7 Amazing Websites for Professional Development

There are many websites for professional development available out there on the big old world wide web. One thing I’ve been focusing on for the past several years is professional growth and personal learning. I’ve done this through participation in a number of online courses.

Websites for professional development are online platforms that offer a wide range of resources and opportunities to help individuals enhance their skills, knowledge, and overall career growth. These professional development websites offer a convenient and accessible way for individuals to learn new skills, acquire knowledge, and connect with professionals and industry experts.

Websites for Professional Development

• The Science of Well-Being: I took this free course through Coursera last summer. I enjoyed the discussions on building habits and practicing strategies to increase personal wellness. The Science of Well-Being course on Coursera, led by Yale University’s Professor Laurie Santos, delves into the latest findings in the field of happiness and well-being. The course presents a range of topics aimed at boosting one’s happiness, strengthening relationships, and fostering resilience.
  
  Students will learn practical and evidence-based methods to enhance their well-being, such as gratitude practices, meditation, and mindfulness techniques. This course dispels common misconceptions about happiness and examines the role of thoughts, feelings, and actions on overall well-being. The course is designed to be interactive, encouraging students to apply the concepts learned to their own lives. With its captivating approach and actionable insights, the Science of Well-Being course is a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their well-being.
  
• Alison.com: I took a free Time Management course on this website as well as a mindfulness course. Alison.com is an online platform that provides opportunities for professional development. With a vast library of courses and certifications, Alison.com offers a convenient and flexible way for individuals to build new skills, enhance their knowledge, and advance their careers.
  
  The courses on Alison.com are designed to be self-paced, allowing students to learn at their own speed and on their own schedule. They cover a wide range of topics, from business and technology to health and wellness, and are taught by experienced professionals in the field. In addition to the courses, Alison.com also provides interactive quizzes, practical projects, and real-world examples to reinforce the learning experience. With its comprehensive and accessible resources, Alison.com is an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their professional development.
  
• Google SkillShop: Google has so many amazing free online tutorials and courses that you can take on many topics, making their skillshop one of the best websites for professional development. I took their educational foundations course for online learning. Next, I plan to take their skills course on Google Ads to see how I can use that for my blog.
  
  Google Skillshop is a training platform for individuals and organizations looking to expand their digital marketing skills. Some of the benefits of using Google Skillshop include:
  
  – Access to Google’s expertise: Google Skillshop offers courses and certifications developed by Google’s digital marketing experts, providing users with the latest and most comprehensive information on digital marketing.
  
  – Wide range of courses: Google Skillshop offers courses on a wide range of topics, including Google Ads, Google Analytics, YouTube, and more. Users can choose the courses that best fit their needs and interests.
  
  -Flexible learning: Google Skillshop provides self-paced learning opportunities, allowing users to study and take exams at their own pace and on their own schedule.
  
  -Recognition and certifications: Upon completion of a course or certification, users can receive recognition from Google and demonstrate their digital marketing expertise to employers and clients.
  
  -Resource center: Google Skillshop provides a resource center with a variety of tools and resources to help users stay up-to-date on digital marketing trends and best practices.
  
  Overall, Google Skillshop offers a comprehensive and convenient platform for individuals and organizations looking to expand their digital marketing skills and stay ahead in the industry.
  

• LinkedIn Learning: While these courses come with a premium membership, you may be able to gain access through an organization or your company. It is worth asking about partnerships to see what is available for you to take some courses.
  
  LinkedIn Learning is regarded as one of the most attractive websites for professional development. Its wide range of courses and certifications provides a valuable resource for individuals looking to enhance their skills, knowledge, and career growth. LinkedIn Learning offers courses by industry experts and covers various topics, including business, technology, creative skills, and more. In addition, the platform integrates with LinkedIn, allowing users to showcase their professional development and connect with others in their field. With its comprehensive resources and convenient platform, LinkedIn Learning is considered by many to be one of the best websites for professional development.
  
• TED: A platform featuring inspiring talks and videos on various topics, including professional development.
  TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) videos can be used for professional development in several ways:
  
  – Inspiration: TED videos often feature innovative ideas and thought-provoking discussions on a wide range of topics. By watching these videos, individuals can be inspired to think differently and gain new perspectives on their work and industry.
  – Knowledge acquisition: TED videos are often presented by experts in their field and provide insights and knowledge on diverse topics. Individuals can use these videos to expand their understanding and stay up-to-date on the latest developments in their field.
  – Skill development: TED videos often provide practical tips and strategies for success in various areas, such as leadership, communication, and innovation. Individuals can use these videos to learn new skills and improve their performance in the workplace.
  
• Codecademy: A platform offering interactive coding lessons and projects for web development and data science. I signed up just to learn app development for fun!
  
  Code Academy is one of the most popular websites for professional development in the field of programming and technology. One of the benefits of using Code Academy for professional development is:
  
  – Hands-on learning: Code Academy provides interactive lessons that allow users to practice and apply the concepts they have learned. This hands-on approach helps users build practical skills and retain the information they have learned.
  
  – Wide range of topics: Code Academy covers a wide range of programming languages and technologies, allowing users to choose the areas they want to focus on. Whether someone is looking to start a career in coding or simply improve their skills, Code Academy offers courses and resources to meet their needs.
  
  – Self-paced learning: Code Academy’s courses and projects can be completed at the user’s own pace, making it a flexible option for individuals who want to fit professional development into their busy schedules.
  
  – Cost-effective: Many courses and resources offered by Code Academy are free or low-cost, making it an affordable option for individuals looking to improve their skills without breaking the bank.
  
  Overall, Code Academy offers a convenient and practical way for individuals to enhance their programming skills and advance their careers.
  
• edX: A non-profit platform offering online courses from top universities and institutions worldwide.
  
  EdX is a massive open online course (MOOC) provider that offers a wealth of resources for professional development. Here are a few ways to use EdX for professional development:
  
  – Take courses: EdX offers courses from top universities and institutions on various topics, including business, technology, and data science. Users can choose courses that align with their interests and career goals.
  – Earn certifications: Many of EdX’s courses offer the opportunity to earn a certificate upon completion. These certifications can be used to demonstrate mastery of a particular skill or subject, which can be valuable for career advancement.
  – Access to top instructors: EdX partners with some of the world’s best universities and institutions so that users can learn from leading experts in their field.
  – Interactive learning: EdX’s courses often include interactive elements, such as quizzes and assignments, to enhance the learning experience and help users retain information.
  – Flexible scheduling: EdX’s courses are self-paced, so users can learn at their own convenience and on their own schedule.
  – By taking advantage of the resources offered by EdX, individuals can expand their knowledge, improve their skills, and advance their careers.

In addition to these online platforms, YouTube has video tutorials for almost anything we want to learn. It’s how I started my Etsy shop, built this website, and started my own YouTube channel. The moral of the story is, keep learning, keep growing, and keep seeking new information!