You can learn business on your own in several ways. There are self-paced courses and in-person and online resources that allow you to take a further glance at business practices, concepts, and tools. Whether you seek out in-person resources like library sessions and career center guidance or search online for blogs, videos, and chatrooms, each learning resource has its benefits and detriments. Overall, you can certainly gain a surface-level understanding of business on your own, but it is not the recommended path to gaining more advanced skills as it’ll take far too long and will be incredibly challenging. Suppose you plan to become a business professional. In that case, you can use self-teaching methods as a supplement to help you achieve your goals without the added stress and effort of tackling the learning experience solo.
Advantages to Self-Teaching Business
Self-teaching business offers different advantages to anyone interested in becoming an Entrepreneur, Digital Marketer, Business Analyst, Project Manager, or another business-related profession. Most notably, self-teaching methods provide learners with a more accessible and independent form of study compared to live classes. Self-taught methods include anything from on-demand classes to online resources, so the cost is relatively low if anything at all. Plus, self-teaching offers a more flexible approach to learning a new skill. Not only can you fit studying into your daily schedule whenever it suits you, but you can also tailor your educational experience to your needs. This method also requires a staunchly motivated mindset along with other qualities such as resourcefulness, problem-solving, and adaptability.
You may choose to teach yourself business for several reasons. One of the biggest hurdles associated with learning a new skill is simply finding the time. With self-taught methods, you can study at your convenience and complete the coursework as you’re able to. This freedom enables you to learn at your own pace and feel less pressured to scramble to complete your lessons. In addition, self-teaching may be the ideal learning method, particularly if you are someone who just needs to brush up on a few skills or if you’re getting into business as a hobby. While not recommended for everyone, self-teaching business skills can pay off substantially whether it’s done as a supplement to a live class or as a way to continue your education.
Business Self-Teaching Tools
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On-Demand Classes
On-demand classes are asynchronous and self-paced. Instead of a traditional learning format, students follow along with reading material, video tutorials, pre-recorded lectures, and other resources to teach themselves the course subject. Students who require extreme flexibility often gravitate towards this option since they can pick up and put down the class as needed. These classes allow students to complete assignments at their convenience and learn at the pace that suits their needs. There are many different kinds of on-demand classes, with some lasting only an afternoon and others lasting a few weeks. This option also allows students to personalize their learning experience, if they are able to choose individual classes instead of a bundled option. The ability to revisit complicated concepts is an added benefit, but there is a notable lack of feedback since students learn solo as opposed to alongside an instructor and peers.
Social Media Platforms
Business professionals all across the world open social media accounts specifically to share their knowledge and provide insight into the business field. As quasi-influencers, these business experts will share their experiences and help others feel capable of reaching their goals. This can serve as a highly effective networking opportunity since it is so easy to connect with others on social media platforms. In addition, business-related social media pages can offer a wide variety of resources, including videos, charts, live streams, and discussions via stories with questions and polls. Platforms like LinkedIn host industry-specific forums and chat sessions where you can learn directly from an expert in the field. Plus, social media allows for more interaction between the professional and their following, so it feels much more personal than simply reading about your skill online.
Software Resources
Depending on the path you hope to take in the business field, you may need to learn software to perform your job function. Some software has a higher learning curve than others, but luckily, most software companies have websites with frequently asked question sections, blogs, video tutorials, and other resources to help users understand their product. If you use specific software for your business position, such as Adobe Creative Cloud for marketing purposes, it would be worthwhile to search Adobe’s official website for free resources. If you have a specific question about Photoshop, you may be able to find it on Adobe. You can search for tutorials and step-by-step guides as well. Most software companies also have customer service agents available to answer questions and help with any other issues you may have.
Training Center Websites
Training centers value their students first and foremost, so many have websites full of learning resources. For instance, Noble Desktop’s free seminar page is a collection of pre-recorded lectures that offer more insight into the subject and may give you an idea of what the courses are like. You can watch these videos to build a foundation for your skills. Additionally, Noble Desktop’s Learn Hub has an entire section dedicated to business tools and subjects. From this section, you may learn a little more about the field and decide which route you want to take in your business career.
Drawbacks to Learning Business on Your Own
While self-teaching business skills sounds like an ideal situation, there are considerable drawbacks that may cause you to fall short of your learning expectations and goals. It’s true that self-taught methods are flexible and easily accessible, but they do lack adequate guidance from someone with ample experience. Without an expert instructor, it is much more difficult to catch mistakes, fix errors, or understand complex concepts. You will be left to answer all your own questions, figure out any confusing concepts, and confirm whether you are learning an updated or outdated industry-standard. Additionally, an instructor will provide feedback that is sorely needed when gaining professional-grade skills. If you complete a portfolio project and are unaware of the existing flaws, whether major or minute, that can affect you negatively during job interviews. Without expert feedback, students may spend more time researching questions outside of class than they’d like. Despite the quick and flexible format, this can make self-teaching last even longer.
All in all, the lack of guidance can cause students to severely struggle if they run into roadblocks. Business professionals of all kinds require knowledge of different software and digital tools. If you use Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Cloud, Tableau, Google Analytics, or any other business tool, you are bound to encounter confusing moments or errors. Learning new software and digital tools can be one of the most difficult parts of teaching yourself new skills. Many are intricate and have dozens of functions that may be hidden or less than obvious. Other software may have useful keyboard shortcuts that you may be unaware of if you teach yourself how to use said software. Troubleshooting by yourself can be overwhelming and frustrating, to say the least. Additionally, self-taught individuals have to have exemplary discipline and motivation. A structured yet neutral learning environment can help maintain that mindset, whereas self-teaching may cause your dedication to wane. Plus, self-taught individuals are rarely ever qualified to become professionals. While self-teaching offers certain benefits, addressing concerns like these is essential.
Alternatives to Learning Business on Your Own
You can find alternatives to studying business on your own, no matter what your budget, schedule, or purpose is for learning. In fact, if you plan to become a business professional, learning on your own is not recommended. A more immersive and hands-on method will result in higher retention rates and strengthen your chances of finding gainful employment. Enrolling in a live class offers a large advantage over learning solo since you’ll receive immediate feedback, can ask questions in real-time, and learn alongside other like-minded individuals. The interaction provided by live classes makes learning business far less challenging and gives students a more realistic experience that is greatly needed before entering the job search. Plus, the neutral learning environment and motivation you’ll receive from classmates and the instructor allow you to keep up the momentum.
Each live course, bootcamp, certificate program, or workshop has a specific curriculum that is scaffolded to suit the student's needs based on their current skill level. You can find classes specifically for beginners or search for more specified courses if you only need to learn how to use a particular tool as opposed to learning about business as a whole. In live classes, students often participate in class discussions, review real case studies, analyze business plans from prominent companies, and complete hands-on projects. Another notable difference between a self-taught method and a live course is the proof of skills acquired. Most live classes offer certificates or badges to serve as proof that you’ve spent time and energy mastering these skills.
Live Classes and Bootcamps at Noble Desktop
Among the many business-related classes and bootcamps offered at Noble Desktop is the Google Analytics Bootcamp. Over six total hours, students will learn how to use Google Analytics to store, manage, and track data related to marketing campaigns, financial trends, and other business practices. After setting up your account, you will learn how to configure data, create reports, and analyze data before drawing conclusions. Through various hands-on exercises, you’ll feel confident optimizing marketing strategies, website performance, workplace practices, and general business decisions.
Likewise, the FinTech Bootcamp shows students how to use essential financial analysis technology. The instructor will cover data analysis and visualization as well as how to use Python and SQL to create dashboards and query databases. Students will create statistical models and use machine learning for their final project. Other important financial business subjects covered in the bootcamp include SEC filings, stock market trends, portfolio risk management, and financial ratios.
If you are a total Excel beginner, consider the Excel Level I: Fundamentals course to get started. Your instructor will show you how to navigate the interface and use Excel for basic calculations, graphs, and charts. Through hands-on activities, you’ll learn tips to manage your spreadsheet, learn basic functions, and learn how to effectively perform data entry. The course ends with a project meant to solidify your newly acquired Excel skills and review any key concepts from the class.