Continuing Education

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How would you like to grow your career, make more money, and find a job you love? Although college is one way to improve your career, there are many unconventional ways to build up your skills and knowledge set – and ultimately land a job you'll love.

From audiobooks and book summaries to expand your general knowledge, to specific courses dedicated to starting a new career, the following list of continuing education opportunities is anything but conventional. Explore the list below to find the best way to continue your education.

<div class="table-responsive-old"> <table class="table table-condensed cashbacks-table"> <thead> <tr> <th>Program</th> <th>Focus</th> <th>Location</th> <th>Tuition/Cost</th> <th class="button-th" style="width: 215px;"></th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr> <td class="cashbacks-visible"> <a target="_blank" href="/go/ContinuingEducation/Blinkist"> <img class="img-cashbacks" style="width: 300px !important;" src="http://www.aricheryou.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/blinklist.png"> </a> </td> <td class="cashbacks-visible">Book summaries (text and audio)<span id="subdetail-text">Focus</span></td> <td class="cashbacks-visible">App, Online<span id="subdetail-text">Location</span></td> <td class="cashbacks-visible">  1 free per day; $79.99/year  <span id="subdetail-text">Tuition/Cost</span> </td> <td class="cashbacks-visible signin-link-td"> <a target="_blank" href="/go/ContinuingEducation/Blinkist" class="signin-link">Learn More</a> <span id="ebates-text">More Details</span> </td> </tr> <tr class="cashbacks-visible-details"> <td colspan="4" class="signin-link-td"> <h4>Overview</h4> Blinkist offers thousands of summaries (blinks) in both text and audio formats -- making it fast and easy to extract the most useful points from any book. With 40 new books added every month, Blinkist provides access to the world's most popular non-fiction content -- all in one place. <h4 style="margin-top: 10px;">Details</h4> <ul> <li> Special offer: Try free for 1 day and receive 1 daily summary free, forever</li> <li> Content Format: Summaries (blinks) of leading books in audio and text format</li> <li> Access: Read and listen from your mobile device using the Blinkist app</li> <li> Cost: 1 selected summary free every day; access to all content in text format for $49.99/year; access to all content in text and audio format (with ability to send to Kindle) for $79.99/year</li> </ul> </td> </tr> <div class="divider-div"></div>   <tr> <td class="cashbacks-visible"> <a target="_blank" href="/go/ContinuingEducation/MissionU"> <img class="img-cashbacks" style="width: 300px !important;" src="http://www.aricheryou.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/missionU.png"> </a> </td> <td class="cashbacks-visible">Data Analytics<span id="subdetail-text">Focus</span></td> <td class="cashbacks-visible">San Francisco, California<span id="subdetail-text">Location</span></td> <td class="cashbacks-visible">  Free upfront; pay after employed  <span id="subdetail-text">Tuition/Cost</span> </td> <td class="cashbacks-visible signin-link-td"> <a target="_blank" href="/go/ContinuingEducation/MissionU" class="signin-link">Learn More</a> <span id="ebates-text">More Details</span> </td> </tr> <tr class="cashbacks-visible-details"> <td colspan="4" class="signin-link-td"> <h4>Overview</h4> MissionU provides an education with an impressive $0 upfront tution fee. Students pay only after landing a job earning at least $50,000 a year -- ensuring alignment between what MissionU teaches as the real demands in the market. Focused on in-demand skills, MissionU currently offers one program in Data Analytics but plans to expand in the future. <h4 style="margin-top: 10px;">Details</h4> <ul> <li> Programs offered: Data Analytics + Business Intelligence</li> <li> Location: San Francisco Bay Area, California</li> <li> Program length; 1 year</li> <li> Tuition: $0 upfront; 15% of your income for 3 years after earning $50,000/year</li> </ul> </td> </tr> <div class="divider-div"></div> <tr> <td class="cashbacks-visible"> <a target="_blank" href="/go/ContinuingEducation/Udemy"> <img class="img-cashbacks" style="width: 300px !important;" src="http://www.aricheryou.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/udemy.png"> </a> </td> <td class="cashbacks-visible">Many topics; Single classes<span id="subdetail-text">Focus</span></td> <td class="cashbacks-visible">Online<span id="subdetail-text">Location</span></td> <td class="cashbacks-visible"> Free to $200+  <span id="subdetail-text">Tuition/Cost</span> </td> <td class="cashbacks-visible signin-link-td"> <a target="_blank" href="/go/ContinuingEducation/Udemy" class="signin-link">Learn More</a> <span id="ebates-text">More Details</span> </td> </tr> <tr class="cashbacks-visible-details"> <td colspan="4" class="signin-link-td"> <h4>Overview</h4> Udemy offers thousands of classes by professionals from around the world. In fact, anyone can teach a class on Udemy. Find a topic that interests you, review ratings by past students, and join! Udemy's platform makes it easy to connect with leaders and fellow learners in a wide range of topics -- from web development, to yoga, to language learning. <h4 style="margin-top: 10px;">Details</h4> <ul> <li> Programs offered: Single classes in virtually any niche -- cooking, accounting, yoga, programming, music, journalism, robotics, and many more</li> <li> Location: Online</li> <li> Program length; Varies; Many are short-term and can be completed within a week</li> <li> Tuition: Depends on class; Free to $200+</li> </ul> </td> </tr> <div class="divider-div"></div> <tr> <td class="cashbacks-visible"> <a target="_blank" href="/go/ContinuingEducation/Coursera"> <img class="img-cashbacks" style="width: 300px !important;" src="http://www.aricheryou.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/coursera.png"> </a> </td> <td class="cashbacks-visible">Many topics; Certifications<span id="subdetail-text">Focus</span></td> <td class="cashbacks-visible">Online<span id="subdetail-text">Location</span></td> <td class="cashbacks-visible"> Free to $20,000+  <span id="subdetail-text">Tuition/Cost</span> </td> <td class="cashbacks-visible signin-link-td"> <a target="_blank" href="/go/ContinuingEducation/Coursera" class="signin-link">Learn More</a> <span id="ebates-text">More Details</span> </td> </tr> <tr class="cashbacks-visible-details"> <td colspan="4" class="signin-link-td"> <h4>Overview</h4> Coursera gives every access to courses from the world's leading professors from top universities like Stanford, Harvard, and MIT. Enjoy classes for free, or pay to take multiple classes and earn niche certifications. Coursera is a great platform for life-long learners and those looking to boost their resume. <h4 style="margin-top: 10px;">Details</h4> <ul> <li> Programs offered: Single classes, certifications, and complete degrees; Programs in virtually every field taught by world renowned professors</li> <li> Location: Online</li> <li> Program length; 1-36 months</li> <li> Tuition: Depends on class; Free, monthly subscriptions between from $39-89, and complete MBAs for $30,000</li> </ul> </td> </tr> <div class="divider-div"></div> <tr> <td class="cashbacks-visible"> <a target="_blank" href="/go/ContinuingEducation/Udacity"> <img class="img-cashbacks" style="width: 300px !important;" src="http://www.aricheryou.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/udacity.png"> </a> </td> <td class="cashbacks-visible">Tech classes/certifications<span id="subdetail-text">Focus</span></td> <td class="cashbacks-visible">Online<span id="subdetail-text">Location</span></td> <td class="cashbacks-visible"> Free to $399/mo  <span id="subdetail-text">Tuition/Cost</span> </td> <td class="cashbacks-visible signin-link-td"> <a target="_blank" href="/go/ContinuingEducation/Udacity" class="signin-link">Learn More</a> <span id="ebates-text">More Details</span> </td> </tr> <tr class="cashbacks-visible-details"> <td colspan="4" class="signin-link-td"> <h4>Overview</h4> Udacity teaches a variety of tech-related skills online with the goal of helping students land a job after completing the coursework. Many of their certifications include a moneyback guarantee where Udacity will refund your full tuition if you don't find a job after completing their program. Commit 10 hours a week for the next 6-12 months and find yourself in a new career. <h4 style="margin-top: 10px;">Details</h4> <ul> <li> Programs offered: Single classes and 3-12 month ""nanodegrees"" taught in partnership with leading brands like Google and Apple</li> <li> Location: Online</li> <li> Program length; 1-12 months</li> <li> Tuition: Most classes are free; nanodegrees start at $299/mo</li> </ul> </td> </tr> <div class="divider-div"></div>  <tr> <td class="cashbacks-visible"> <a target="_blank" href="/go/ContinuingEducation/itoi"> <img class="img-cashbacks" style="width: 300px !important;" src="http://www.aricheryou.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/lovetefl.png"> </a> </td> <td class="cashbacks-visible">TEFL - Teach English<span id="subdetail-text">Focus</span></td> <td class="cashbacks-visible">International locations, Online<span id="subdetail-text">Location</span></td> <td class="cashbacks-visible"> $249 to $1,199  <span id="subdetail-text">Tuition/Cost</span> </td> <td class="cashbacks-visible signin-link-td"> <a target="_blank" href="/go/ContinuingEducation/itoi" class="signin-link">Learn More</a> <span id="ebates-text">More Details</span> </td> </tr> <tr class="cashbacks-visible-details"> <td colspan="4" class="signin-link-td"> <h4>Overview</h4> LoveTEFL (i-to-i.com) certifies you to Teach English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) -- providing a great way to make money as a world traveler. With both online courses and paid internships in Europe and Asia, LoveTEFL is an affordable and fun way to launch a new career or make money during a break between college and "real life". <h4 style="margin-top: 10px;">Details</h4> <ul> <li> Programs offered: Teach English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certification</li> <li> Location: Online, Spain, Thailand, China, Vietnam</li> <li> Program length; 1-12 months</li> <li> Tuition: $499 to $1,199</li> </ul> </td> </tr> <div class="divider-div"></div>  <tr> <td class="cashbacks-visible"> <a target="_blank" href="/go/ContinuingEducation/Springboard"> <img class="img-cashbacks" style="width: 300px !important;" src="http://www.aricheryou.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/springboard.png"> </a> </td> <td class="cashbacks-visible">Data Analytics, UX Design<span id="subdetail-text">Focus</span></td> <td class="cashbacks-visible">Online<span id="subdetail-text">Location</span></td> <td class="cashbacks-visible"> $500 to $6,000  <span id="subdetail-text">Tuition/Cost</span> </td> <td class="cashbacks-visible signin-link-td"> <a target="_blank" href="/go/ContinuingEducation/Springboard" class="signin-link">Learn More</a> <span id="ebates-text">More Details</span> </td> </tr> <tr class="cashbacks-visible-details"> <td colspan="4" class="signin-link-td"> <h4>Overview</h4> Springboard offers online workshops and "career tracks" for students looking to jumpstart a career in Data Science or UX Design. In addition to being self-paced and online, Springboard also connects learners with one-on-one mentors to ensure their success.  <h4 style="margin-top: 10px;">Details</h4> <ul> <li> Programs offered: Data Science certification; Data Analytics & UX Design workshops</li> <li> Location: Online</li> <li> Program length; 1-6 months; self-paced</li> <li> Tuition: $499 for workshops; up to $6,000 for ""Career Tracks</li> </ul> </td> </tr> <div class="divider-div"></div>   <tr> <td class="cashbacks-visible"> <a target="_blank" href="/go/ContinuingEducation/Audible"> <img class="img-cashbacks" style="width: 300px !important;" src="http://www.aricheryou.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/audible.png"> </a> </td> <td class="cashbacks-visible">Audiobooks<span id="subdetail-text">Focus</span></td> <td class="cashbacks-visible">App, Online<span id="subdetail-text">Location</span></td> <td class="cashbacks-visible"> 1 free; $14.95/month  <span id="subdetail-text">Tuition/Cost</span> </td> <td class="cashbacks-visible signin-link-td"> <a target="_blank" href="/go/ContinuingEducation/Audible" class="signin-link">Learn More</a> <span id="ebates-text">More Details</span> </td> </tr> <tr class="cashbacks-visible-details"> <td colspan="4" class="signin-link-td"> <h4>Overview</h4> Audible is Amazon's audio book subscription service -- providing access to virtually every book available. Listen via the Audible app and keep your purchases even if you cancel the subscription. You can enjoy one free book using the link here, then enjoy one audiobook download per month for $14.95. <h4 style="margin-top: 10px;">Details</h4> <ul> <li> Special offer: 1 free audiobook for new members</li> <li> Content Format: Audiobooks</li> <li> Access: Listen from any device using the Audible app</li> <li> Cost: $14.95/mo for one book or $22.95/mo for two; annual plans available at a discount</li> </ul> </td> </tr> <div class="divider-div"></div>   <tr> <td class="cashbacks-visible"> <a target="_blank" href="/go/ContinuingEducation/KindleUnlimited"> <img class="img-cashbacks" style="width: 300px !important;" src="http://www.aricheryou.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/kidnle.png"> </a> </td> <td class="cashbacks-visible">Books and audiobooks<span id="subdetail-text">Focus</span></td> <td class="cashbacks-visible">App, Online<span id="subdetail-text">Location</span></td> <td class="cashbacks-visible"> 1 month free; $9.99/month  <span id="subdetail-text">Tuition/Cost</span> </td> <td class="cashbacks-visible signin-link-td"> <a target="_blank" href="/go/ContinuingEducation/KindleUnlimited" class="signin-link">Learn More</a> <span id="ebates-text">More Details</span> </td> </tr> <tr class="cashbacks-visible-details"> <td colspan="4" class="signin-link-td"> <h4>Overview</h4> Amazon's Kindle Unlimited offers subscribers with unlimited access to over 1 million kindle books and thousands of audiobooks. Although there are a limited number of bestsellers available at any given time, there are enough books to keep anyone occupied.  <h4 style="margin-top: 10px;">Details</h4> <ul> <li> pecial offer: 1 month free</li> <li> Content Format: Kindle ebooks and audiobooks</li> <li> Access: Read and listen from any device using the Kindle app</li> <li> Cost: $9.99/mo</li> </ul> </td> </tr> <div class="divider-div"></div>  <tr> <td class="cashbacks-visible"> <a target="_blank" href="/go/ContinuingEducation/Audiobooks"> <img class="img-cashbacks" style="width: 300px !important;" src="http://www.aricheryou.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/audiobooks.png"> </a> </td> <td class="cashbacks-visible">Audiobooks<span id="subdetail-text">Focus</span></td> <td class="cashbacks-visible">App, Online<span id="subdetail-text">Location</span></td> <td class="cashbacks-visible"> 1 free; $14.95/month  <span id="subdetail-text">Tuition/Cost</span> </td> <td class="cashbacks-visible signin-link-td"> <a target="_blank" href="/go/ContinuingEducation/Audiobooks" class="signin-link">Learn More</a> <span id="ebates-text">More Details</span> </td> </tr> <tr class="cashbacks-visible-details"> <td colspan="4" class="signin-link-td"> <h4>Overview</h4> Audiobooks.com has a collection of more than 100,000 incredible audiobooks -- accessible for $14.95/each. Enjoy listening to many bestsellers from your mobile device using the iOS and Android apps. <h4 style="margin-top: 10px;">Details</h4> <ul> <li> Special offer: 1 free audiobook for new members</li> <li> Content Format: Audiobooks</li> <li> Access: Listen from any device using the Audiobooks app</li> <li> ost: $14.95/mo for one book with the ability to buy additional credits</li> </ul> </td> </tr>   </tbody>   </table></div>

Racking up new skills can be a much more cost-effective and efficient way to learn, versus investing four years or more for a college degree and beyond. By focusing in on narrow topics and fitting them into your daily life, everyone can get a little bit smarter each day. Plus, it can help future employers to have well-rounded employees with a little knowledge in a lot of areas. Even more importantly, it's great to stay in a learning and growing mindset, even if it's been years since you were at school.

The continuing education opportunities listed above are broken into several categories.

Books / Audiobooks

There are plenty of useful platforms available where you can buy, rent or freely borrow ebooks or audiobooks on a variety of subjects. These platforms can be a good resource to test out those subjects you didn't like in high school, brush up on history, or even start learning a new language. If you have a long commute for a current job, books and audiobooks can help you put that time to work and learn a little more each day.

Classes

If you want to learn a particular skill, there are plenty of online services now that deliver top-notch, specialized classes. Some, such as Coursera, offer a huge range of topics from entertaining shorter classes to more serious and intensive deep-dives into particular skills. Others, such as Springboard, focus on a specific set of courses and provide everything you may need to get started.

Certifications

If you do look into standalone courses, you may also have the chance to earn certifications in particular areas depending on the provider. These could range from full-on internationally recognized English teacher certification, or be specifically focused on expertise in one type of skill, such as a particular programming language. Regardless, doing well in these courses and getting recognition can help beef up any resume and apply to a variety of fields.

There are so many ways to invest in yourself these days, and all you really need to get started is your phone. None of us have full control over our jobs, and a great way to stay valuable is to continue building skills. See what areas you can strengthen, or consider learning a totally new kind of skill – maybe some coding, or web design, or improving your business English. You'll thank yourself for keeping your brain active, and you never know when these new talents may come in handy.