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An Online Course or Degree Can Help You Achieve Career Goals—Here’s How to Pick the Right One

Online learning has steadily gained momentum and credibility over the past 10 years. Yet the COVID-19 crisis has thrust digital learning into a spotlight that couldn’t have been predicted just six months ago. Opportunities to learn and advance your career remotely may well be a silver lining in a pandemic-rocked world, but the proliferation of online offerings has also introduced a lot more complexity if you’re trying to choose among them.

Whether you’re looking for a new job, trying to position yourself for a promotion, or simply seeking something productive to do while stuck at home, online courses are a great option. They can help you expand your knowledge, hone your skills, and get hired. In fact, in a 2019 survey by Harvard Business School Online—where I’m the executive director—85% of recruiters said online certificates on a resume make candidates more attractive.

But it’s harder than ever to decide what program or course is right for you. The range of quality, credentials, and price can create “analysis paralysis” for prospective students.

Making a good decision doesn’t have to be hard. Here are four tips that can help ensure you get what you need and enjoy the experience:

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