Top 10 Free Online Courses for Career Grow

The job market is evolving, leading to a skills crisis. Upskilling and reskilling can be great tools to manage the skill gap. The business management courses are highly demanded. Acquire industry-relevant skills such as AI, advanced Excel, programming, and data analysis for career growth.

Online courses have made learning easier and affordable. Moreover, today, there are ample free online courses available. You can learn new skills without burning a hole in your pocket. Here is a list of the top 10 free online courses for career growth. Get ready to tackle the emerging job market with a bag full of new skills and knowledge.

Top 10 Free Online Courses for Career Growth

Let’s check out the list of top online programmes for career growth available at zero cost:

1. Introduction to Data Analysis using Excel

UpGrad offers this 9-hour-long self-paced online course. It covers data cleaning, analysis, and visualisation using pivot tables and formulas. This course is ideal for beginners planning to enter the field or looking to build essential skills. Moreover, you would get a hands-on learning experience with case studies and practical exercises. On top of that, earn a certificate to enhance your credibility in the job market.

🔖 Essential Skills:

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  Data Analysis
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  Data Interpretation
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  Report Making
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  Data Visualisation

📚 Topics Covered:

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  Understanding the Excel Interface
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  Sort and Filter
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  Cell Referencing and Text Functions
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  PIVOT Tables
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  VLOOKUP
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  Slicers

2. Basics of Search Engine Optimisation

Upgrad offers this 100% free online course. This course is a perfect fit if you are planning to boost your SEO skills. Whether you are a beginner or a professional looking to relearn a few concepts, this course provides industry-relevant knowledge and skills at no cost. Enjoy flexible learning with expert guidance and lifetime access to the study material.

🔖 Essential Skills:

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  SEO Optimisation
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  SERP Analysis
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  SEO Data Analysis
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  Keyword Optimisation

📚 Topics Covered:

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  Introduction to SEO
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  Components of SEO and SERP
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  Crawling, Indexing, and Ranking
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  Search Queries and Keywords
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  Measurement, Metric and SEO Audit
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  On-page and Off-page SEO

3. Creative Thinking: Techniques and Tools for Success

Ever feel stuck on multidisciplinary issues in your office? Coursera offers this self-paced course, helping you think creatively and develop innovative solutions. This 19-hour duration course is designed to help you navigate the ever-growing and changing world. Here, you will learn to think outside the box, approach problems from different angles, and produce smart solutions. The course will equip you with a bunch of tools and techniques.

🔖 Essential Skills:

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  Problem-Solving
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  Creativity Tools
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  Morphological Chart
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  SCAMPER

📚 Topics Covered:

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  Introduction to the Principles of Creativity
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  Creativity Tools
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  Thinking Styles
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  Morphological Analysis
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  Theory of Inventive Problem-Solving
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  SCAMPER

4. ChatGPT and Generative AI for Data Analytics

Data is the new currency. Master data analytics techniques with Coursera at zero cost. Coursera offers this beginner-level ChatGPT and generative AI course. Learn to leverage AI for data analysis in less than three weeks. This online course would equip you with the fundamental knowledge, skills, and tools related to ChatGPT and its usage for AI. Moreover, you would learn about prompt engineering, best practices, limitations, and more.

🔖 Essential Skills:

• ✅
  Excel Proficiency
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  Power BI
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  Data Analysis
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  Prompt Engineering

📚 Topics Covered:

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  Introduction to AI for Data Analytics
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  ChatGPT for Excel
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  ChatGPT for Power BI
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  ChatGPT for SQL
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  ChatGPT for Python

5. Cybersecurity: Preventing a Hack

With cybercrimes increasing daily, basic knowledge about cybersecurity has become essential. Herovired offers this short and crisp micro online course on cybersecurity at zero cost. The course contains three modules: an introduction to cybersecurity, a case study, and assessments. Fast-track your career as a cybersecurity professional with advanced skills and knowledge in the field.

🔖 Essential Skills:

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  Risk Assessment
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  Scripting
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  Controls and Frameworks
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  Fundamental Technological Skills

📚 Topics Covered:

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  Introduction to Cybersecurity
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  What is Cybersecurity?
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  Sony Case Study

6. Agile Methodology

Here is another micro-programme offered by Herovired. This course is also available free of cost. Gain an in-depth understanding of agile principles, methodologies, collaborative principles, and more. The course includes common practices, popular tools, case studies, assessment, and agile methodologies. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, let this programme help you advance in the field.

🔖 Essential Skills:

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  Project Management
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  Scrum
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  Kanban
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  Effective Strategy Building

📚 Topics Covered:

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  Introduction to Agile Methodology
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  The Story of Agileland
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  Case Study: Using Jira Software for Agile Processes

7. Excel for Beginners

Excel skills play a crucial role across professions. It can also open a variety of career opportunities for you.

Great Learning offers this course for anyone looking to upskill and advance in their careers. This zero-cost online course helps you develop a fundamental understanding of Excel and data management.

The programme is specifically tailored for beginners. The curriculum covers cell referencing, creating tables, borders, functions and formulas, and more.

🔖 Essential Skills:

• ✅
  Cell Referencing
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  Data Visualisation
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  Data Wrangling
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  Sorting and Filtering

📚 Topics Covered:

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  Introduction to Excel
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  Cell Referencing in Excel
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  Tables and Borders in Excel
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  Basic Functions and Formulas in Excel
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  If-Else Condition in Excel
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  Filtering Excel

8. Human Resource Management

Great Learning offers this beginner-level HR management free online course. This online programme is your short introductory class into job analysis, recruitment, manpower planning, and more. Whether you are a beginner, a professional, or an entrepreneur, this course is your gateway into people management. From planning to selection, this covers it all. Broaden your knowledge and skills and advance your HR journey.

🔖 Essential Skills:

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  Manpower Planning
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  Job Analysis
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  Recruitment and Selection
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  Training and Development

📚 Topics Covered:

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  Introduction to HRM
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  Functions and Evolution of HRM
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  Job Analysis
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  Manpower Planning
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  Compensation and Benefits
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  Employee Engagement

9. Project Management 101

Simplilearn offers this introductory short online course. This course is tailored to meet beginner-level needs. The course covers the basics of project management, from its meaning to its scope. This 2-hour programme enables you to gain tools and techniques to advance in the project management industry. Moreover, the programme shall also deal with the roles and duties of a project manager.

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  Project Planning
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  Risk Management
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  Problem solving
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  Leadership

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  Introduction to Project Management
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  What is Project Management
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  Key Focus Areas in Project Management
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  Scope of Project Management
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  Project vs. Programme

10. Product Management 101: Who is a Product Manager?

Simplilearn offers this course for aspiring and existing product managers. It is a gateway into the realm of product management.

Gain a comprehensive understanding of a product manager’s meaning, role, scope, and duties. Enhance your problem-solving and decision-making skills with this product management online course taught by professionals from the industry.

Get a hands-on learning experience, recorded lectures, and a certificate upon course completion.

🔖 Essential Skills:

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  Conflict Resolution
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  Effective Decision Making
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  Problem Solving
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  Team Management

📚 Topics Covered:

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  Introduction to Product Management
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  Product Manager Roadmap
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  Product Manager Tools Part I
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  Product Manager Tools Part-II

Bonus Course For Your Career Growth: Programming 101

Tech integration has changed the job market, making programming an essential part of jobs across roles. Udemy offers a self-paced and flexible fundamental programming free online course. The course covers fundamental hardware, networking, programming, and licensing knowledge. Whether a tech or a non-tech professional, this course equips you with excellent computer skills.

🔖 Essential Skills:

• ✅
  Fundamental Knowledge of Computers
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  Basic Network Structure
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  Programming
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  Licensing

📚 Topics Covered:

• ✅
  Introduction
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  Understanding Hardware
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  Basics of Networking
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  Understanding Operating Systems
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  Basic Programming Language
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  Programming Paradigms
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  Conclusion

What Are the High-Income Skills You Must Have for Career Growth?

The job market has evolved, and truth be told, it has become a little difficult to bag a well-paying job today. Unlike before, today, mere academic qualifications are not enough to get a job. Employers seek graduates with a combination of skills and knowledge in their field. If you don’t believe us, then would you believe what Elon Musk has to say? Mr Musk says that a college degree isn’t the only requirement today; you must have the right skill set. So, if you are looking to advance your career, then here are a few skills that you must have:

• ✅
  Data Analysis: Learn to extract relevant data to make informed decisions. You must be able to collect, identify, interpret, and extract relevant data to solve problems.
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  Excel: Excel is one such tool that is relevant across professions. Whether you want to track progress or manage projects, there is no better tool than Excel.
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  Digital Marketing: SEO optimisation, content management, content marketing, keyword research, and SERP optimisation are some roles a digital marketer must perform.
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  Generative AI: Growing dependency on artificial intelligence has made it essential to develop Gen AI skills. Master prompt engineering and other AI tools, such as ChatGPT and Gemini, to enhance productivity.
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  Software Development: There is a high demand for skilled IT professionals. If you wish to develop the next Google, this is the right role. Skills you must have are programming, testing basics, data structure, and more.
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  Project Management: From leading to planning and tracking to successfully delivering the desired results. As a project manager, you would be in charge of the project and the team. You are responsible for identifying the viable projects and delivering the desired outcome.

Job Search Tips and Tricks 101

If you are someone who is looking for a job but facing issues, we have got you. Similar to how you cannot use expired goods, applying the age-old job search tricks would not get you anywhere. You must use modern tricks to stay ahead in the current corporate ecosystem. Here is a list of some tips and tricks:

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  Adapt to changes rather than resisting them. Acquire skills according to the current industry trends to enhance your employability.
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  Keep updating your LinkedIn profile. Make sure to highlight the skills part.
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  Network and connect with relevant people. Reach out to the HRs directly or some top relevant person if it’s a startup.
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  Be creative while writing cold emails to people. Make it informative yet engaging to read.
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  Tailor your resume to the job description mentioned by the employer.
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  Write a stellar cover letter, one that pushes the person to respond back to you.
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  Embrace the power of lifelong learning for a successful professional and personal life.

Conclusion: A Pathway To Success

Are you standing at the crossroads of the emerging job market? With the constant evolution, it is easy to get a little confused about the process. But if done right, you can unlock your full potential, leading to career growth and a lucrative pay scale. Leverage the power of lifelong learning and upskilling with top free online courses for your career growth.

Whether you are a fresher or a working professional, upskilling can never go wrong. So, what’s stopping you? Embrace the power of online learning to launch your career to newer heights. And that, too, without spending a single penny. Get ready to unlock new career opportunities with your refined skill set.