Once you finally decide to enroll in a business course, you will have many questions. You’ll want to consider all your options and choose the best course for your end goals. Of course, most training options will cost money, so you’ll want to consider the cost-benefit ratio. If you plan to enter the workforce, you’ll likely search for degree programs or professional development courses such as certificates or bootcamps. These are often lauded as the best way to break into the field. On the other hand, if you just need to learn a few skills, you may search for an introductory class so you can gain a solid foundation. These cost substantially less. All in all, you may have a specific budget to consider, so it’s important to remember that not all students will benefit from the most expensive option.
The general rule is that the cost of a business course will predominately vary depending on the depth of the subject and the course length. The more immersive and hands-on courses are the most expensive, with college programs being by far the most costly and on-demand classes the least. However, they serve different purposes. It all depends on how you want to use your business knowledge.
College Business Programs: The Pricier Option
College programs are by far the most expensive. Students at universities and colleges across the country seek bachelor's degrees and MBAs for their business education, which lasts anywhere from two to six years and costs tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Needless to say, this is a big decision. You can apply for loans, financial aid, and scholarships, which can substantially lessen the financial burden but may not remove it entirely. If money isn’t a concern, and you have ample time and resources, a degree program is an amazing opportunity. The courses vary greatly, so you can choose a specialization like marketing, communications, or finance. You’ll gain hands-on experience and have access to opportunities for professional development. Most complete a major project by the end of the program as well. This is the type of program suited for those who are confident in entering the business field because it would be a major setback if you get too far in and realize it isn’t for you. Again, the cost-benefit ratio is important in this decision.
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Professional Development Programs: Immersive and Career-Focused
Professional training programs are an easy medium between short courses and degree programs in terms of cost and education. If you want to avoid incurring a lot of debt but still want a career-focused approach, the professional development programs offered at Noble Desktop and other similar training centers are the best option. These classes focus on technical skills and career preparation while assigning hands-on projects to help students learn more about their subject matter. However, they cover the more practical aspects of your skill as opposed to in-depth theory, so if you want to learn more behind-the-scenes information about business, you can search for free resources as a supplement. This option is still somewhat pricey, but it costs far less than the degree programs.
Live Training Classes: Perfect for Beginners
If you want to explore business but aren’t sure if it’s the right path for you, there are live courses that help you determine what your desires are. These classes start from the very basics and help you become comfortable applying your skills in the real world. In addition, live training options are far less costly than certificates and bootcamps, but they are also much shorter. They give a good overview of the subject so you can determine how far you want to go in your studies. Live courses often focus on specific tools, such as Google Analytics and Tableau, or subjects, such as marketing and project management. These courses can cost a few hundred dollars but are frequently less than a hundred, depending on the course and provider. If you find your interests align with the course material, you can choose to advance to the next level or end your studies there. Luckily, most live courses are offered in-person or online, so they are flexible and cost-effective.
On-Demand Classes: Supplemental Material at a Reasonable Price
On-demand classes consist of pre-recorded lectures, modules, reading materials, and tutorials that allow you to learn more about your preferred subject at your own pace. You can pick up and put down the course as needed, which is why many find these classes desirable. They are incredibly cost-effective, usually costing anywhere from 15 dollars to a few hundred, depending on the provider and the level of depth. They are typically short and focus on a particular subject or tool as opposed to a subject at large. Masterclass, Udemy, and Khan Academy are among a few on-demand course providers where you can learn more on your own. Some platforms allow you to choose specific courses, whereas others arrive in a bundle. This can be wasteful if you only want to complete one of the lessons, but it all depends on your preferences. Still, on-demand classes are not recommended for everyone. They are ideal for hobbyists and professionals who want to brush up on skills or gain a solid foundation. However, they are not suited for aspiring professionals as it won’t be enough to work in a business profession. You will benefit more from interactive course options.
Free Resources: What’s Their Use?
Free resources are obviously the easiest on the wallet, but they do have a specific time and a place. A free resource may include a website, video tutorials, pre-recorded lectures, or discussion boards. They are incredibly useful if you need a quick tutorial or want to gain insight into a particular tool. For example, Adobe Creative Cloud offers plenty of tutorials and blog posts that help users understand more about their design applications for marketing purposes. You can also find video tutorials made by business professionals on YouTube. Noble Desktop has a free seminar page as well as learning material from their Learn Hub. These are great resources for learning theory to supplement your certificate course knowledge or to brush up on your skills if you are already a professional. However, they’re not good for professional development. You would need more instruction and guidance to gain advanced skills, so it is best to use free resources as needed or as supplemental material.
Learn Business Skills with Noble Desktop
The Digital Marketing Certificate from Noble Desktop is a less costly way to gain skills for a marketing or business career. Over 120 hours of instruction, the instructor will show students how to use search engine optimization techniques, pay-per-click advertising, different social media platforms, and email campaigns to promote their businesses. Students will create visually engaging content that opens a new avenue for consumer-brand interactions. In addition, students will conduct keyword research and keep up with their website performance with Google Analytics. Through various projects, students will develop their professional portfolios and feel confident in their marketing abilities. Students can choose from different payment plans as well to mitigate the financial strain.
Likewise, Noble Desktop has classes in specific tools and skills. The SQL Bootcamp spans 18 hours total and is a far more financially accessible option for a coding novice who wants to become more knowledgeable. Students will specifically learn how to find and analyze information stored in a database, write SQL queries, and use advanced techniques like subqueries and string functions. Specific projects include grouping data in SQL, working with dates and times, and using ER diagrams in DBeaver. The real-world projects give students a more realistic expectation for applying SQL in their future careers.
Lastly, the 30-hour Financial Analyst Training Program offers a thorough education in financial analysis, including topics and functions like financial modeling and predicting market trends. The instructor will show students how to build valuations and will teach them essential Excel skills, such as using Pivot Tables and Goal Seek. In addition, students will familiarize themselves with DCF modeling techniques and learn how to read and explain different financial reports. This is a great step in the right direction if you want to train to become a Financial Analyst.