The Academic Staff Union of Universities called off its almost six-months-old strike recently and there are already rumours that it is about to start again. We hope it is just a “rumour” and it does not become a reality. It is beginning to seem as if the people concerned do not care about the negative effect the strike is having on students.
When the studies are disrupted, it affects their productivity. It also mars their hope of finishing their course of study within the stipulated time. Many parents are struggling to pay school fees of their wards to keep them in school and out of the streets, yet these children are forced to stay at home. As the saying goes, “an idle mind is the devil’s workshop“. Some of these students end up engaging in various vices while others end up doing nothing throughout the period of the strike because they have no idea when it will end.
Learning does not have to stop because students are not in school. Learning and personal development can continue online. Below are free online courses and ideas that students can take to improve on themselves and develop new skills.
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 Volunteer to get some experience
Instead of sitting idly at home, you can volunteer to get some experience at any organisation of your choice. Some companies are happy and willing to employ undergraduates who have zeal and some basic qualifications. But first, learn how to prepare your Resume (CV) and Cover Letter here. You will also need Job search skills. Sign up here to learn for free.
Google Digital Skills Training
Google has a program called Google Digital Skills for Africa. It has flexible and personalized training courses designed to build your confidence and help you thrive. You’ll discover tools to make your business succeed, improve your interview skills and Prepare for the career you want.
This training helps people who study digital skills course find good jobs faster. It is possible to start your own business in the ‘digital world’ after you get new knowledge. You also have better opportunities for changing your life and the lives of others. Register here
How to Plan your Career Path
Choosing the right career is a difficult decision for a lot of people. This can be a big source of anxiety in the short term and real headache in the long term. This course will help give you a little career direction by teaching you the main career planning do’s and don’ts in a clear and simple manner. With this knowledge on your side, you will be much more capable of planning the perfect career path for you and seizing the future you deserve. Sign up here. You don’t have to wait until “You graduate“
Achieve Personal Success
Millions of people ask themselves how to achieve success. This course will help you stop wondering and start acting. The course will guide you through practical and healthy mental habits that you can start applying to your life today. By gaining these insights, you will become more focused in your day-to-day life. This will create the perfect mental space for you to achieve success, no matter what that success looks like for you. Sign up here
You can be your own boss.
Most people dream of being a boss someday or they have an amazing idea and drive to start up a business. While it is not a smooth sail to becoming one, it is also not an impossibility to get to the top especially if you have the drive. Now is the time to put that in the work and learn all you can about what you want to do. You don’t have to wait till when “you’ve graduated”. Learn about developing a global online enterprise by examining this case study.
If you want to start a business but don’t know where to start, don’t worry, you are not alone. You’ll find tips on how to start a business here
Develop and Learn relevant skills.
Skills are a form of currency in the working world: The more skills you have, the more valuable you are as an employee. Skills will also be beneficial to you even when you eventually get your ideal job. Below are a few relevant skills you can learn.
1. Learn how to develop a Business Model for a Digital Media Company – Sign up here
2. Learn Google Analytic skills here
3. Visual and Graphic Design – Learn here
4. Social Media Strategy for Small Businesses – Sign up here
5. Learn Marketing Success for Your Business here
6. Growth Strategies for Business – Sign up here
7. Learn The Art of Public Speaking here
8. Brand and Content Marketing – Sign up here
9. Learn Data Analytics here
10. Groupon photography courseÂ
If you did not find any course that you’re interested in, please visit Alison.com, or Coursera for other free online courses. Share with Undergraduates that you know.
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