What are the best ways to find relevant continuing education courses

I’m looking to advance my skills in digital marketing, specifically in areas like SEO, paid advertising (Google Ads, specifically), and social media marketing. I’m overwhelmed by the sheer number of courses available online and locally. I need something that’s reputable and will actually provide me with valuable, up-to-date knowledge that I can immediately apply to my current role.

So, what are the best ways to find continuing education courses that are actually worth the investment? I’m interested in both online and in-person options, although online is preferable due to my schedule. Are there specific websites, certifications, or organizations I should be looking at? How can I tell if a course is genuinely high-quality and not just a waste of money? What are some red flags to watch out for? Bonus points if you can recommend resources geared towards intermediate to advanced digital marketers.

Answer

To locate relevant continuing education courses, consider the following avenues:

Professional Organizations and Associations:

• Industry-Specific Organizations: These groups often offer courses, workshops, conferences, and certifications tailored to the specific needs of their members. Examples include the American Medical Association (AMA) for physicians, the American Bar Association (ABA) for lawyers, the Project Management Institute (PMI) for project managers, and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) for HR professionals. Many organizations have online catalogs or directories of approved courses, making it easy to find options that meet specific requirements or interests. They frequently negotiate discounted rates for their members.
• Specialty Associations: Within broader industries, specialty associations cater to niche areas. For instance, within the medical field, there are associations for cardiology, dermatology, oncology, and many other specialties. These groups provide highly focused continuing education opportunities.
• Licensing Boards: Many professions require a certain number of continuing education units (CEUs) or credits for license renewal. Licensing boards often maintain lists of approved providers or offer links to recognized training programs. Checking with your licensing board is crucial to ensure that the courses you take will fulfill your requirements.

Educational Institutions:

• Universities and Colleges: Universities and colleges are a significant source of continuing education courses, workshops, and certificate programs. Many offer extension programs or continuing studies departments specifically designed for adult learners. These institutions may provide both online and in-person courses, covering a wide range of subjects. Courses taught by university faculty often carry a high level of academic rigor and credibility.
• Community Colleges: Community colleges offer practical, career-focused courses and certificate programs. These are often more affordable than university programs and are designed to meet the needs of local employers. Community colleges are a good option for acquiring new skills or updating existing ones.
• Vocational and Technical Schools: These institutions provide specialized training in specific trades and technical fields. They often offer courses that lead to industry-recognized certifications.

Online Learning Platforms:

• Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs): Platforms like Coursera, edX, and Udacity offer a vast selection of courses from top universities and institutions worldwide. While some courses are free to audit, earning a certificate usually requires payment. MOOCs are a flexible way to learn new skills or explore new subjects.
• Professional Development Platforms: LinkedIn Learning, Skillshare, and similar platforms offer courses focused on professional skills development. These platforms often feature courses taught by industry experts and cover topics relevant to various careers.
• Industry-Specific Online Training Providers: Numerous companies specialize in providing online training for specific industries or professions. These providers often offer courses that are tailored to meet the needs of employers and employees in those fields.
• Learning Management Systems (LMS): Many organizations utilize LMS platforms (e.g., Canvas, Blackboard, Moodle) to deliver internal training and continuing education courses to their employees. Check with your employer to see if they offer any continuing education opportunities through an LMS.

Conferences, Workshops, and Seminars:

• Industry Conferences: Attending industry conferences is a great way to learn about the latest trends, network with peers, and earn continuing education credits. Many conferences offer workshops and seminars that qualify for CEUs.
• Local Workshops and Seminars: Check with local community centers, libraries, and business organizations for information on workshops and seminars offered in your area. These events can be a cost-effective way to gain new knowledge and skills.

Employer-Sponsored Training:

• Internal Training Programs: Many employers offer internal training programs to help their employees develop new skills and stay up-to-date on industry trends. These programs may be offered in-person or online.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Some employers offer tuition reimbursement programs to help employees pay for continuing education courses. Check with your human resources department to see if your employer offers this benefit.

Government Agencies:

• Federal, State, and Local Agencies: Government agencies often offer training programs and resources related to their specific areas of responsibility. For example, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers training courses on environmental regulations, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides training on workplace safety.

Search Engines and Online Directories:

• Google and other Search Engines: Use specific keywords related to your profession or area of interest to search for continuing education courses online.
• Online Directories: Some websites specialize in listing continuing education courses and programs. These directories can be a convenient way to find options that meet your needs.

When evaluating continuing education courses, consider the following factors:

• Relevance: Does the course cover topics that are relevant to your current job or career goals?
• Accreditation: Is the course accredited by a recognized organization or institution?
• Instructor Qualifications: Who is teaching the course, and what are their credentials and experience?
• Format: Is the course offered in a format that is convenient for you (e.g., online, in-person, self-paced)?
• Cost: What is the cost of the course, and are there any scholarships or financial aid available?
• Reviews and Reputation: What are other people saying about the course? Look for reviews and testimonials online.
• CEU/Credit Hours: Does the course offer the appropriate number of continuing education units or credits required by your licensing board or professional organization?

By utilizing a combination of these resources and carefully considering the factors listed above, you can effectively find relevant continuing education courses to advance your career and stay current in your field.