7 Short Courses for a Rewarding Career Change

Key Takeaways

Completing a certificate course from an accredited college is one of the simplest ways to advance in your career, increase your pay, and switch to a more lucrative career. These courses, which range in length from a week to a few months, offer evening, night, weekend, and online classes for a career change.

Finding work is difficult, especially in this economy. For everything, there is fierce competition. You may look at your friends and peers who are doing better in other career paths but still wonder if changing careers in these trying times is a good idea.

Yes, it absolutely is. Being stuck in a job that is not getting you anywhere will pull you into a spiral that will drain your energy and give you unnecessary stress. But what does one have to do to switch jobs and get started on a career with brighter prospects?

Simple, if you can gain an advantage over your competitors during a job interview, you will be able to quickly obtain the high-paying jobs that are available in the market. There are many short and very affordable courses available on the market to help you find the right job based on your career interests.

These courses can not only equip you with the best skills to learn for career change, but they will also help you stand out amongst the regular candidates for any position.

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7 Short Courses for a Rewarding Career Change

Short courses are learning programs that offer learners combined content or specific skill training over a short period of time, typically a week to 5 months. Unlike university courses, which are more theoretical in nature and take 4 years to complete, short courses are more practical in nature and contain less theory.

Short-term job-related courses can help you gain an advantage. You get to choose what you want to learn, and they will teach you the most up-to-date techniques. Furthermore, with the help of these courses, you can learn a lot more about the industry in which you are interested.

Here are seven short job oriented courses that can lead you to a more financially stable and rewarding future:

1. Project Management for Beginners

Why this course: Employers will need nearly 88 million project-related workers by 2027, according to the PMI (Project Management Institute). Project managers are in high demand all over the world, and this trend is expected to continue.

The average annual salary in the United States for Project Managers in the construction industry is $110,599 as of April 26, 2022, with a salary range of $96,407 to $124,637.

IT project managers, on the other hand, make more money. The average annual salary for an IT Project Manager in the United States is $130,468 and the range typically falls between $119,259 and $141,069.

About the course: Construction engineers and military logistics experts are no longer the only people who can manage projects. Today, every manager is frequently expected to take on extra assignments and complete them well, within budget, and on time, in addition to their regular job duties.

By the end of this one-day Project Management for Beginners workshop, you will be able to identify the phases of a project's life cycle and use project planning tools to optimize your project management strategies.

Course offered at: San Juan College

Course type: Online - Scheduled Course

Course Fee: $122.52 Total Price (Excluding Tax)

Course duration: One day workshop

Beginner level work activities you can put on your resume after the course:

Monitor the performance of organizational members or partners.
Analyze data to inform operational decisions or activities.
Analyze financial records to improve efficiency.
Implement organizational processes or policy changes.
Provide basic information to guests, visitors, or clients.

About San Juan College:

"Success Matters" is more than just their tagline at San Juan College; it is at the heart of everything they do. In their breathtaking Four Corners Region, which connects Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico, they provide a world-class education.

San Juan is dedicated to the success of their culturally diverse student body from their main campus in the high desert of Farmington, New Mexico.

The college tries to meet their students wherever they are at in their career, whether they are advancing in their jobs or have never considered attending college.

They know how to deliver success by providing the skills their students require to thrive. Success is important at San Juan College.

2. Technical Writing

Why this course: In terms of both job satisfaction and monetary compensation, technical writing is a highly rewarding career. Technical writer employment will grow by 12% over the next ten years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The growing need for businesses to have properly documented policies and procedures is driving the demand for technical writers.

This is especially important for businesses that rely heavily on software, electronics, and other technology that necessitates a great deal of information sharing for internal and external use.

The median annual salary for technical writers in the United States in 2021, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, was $78,060.

About the course: This online Technical Writing Certificate course culminates in the Tombolo Institute at Bellevue College Technical Writing Certificate. The certificate course is completed in 15 weeks and costs significantly less than taking individual classes separately.

The competency-based program, which includes a course instructor, is intended for working professionals with strong written English skills who want to speed up the certificate process.

The following topics are covered: Technical Writing Principles, The Technical Writer's Role, Writing Procedure, Usability, Writing Techniques, Document Design, Editing, HTML, XML, and CSS Introduction, and Job Preparation Strategies.

Course offered at: Tombolo Institute at Bellevue College

Course type: Online - On Demand Course

Course Fee: $2,040.84 Total Price (Excluding Tax)

Course duration: 7 hours per week, 15 estimated weeks

Beginner level work activities you can put on your resume after the course:

Examine the specifics of technical drawings or specifications
Collect data on organizational performance
Conduct organizational surveys
Collect data for news stories
Investigate new technologies
Monitor broadcasting operations to ensure proper operation
Keep track of business indicators

About Tombolo Institute at Bellevue College:

Two factors distinguish the Tombolo Institute learning experience. For starters, classes incorporate hands-on exercises and practice. Second, their 'rock star instructors' are industry professionals with hands-on experience.

Instructors are employed in local businesses. As a result, they bring in-depth industry knowledge to the classroom.

How this adds value is that if you ask a question, you will not get a theoretical response. You receive an answer based on the efforts and experience of these veterans. You get a perspective from someone who has implemented solutions in their workplace.

Person Writing On A Notebook Beside Macbook — Photo by Judit Peter

3. Front End Web Development Bootcamp

Why this course: As of May 27, 2022, the average Front-End Developer salary in the United States is $119,224, but the salary range typically falls between $106,922 and $130,083.

Employment of web developers and digital designers is projected to grow 13 percent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.

On average, 17,900 job openings for web developers and digital designers are expected each year over the next decade.

Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 18%, creating 100,900 job opportunities across the United States.

About the course: This Front End Web Development Bootcamp will teach you how to design the technical aspects of a website's appearance. They create the layout of the site and incorporate graphics, applications (such as a retail checkout tool), and other content. They also create web design programs in various computer languages such as HTML and JavaScript.

Discover the skills and technologies required to work as a Front End Software Developer. This 18-week program is divided into three 6-week courses: JavaScript Fundamentals, Front End Technologies, and Web App Design with React.

Course offered at: GateWay Community College

Course type: Online - On Demand Course

Course Fee: $4,248.75 Total Price (Excluding

Course duration: 15 hours per week, 18 estimated weeks

Beginner level work activities you can put on your resume after the course:

Create websites and web applications.
Create software applications.
Make up computer programming code.
Update the website's content.

About GateWay Community College:

GateWay Community College has a legacy of innovation in Phoenix, which is one of the fastest-growing major metropolitan areas.

While the college has a reputation for educating and training future workforces, particularly in healthcare and nursing, manufacturing and industrial design, automotive, beauty and wellness, as well as business, IT, water technologies, and the legal system, we also provide the courses required to begin a bachelor's degree.

GateWay is located near or partners with a variety of industries, including Fortune 1000 international companies with headquarters in Phoenix, such as Avnet, PetSmart, Apollo Education Group, Republic Services, ON Semiconductor, Insight Enterprises, and Sprouts Farmers Market.

A female coder working on her computer — Photo by ThisIs Engineering from Pexels

4. Excel Expert for Data Analysts

Why this course: Because it can be used in a wide range of business settings, from project management to human resources, Microsoft Excel experts are always in high demand.

MS Excel skills are almost a requirement for most jobs now that businesses have access to more data than ever before.

Becoming a certified expert can help you not only get hired but also advance in whatever career you are currently in.

About the course: After completing this Excel Expert for Data Analysts specialization, you will be able to bring data to life using advanced Excel functions, creative visualizations, and powerful automation features.

These classes will give you a complete set of tools for data transformation, linking, and analysis. You will be able to design stunning interactive dashboards and master a variety of charts.

Course offered at: Washtenaw Community College

Course type: Online - On Demand Course

Course Fee: $240 Total Price (Excluding Tax)

Course duration: 5 hours per week, 6 estimated weeks

Beginner level work activities you can put on your resume after the course:

Creating new product concepts based on industry knowledge
Working with the product development team to bring product concepts to life.
Using computer-aided design (CAD) software to create items
Identifying potential safety issues through product prototype evaluation
Determine the most cost-effective manufacturing processes and materials by consulting with shipping managers and logistics experts.
Managing the start of the manufacturing process to ensure productivity and safety.
Testing prototypes for any design flaws

About Washtenaw Community College:

WCC has grown from humble beginnings to become one of the nation's premier community colleges, with more than 20,000 credit students and thousands more enrolled in Economic and College Development classes each year.

Over 1,000 students from over 100 different countries make up their diverse student body.

The 285-acre Washtenaw Community College campus and strategically located extension centers, operating resources, technology-enabled facilities, and instructional quality are highly regarded among post-secondary education institutions.

5.Private Pilot Ground School

Why this course: In May 2021, the median annual wage for commercial pilots was $99,640. The lowest 10% earned less than $50,080, while the highest 10% earned more than $205,940.

Pilots are paid an expense allowance, or "per diem," for each hour they are away from home, and they may be paid more for international flights. Airline pilots and their immediate families are frequently entitled to free or discounted flights.

Airline and commercial pilot employment is expected to grow 13 percent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.

About the course: This online Private Pilot Ground School course includes 35 hours of content to help you pass your FAA Written Exam and become a Private Pilot.

It teaches you the theory portion and includes an Instructor Endorsement, which is required to take the exam. Over 800 practice questions, a 44-page student guide, and a test pass guarantee are included.

Course offered at: SUNY Broome

Course type: Online - On Demand Course

Course Fee: $481.44 Total Price (Excluding Tax)

Course duration: 3 hours per week, 5 estimated weeks

Beginner level work activities you can put on your resume after the course:

Check the engine's operation or functionality.
Keep an eye on the equipment gauges or displays to ensure proper operation.
Check the work environment for safety or adherence to specifications.
Examine aircraft or aircraft parts.
Plan out your maintenance activities.
Pilot an airplane.
Coordinate vehicle movement by communicating with others.

Download Checklist " 10 Simple Steps to Smooth Job Change"

About SUNY Broome:

SUNY Broome Community College is a vibrant presence in the heart of the Southern Tier region of Upstate New York. As part of the State University of New York, it is a preeminent college recognized both nationally and internationally (SUNY).

Nearby, IBM was founded, and the flight simulator was invented in Binghamton, New York.

6. Solar Electric Basics

Why this course: Solar Energy Technicians, or Photovoltaic Installers as they are officially known, are the fourth fastest-growing occupation in the United States right now (along with Nurse Practitioners), with a 52 percent growth rate.

As climate change becomes one of the world's most pressing issues, developing sources of renewable and green energy is becoming critical. Renewable energy is expected to grow by 50% by 2024, according to a recent International Energy Agency report, with solar power accounting for 60% of that growth.

As of May 2021, the median annual wage for solar photovoltaic installers was $47,670. The bottom 10% earned less than $36,320, while the top 10% earned more than $72,080.

About the course: Start your career in the solar energy industry today.

This Solar Electric Basics course is a primer on the basics of solar energy. This course is intended for those who are new to the solar industry as well as those who want to learn the fundamentals of solar energy, specifically photovoltaic principles.

There are numerous job opportunities that would materialize from basic solar energy knowledge.

Construction trades, engineering, electrical trades, firefighting, code enforcement, manufacturing, city planning, energy efficiency, energy production and distribution, and real estate can all open new doors of opportunity with certification in photovoltaic knowledge.

Course offered at: Central New Mexico Community College

Course type: Blended Course

Course Fee: $248.75 Total Price (Excluding Tax)

Course duration: 7 Hours per Week, 3 Estimated Weeks

Beginner level work activities you can put on your resume after the course:

Examine blueprints or specifications to determine work requirements.
Gather information about project sites.
Gather customer or product information to determine customer needs.
Identify potential customers.
Verify the performance of green technology installations.
Examine electrical or electronic systems for flaws.
To ensure proper operation, test electrical equipment or systems.

About Central New Mexico Community College:

Central New Mexico Community College (CNM), located alongside the picturesque Sandia Mountains, is the largest higher education institution in New Mexico in terms of undergraduate enrollment, serving over 22,000 students.

Representatives from businesses and industries assist CNM in developing programs to ensure that CNM students acquire the skills required for workplace success.

The college provides associate degrees and certificates in over 100 fields of study, as well as accelerated, non-credit skills training that connects learners to high-demand jobs in the region's economy.

7. Fast Track to EMT (Emergency Medical Technician)

Why this course: Over the next decade, approximately 20,700 EMT and paramedic job openings are expected each year. Employment of EMTs and paramedics is expected to grow 11% between 2020 and 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.

An Emergency Medical Technician performs a vital function. In an emergency, they are usually on the front lines. EMTs are medical professionals who provide emergency care to people who are either far from or on their way to a hospital.

Emergency Medical Technicians in Arizona are paid well enough to live comfortably. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary of an EMT is $36,650, with an hourly wage of $17.62. The lowest 10% earned less than $28,320, while the highest 10% earned more than $60,000.

About the course: The Fast Track to (EMT) Emergency Medical Technician course is designed to get you a certificate and a job as quickly as possible. This accelerated learning program is expected to last 12 weeks and requires 20 hours of study per week.

Course offered at: Pima Community College

Course type: Blended Course

Course Fee: $2,687.5 Total Price (Excluding Tax)

Course duration: 20 hours per week, 12 estimated weeks

Beginner level work activities you can put on your resume after the course:

Perform one- and two-person CPR for adults, children, and infants in accordance with current American Heart Association guidelines.
Manage scene safety appropriately, including the proper placement and removal of personal protective equipment in the workplace.
Define the components of a tiered response system and the priorities of care.
Define your role and scope of practice: The Emergency Medical Technician's legal and ethical responsibilities
Perform airway obstruction, respiratory arrest, and cardiac arrest management and stabilization on patients of all ages.
Perform, manage, and stabilize patients of all ages who have bleeding, soft tissue injuries, burns, fractures, shock, or nervous system injuries.

About Pima Community College:

Pima Community College (PCC) is one of Arizona's oldest and most prestigious community colleges. It is a public community college that serves the Tucson metropolitan area through five campuses, four education centers, and numerous adult education learning facilities.

The college offers approximately 144 programs in both traditional and online formats. Pima Community College provides workforce development, non-credit personal interest seminars, and post-baccalaureate credentials.

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Final Thoughts

Do you want to start a new career but don't have the time (or money) to spend four years studying for a bachelor's degree? Well, a short-term job training program could be just what you need to get started in a new rewarding career field.

You can enter a surprising number of fields without completing lengthy degree programs. This may be the ticket out of your current job that is not paying well or simply not exciting for you anymore. If you're looking for a career change, consider the above-mentioned short-term job training programs. You might discover that you can quickly qualify for a rewarding new job!

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Contributor(s)

Parminder Jassal

As an immigrant from India, I graduated from Southwestern Community College (Creston, Iowa) and now I have my Ph.D. from the University of Louisville! I am also the CEO of Unmudl. My hope is that one day very soon that every American has an awesome community college within twenty minutes of where they live. Let's make this happen together!!

7 Short Courses for a Rewarding Career Change

Key Takeaways