Taking a course to further your education or learn a new skill can be done for many reasons, whether just for fun or because you hope to make a career change. There are a wide variety of topics that are offered either online or in person. Here are three common reasons to take a course.
1. For Career Advancement
Many people want to add a new skill or professional certificate to their resume in hopes of moving up in their current company or finding a higher-level role at another company. Many websites and mobile apps offer free opportunities for people to learn and practice various skills such as coding. There are also ways to earn college credits and certificates without having to go through a formal college admissions process, although these options are less likely to be free of charge.
2. Because It Is Court Mandated
Although this reason for taking a class is much less likely to be a personal choice, court ordered courses provide valuable skills and life lessons to those who are likely in a place where they need those lessons the most. Common court-mandated courses include those discussing alcohol abuse, domestic violence, drivers’ education and anger management.
3. For Fun
It is perfectly acceptable to take a course for no other reason than having an interest in the subject. Explore a topic that you have always been curious about but were unable to complete in high school or college for financial or other reasons. You never know if a skill you learn will be valuable down the road in your career or even during a casual game of trivia. If you enjoy learning about current events, consider a political science course and if you have an interest in different cultures, consider studying a new language.
Any of these three reasons are a good reason to exercise your mind and learn something new.