Online management courses will put you firmly on the path to achieving your professional development goals. You’ve just got to pick the right one, which isn’t easy when there’s so much choice.
Choosing the wrong course could even discourage you from taking more training, which makes it especially important to find the right one. Below are ten expert tips on how to find a good online management course in the UK and get the best out of your online training.
1. Establish your criteria
Decide why you’d like to do the course and what you’d like to get out of it. This is your starting point.
Do you want to improve your skills? Are you looking for a course endorsed by a professional body? Are you just doing the course to pass the time?
Once you’ve answered these questions, decide how long you’re willing to study for, and what you’d like to study, You can then begin to look for a course.
2. See what courses are available
Don’t just sign up for the first course you find. You need to select the course that best matches your requirements. Look around. See what different providers are offering.
Why not take a look at our training courses? We have a variety of online management courses and programmes, ranging from courses that offer recognised qualifications, to courses that focus on other specific skills such as public speaking or developing emotional intelligence.
3. Research the provider
Do some extensive research on the course provider. Do they have any major accreditations? Do they offer a recognised qualification?
A course provider might seem excellent but always look for second opinions. Read online reviews and browse social media. Talk to industry colleagues and see how they’ve found their training.
When you’re reading reviews or other social proof, check the reviewer’s credentials. How trustworthy are they?
You’re investing time and money in your course, so you want to enrol in a course that delivers value.
4. Read course descriptions carefully
Check what the course covers, what you’ll learn, and for whom the course providers are offering the course.
Online training providers can cater for learners of all levels. To get the best out of the course, you have to choose something that fits your skill or experience level. Be honest about your proficiency so you make the best choice.
Check the course requirements, too. If you don’t have the necessary experience, keep looking. Don’t assume you can catch up. You’ll pile more pressure on yourself, which isn’t ideal for learning.
5. Be selective
You’ve decided to enrol in a few courses, but can you keep up with all of them? You must give yourself time to take in what you’re learning. Evaluate your schedule. Be realistic. Can you fit more than one course in?
If not, bookmark a course for later in the year. Often, courses aren’t a ‘one-time’ only offering, and providers will run them several times a year.
6. Assess the course flexibility
When does the course start? If the course starts on a specific date and you can’t attend, look for a different course or wait until the course rolls around again later in the year. No matter how brilliant a course looks, you don’t want to be playing catch up.
7. Find out about the course leader(s)
Do some research on the course instructor(s).
Do they have a blog or social media profiles? Do the content and publications highlight their knowledge and expertise?
Their online presence will give you some indication of their quality, but look for reviews and credentials, too. Do they have much teaching experience or any accreditations?
8. Check if the course provides extra learning tools
Does the course feature additional learning tools or resources? Is there one-to-one support? You may wish to learn in a virtual classroom so you can ask questions in real-time and receive immediate responses.
Be wary of courses that ask you to buy books for the course. The learning should be inclusive, rather than an instructor-led reading group.
9. Make sure the course suits your learning style and needs
Consider the course format. How will the provider deliver the course? If you prefer an interactive course, rather than a course that relies heavily on texts or videos, or solely on them, keep looking until you find one.
The online training world is packed with variety. It’s virtually impossible not to find a training course that accommodates your learning style.
10. Find out if you’ll receive any accreditations
If you’re planning to build a professional skill, will you receive a diploma or other qualification? At the end of our courses, you’ll receive a certificate or other acknowledgement of your training with us.
Train with us
Although there is a lot to consider when choosing your online management training course, our tips will help you pick the best course that’s right for you.
We’re here to support you. Take a look at our courses and programmes, and if you need any help, contact us. You can reach us by filling in the form on our Contact Page, emailing us at enquiries@inpd.co.uk, or calling us on 0161 826 7664. We are happy to advise and support you.
