individual one-day classes. The tuition includes 18 hours of instruction, three video suites, and training manuals. Students may retake the course for free up to a year afterward. Upon completion, all participants will earn a digital certificate. Another option is to enroll in their Excel Specialist Certification Program, which adds two hours of private training and an Excel Specialist Exam fee.
Students need a basic understanding of computers to be successful in this course. The first class covers the basics of Excel such as data entry and applying formatting to text. You can choose a full-time, three-day class or a six-session evening course. NYIM is flexible; they can accommodate a hybrid of the two.
More Details
You can attend NYIM’s Excel Bootcamp in-person in New York City or live online anywhere through the Zoom video conferencing platform. Plus, the school has customer support to help you with technical problems or access free software versions before the first day of class. One reviewer, Jonathan S. said, ”NYIM does incredible work! I did the three-day Excel Bootcamp & it was amazing! They [the teachers] explained everything in an incredibly clear & concise manner. I would HIGHLY recommend NYIM for anyone looking for Excel training.”
#11: EA Principals, Inc.–Applied Business Architecture (in New York)
Located in Manhattan, EA Principals specializes in training top business leaders of US Government agencies and private companies. Participants learn modeling, capabilities, TOGAF business scenarios, information mapping, and value streams in their Applied Business Architecture course. The instructor brings in typical situations, so students can practice the application. Business Architects are in high demand, yet more people need to be trained to fulfill these jobs. Attending this class will help you stand out. Accredited by The Open Group, this course prepares students to take the TOGAF Business Architecture Level 1 Exam.
Key Information
EA Principals, Inc Applied Business Architecture costs $1,595. There are no materials fees. A complete refund, less a 2% processing fee, is honored if the student drops out no later than three weeks before the start date. Missed portions of courses may be made up during another section of the class due to an emergency or unforeseen circumstance. EA Principals will not provide a refund within 21 days of the class start date.
After taking this course, students can request a Certificate of completion. They can also sign up for TOGAF Business Architecture Level 1 Exam. The test consists of 30 multiple-choice questions over 45 minutes. Completing the exam with a passing score will lead to a TOGAF Business Architecture Level 1 Open Badge.
More Details
You can attend EA Principals in-person in New York City or at one of their global locations such as Virginia, Washington DC, France, Australia, Poland, or Kuwait. They specialize in working with government agencies and Fortune 500 companies.
#12: Noble Desktop–Effective Business Writing (in New York)
Businesses need skilled and trained writers. The fastest and most effective way to gain these skills is taking a class like Effective Business Writing in New York. This class also may be offered live online. Enroll in this business writing course to enhance your writing abilities, from emails to proposals. The course starts by diving into the essentials of effective writing: audience, structure, and purpose. Then, it layers different business writing genres. Students will craft effective digital communications, including the unfavorable news email. They will also compose formal documents such as business letters and important business proposals.
Key Information
The in-person or live online course costs $325. Students may select a one-day class or break the course into two sections across two days. Enrolled individuals must be at least 18 years of age. However, this class does not have any prerequisites. Students can also take this class as part of a package to save money. Noble Desktop offers a Business Writing Bootcamp, blending this course with their advanced business writing course and grammar essentials. Students can take the 18-hour course for $695, saving several hundred dollars off the individual sticker prices.
Students must pay for the class before the session begins but may cancel up to 11 business days before the class starts, minus the registration fee. If students are more than four days from the class start, they may reschedule without penalty. Noble Desktop also offers free retakes within one year of the course.
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When students complete the class, they will receive a certificate of completion from Noble Desktop. The necessary software is provided, or the instructor will help students sign up for a free trial. In the many online reviews, students express satisfaction with Noble Desktop’s courses, including their business writing class. Martine A. said, “the reminders are a great refresher of what I knew. Granted I didn’t know it all, and was very impressed to learn the different styles of writing that can be included in the document.” She continued recommending “the course to professionals and college graduates about to enter the workforce.”
#13: EA Principals, Inc.—Archimate ® 3.1: Combined Level 1 and 2 (in Los Angeles)
The ArchiMate ® 3.1 Training: Combined Level 1 and Level 2 by EA Principals, Inc. Aims to help students ready themselves to become ArchiMate certified professionals. This course will help Business Architects, Program and Project Managers, and more develop a business structure. The ArchiMate is a framework consisting of three layers and three aspects. Businesses adopting the framework tend to improve their communication, integration, and alignment, allowing them to seamlessly work with stakeholders and disciplines seamlessly.
Key Information
Taking this class is a full-time venture spanning four 6-hour sessions. It costs $2,795. The full payment is due upfront.
It’s held at the California State University- Los Angeles campus.
This class has no prerequisites. It is appropriate for groups including Enterprise Architects, Business Architects, System Integrators, and Program and Project Managers. Before attending the course, the company recommends reading the ArchiMate ® Specification Pocket Guide, Study Cards, and Full Specification.
More Details
The tuition includes two exam vouchers for the level 1 and 2 ArchiMate ® exams. Students will need to book their exams separately through Pearson. This course includes several study guides, case studies, practice test questions, and answers.
Business professionals value the content in EA Principals courses. Even though their courses build towards a certification, one student notes that “the course wasn’t a teach-to-the-test format.”
#14: NYC Career Centers—Financial Analyst Training Program (in New York or Live Online)
Employing an individual with finance knowledge is important for a business. In the Financial Analyst Training Program course, students gain experience in Microsoft Excel and corporate finance, learning enough to serve in a financial role. Initially, students learn the ins and outs of Excel: formulas, functions, and Pivot Tables. Then, the course moves into using Excel for financial modeling with Goal Seek or other financial functions. Covering corporate finance, accounting, and financial modeling is the next section. Students finish with a three-statement DCF model of an actual company.
Key Information
This course costs $1,295; full tuition is due before it starts. The tuition includes 30 hours of instruction. Students can take the course part-time or full-time, or a hybrid model. Students can finish it in as little as four days.
Though this course has no prerequisites, some familiarity with corporate finance and accounting may be helpful. Enrolled students may improve their knowledge before the first day by reviewing provided materials before the course starts.
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The company guarantees you will learn the concepts and skills listed in the course description. Plus, they offer free retakes, so you can brush up on any portion of the course free for a year following the course. The company keeps its classes small–8-15 students at a time–so each person gets personalized attention.
The company averages 4.9 out of 5 stars on Google reviews. Many students who take classes with NYC Career Centers praise their instructors and the content. Diane S. noted how much patience her instructors had. “They are wonderful about explaining and re-explaining when necessary, ” she gushed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Choose a Business Class?
Choosing a business class necessitates examining your goals and learning preferences before finding an appropriate option. First, determine specific goals for taking the class. Consider what business area you need to grow or start a career. Once you’ve clarified the area, assess your availability and preferred learning format. Try to match your needs with available courses. A great place to start is the course description or syllabus. Before selecting a course, read student reviews or check Google Reviews. It’s also a good idea to check into the instructor’s qualifications. Course instructors should have ample business experience and teaching experience. Finally, consider the cost. A $20,000 certificate or MBA course may be as effective as a $2,000 course for your goals. Don’t overspend on a pricey course if it’s not necessary.
Is It Better to Attend a Business Class In-person or Online?
Selecting an online or an in-person business class depends on personal preferences and learning style. Consider what you need before selecting a course.
If you’re a person who enjoys interacting and engaging with classmates in real-time, an in-person class might be a better option. In-person classes allow participants to engage in face-to-face discussions and ask the instructor direct questions. They also encourage collaboration. For some individuals, immediate feedback and in-person discussions yield a positive learning experience. Yet, others may find the commute and the commitment too large.
Live online classes offer more flexibility and convenience. They allow students to access lectures, lessons, and discussions from anywhere. Students can still interact with one another and the instructor in real-time, allowing instantaneous feedback. Some classes even allow students to learn at different times. This flexibility is important for students with other commitments–work or family responsibilities–that make it challenging to attend in-person classes regularly. Online classes are convenient; students have no commute time, so they don’t waste hours driving to a class or circling the block looking for parking. This format isn’t for everyone. Some people need another person beside them for peak accountability.
On-demand courses are even more flexible. But they don’t have the same real-time interaction as live online or in-person courses. These classes work best for individuals who have extensive commitments or variable schedules. Enrollees should also be comfortable with technology. Yet, on-demand courses don’t work well for students who need tight deadlines and an instructor or a group to motivate them.
Finding the right style of class is essential before enrolling. Some factors such as geographical constraints, may limit course options. However, regardless of the style selected, learning business should benefit you personally and professionally. Consider what you need and who you are before choosing the format that best suits your needs and circumstances.
What Will I Need for a Business Class?
Often, the requirements for a business class differ for in-person vs. online classes.
In-person classes will require attendance. Plan your schedule to be present at the designated location and time. Plus, the course may require you to bring materials such as books or a laptop to each session. Check with the instructor about any required physical materials. Some students prefer taking notes during lessons, discussions, and presentations. Note-takers should bring their preferred materials–notebook and pens or computer.
Online business classes may have different requirements. A reliable desktop computer, laptop or personal computing device is a requirement. Also, a fast internet connection is a must. Check your device for the technical requirements specified by the course provider. Older software struggles with loading videos or live online discussions. Check if the online class requires any specific software or applications loaded beforehand. Often the school has a tech office to help with any downloads before a course starts.
Most classes, online and in-person, provide digital course materials over their LMS. Be sure to check with the school before the class starts, so the first day goes well.
Can I Learn Business Online for Free?
It is possible to learn basic business online for free. Numerous free resources available on the internet are good for acquiring knowledge and skill.
Several online video options exist for learning business. YouTube has many videos and online tutorials for basic business concepts. Websites like Coursera and Khan Academy provide access to a range of business-related courses that you can take at your own pace. You can read business blogs and websites hosted by experts and professionals who share their perspectives. However, these free options tend to be basic or out of date. Or they are written to a specific audience who may confuse a beginner. Plus, no instructor is available in case concepts are difficult to understand. Free resources also don’t come with a certificate to show potential employers.
While free courses are beneficial, it’s with paying for a course to learn up-to-date business skills.
Is It Better to Learn Business in a Live or Self-paced Class?
The choice between learning business in a live or self-paced class depends on what you need as a learner.
Live classes provide greater interactivity and possibly engagement, which is the key to learning. In a live class, you can participate in discussions, ask questions in real-time, and engage with your classmates. Plus, you have an instructor who provides immediate feedback. This interactive learning environment can enhance understanding and push students to critically think. Plus, it can encourage connections and collaboration between classmates. Students who thrive in an active, dynamic setting and value immediate feedback and interaction might prefer a live class.
Self-paced classes provide flexibility for busy individuals. These classes allow you to access course materials and lessons when you can. As a note, some on-demand courses give individuals a window to complete each lesson. Students will pass the course if they complete the readings and assignments within the window. Self-paced classes also allow students to review the material as needed, spending more time on challenging topics and shorter chunks on easier concepts. If you prefer autonomy and the ability to fit learning into your schedule, self-paced classes may be the way to go.
However, in business, networking is key. Live classes often provide valuable and indispensable networking opportunities. They bring together students and industry professionals. These connections, formed in business classes, can later lead to collaborations, mentorships, and future career opportunities. On-demand classes don’t have these options for live interaction, and building deeper connections is extremely difficult, if not impossible.
Ultimately, deciding between a live or self-paced class depends on learning preferences, goals, and schedules. Potential students should consider who they are as learners, their schedules, and networking needs before committing to a course.