When enrolling in a business class, you are likely to consider how much time you have to spend in class. Your time is valuable, and you may not have a lot to spare. However, enrolling in a professional training course can make a huge difference in your future career. This article aims to show you all the different types of business classes and details their expected, or standard, length. This can help you determine which course is the best for your schedule and the time you have to spend.
Lengths of Classes
It takes time to learn any new skill, but business especially. It is a complex and layered subject that consists of more than just one type of skill. Classes typically range from a few hours to a few months, depending on the depth of the subject or the specific tool the course focuses on. Of course, there are far lengthier options, such as traditional degree programs at universities and colleges. Still, these are typically four-year programs (that can extend to six years for Master’s programs). Whether you need to learn the basics or enroll in a course that focuses on professional skill development, there is a course length that suits your needs and preferences.
Introductory Classes
Introductory business classes are usually the shortest, most efficient type of course to gain real-world business skills. They cover the basics of whatever subject matter is included, whether that’s navigating a software interface or learning how to analyze, visualize, and present data in a business setting. Most introductory classes last a few hours and can take place in an afternoon or over two or three days, depending if you choose a full-time or part-time course option. These courses are a quick and easy way to familiarize yourself with business topics and feel more prepared to tackle the next level of advancement. However, introductory classes are purely for beginners or complete novices, so it is essential to cover the curriculum before enrollment.
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Advanced Courses
Similarly, advanced courses are relatively short but provide thorough instruction. They teach in the same manner as an introductory course but are far more advanced and specified information. They aim to skip over (or at least gloss over) the more basic or beginner-level information and dive head-first into the challenging aspects of the subject. The main thing to consider with advanced classes is that they have prerequisites, so you may be required to complete introductory classes or have knowledge equivalent to the beginner course. These advanced courses can help you learn business at a slower pace than if you were to enroll in a certificate course or a degree program, mainly because you can focus on certain skills, such as how to use a certain function in Excel or Tableau, as opposed to learning about an entire subject.
Business Bootcamps
Business bootcamps and certificate programs are immersive and offer an extended program for those interested in starting a business career. Depending on the training center, this educational format typically includes different developmental resources, such as career mentoring, portfolio building, interview preparation, and free retakes of the course. While these programs are usually a greater investment of time and money, they pay off substantially in the long run and ensure that students are well-equipped to enter the workforce once the course has ended. Still, they are far less time-consuming and costly than a typical business degree program at a university. Most bootcamps and certificates last a few weeks to a few months, but this will depend mostly on whether you enroll in a full-time or part-time program. Plus, these bootcamps are also delivered in-person and live online, so they are relatively flexible and easy to fit into your schedule.
Business Degrees
If you have ample time, money, and resources, you can pursue a business degree at a university or even continue to earn your Master of Business Administration (MBA). There’s incredible value in these degrees, particularly if you enroll in a program at an accredited school. They cover the entirety of the subject in-depth and offer hands-on opportunities to gain experience. However, these degree programs are incredibly expensive, typically costing tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands of dollars for tuition, textbooks, and other fees. In addition, they typically take anywhere from four to six years to complete. This may not be an issue for someone without a current career, but anyone who wants to make a career shift or start a new career altogether may not have the time to pursue this option. In truth, universities are a privilege as not everyone can manage the time and cost of these programs, but they are an incredibly effective and immersive way to learn business.
On-Demand Classes
Opposite to a degree program is an on-demand class. These are self-paced learning options that require students to have laser focus to retain their skills but offer immense flexibility, which is preferable for busy professionals. With an on-demand class, you can learn new skills at your leisure and from wherever you are. This freedom can be an incredible benefit, but could also be a detriment. Because you are left to your own devices, you must provide all the encouragement and motivation to continue learning. In addition, the lack of an instructor is a serious drawback. Since you won’t have the guidance and feedback that is provided by an instructor, it can be difficult to understand the more complex aspects of the class. Plus, if you feel discouraged and set the course aside for too long, it may be easy to fall behind on your coursework. All in all, on-demand classes are good for students with ample previous experience or someone who just wants to gain some basic skills, but they aren’t suitable for someone who wants to become a working professional.
Part-time or Full-time?
Once you have decided to enroll in a course, you may consider whether you want to enroll in a full-time or part-time class. For most students, the decision is made based on personal circumstances. In general, full-time options can last a few weeks to a month and part-time options will last a few months. For working professionals, part-time options are typically the most flexible option. The classes are shorter, occur farther apart, and are often offered on weekends or in the evenings. This means the course will last longer, but ultimately, it’s a well-paced and immersive learning option. However, students who have ample time can enroll in a full-time course and gain the skills needed to enter the workforce sooner. Ultimately, it’s up to you whether a full-time or part-time option works best for your schedule and learning needs.
Learn Business Skills with Noble Desktop
You can learn essential business skills with Noble Desktop’s myriad courses. For example, the Social Media Marketing Certificate provides comprehensive training in utilizing social media marketing to your advantage. Over 72 hours of instruction, students will learn how to create content, reach out to their intended audiences, and track data from previous marketing campaigns. The curriculum will cover social media platforms like TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn and will help students develop a professional portfolio through various hands-on. Noble Desktop offers students numerous benefits, such as payment plans, 1-on-1 mentoring sessions, and a free retake of the course. In addition, they will earn a certificate of completion once the course ends.
Likewise, the Data Analytics Technologies Bootcamp from Noble Desktop shows students how to use essential tools and technologies for data analysis. Students will learn how to collect, analyze, and visualize data using coding languages like SQL and data software such as Excel and Tableau. Specifically, students will practice visualizing data with Pivot Tables in Excel and format data in Tableau. The instructor will provide guidance through hands-on, practical projects rooted in real-world data analytics situations. Throughout 51 hours of instruction, students will feel more equipped to make data-driven decisions that enhance their business practices. In addition, students will have access to flexible payment plans, an additional retake of the course, and a certificate.
To learn a specific business tool, such as Tableau for data visualization, the Tableau Level I course from Noble Desktop is an ideal place to start. This course focuses on teaching students how to navigate the Tableau interface and create interactive dashboards, charts, graphs, and other visualizations. Over six hours of instruction, students will feel confident using Tableau for basic data visualization. Students will also have access to setup assistance, a free retake of the course, and will earn their certificate to prove that they have acquired new, useful skills.