Why You Should Take Online Classes This Summer
So, school’s out! Your finals are over, you’ve handed in that last assignment, and now summer stretches before you. Weeks and weeks of uninterrupted time. If you’re anything like me, you’ll be bored within a couple of those weeks. But I have a solution: online classes.
A chance to explore your major
Online classes over summer are a great (and often free) opportunity to explore your major. They give you the opportunity to discover new things within your field, and will give you some context for choosing classes next year. There are a huge number of classes on sites like Coursera and Future Learn (and even Uloop!) which will help you to find your area of specialism within your major, or to get some background knowledge from the beginning.
Did you find something particularly difficult this semester? You can take an online class to solidify your understanding and practice key skills and concepts. All from the comfort of your own home.
A chance to expand your resume
Online classes outside of your university are an impressive way to use your summer. Future employers will appreciate that you are dedicated, passionate and hardworking. Most online classes have the option to earn a certificate which you can put directly on your LinkedIn, resume or CV. And it looks good.
A chance to do something different
What if you’ve declared a major, but you’re having doubts? Or if you just can’t choose? Or if you’ve been studying the same things all year? Online classes are here to save the day. You can take intro classes to almost anything, or advanced classes in areas like management, for free online. This can give you a taste of another subject or career path with no financial investment. Want to do something even more different? You can even take online courses to become a qualified English as a Foreign Language Teacher, which means you could be spending next summer teaching abroad!
The Bottom Line
The bottom line is that taking online classes during summer is good for your resume, good for your personal exploration, and can lead to job opportunities you didn’t have before. You can control your own schedule, so you can also have a job and go on vacation. Online classes are a great opportunity. Don’t miss out!