Finding ways to differentiate yourself to gain points with managers and recruiters is essential for professional development over the years. And one of the best ways to add knowledge to your resume is to take extracurricular courses .
Although academic training is essential to gain space and grow at work, extracurricular courses allow you to develop specific skills and abilities, counting points in the selection processes and in defining the best candidates for a position.
Below, check out what extracurricular courses are and the best tips for choosing between the available options.
What are extracurricular courses?
Extracurricular courses are complementary training courses to academic education, designed to diversify and expand knowledge. Although they are not mandatory, these courses play an important role in strengthening a career and increasing opportunities in the job market .
Some places, like businesses, universities, and even websites, offer these classes. They last less time than undergraduate and postgraduate classes. The length of time can vary from a few hours to several months, depending on the subject and the method used.
Because they are shorter, extracurricular classes focus on learning specific skills and abilities or covering themes that go beyond what is taught in school. They usually have a more practical format and cover certain subjects in an objective way. This helps students build on what they already know and use more advanced techniques.
How do extracurricular courses work?
Extracurricular courses are educational solutions taught both in the digital environment and in face-to-face meetings. Thanks to their versatility, they can be attended by students with different lifestyles and needs.
The structure varies considerably depending on the topic and the educational institution, however, it is usually very dynamic, flexible and adapted to the reality of the public .
The duration also tends to vary, with some courses being able to be completed in a matter of days, while others require a longer workload, around a few months, for example.
It is important to highlight that many extracurricular courses offer certificates to attest to the student’s approval and demonstrate the learning acquired, demonstrating the commitment to qualification.
How important are extracurricular courses?
Below, we present some of the main positive points of investing in extracurricular courses:
- enhance knowledge and skills: by taking these courses, students can learn more about a specific topic, gaining new knowledge or skills;
- They offer a competitive edge: extra certifications demonstrate that the student enjoys learning and is committed to their development, which is a great sign for anyone looking to hire them;
- promote constant updating: they allow professionals to stay up to date on the latest trends and innovations, which contributes to achieving a better position compared to other candidates.
Employers see that a professional has a more complete profile and can handle a wider range of tasks if they take classes outside of work. In this way, you improve your chances of discovering job openings that are more in line with your goals.
What are the best classes to take outside of school?
You now understand what an extracurricular course is and why it’s important. The next step is to find out which choices are best for people who want to improve their resume and job prospects. Take a look:
- languages: mastering a second language facilitates communication during business trips and expands networking possibilities, as well as opening doors to opportunities in multinationals;
- leadership: enhancing this soft skill helps to develop other skills such as conflict management and decision-making, essential aspects for those seeking leadership positions;
- technology and IT: digital transformation requires professionals to know how to use useful tools for everyday life. These courses provide technical knowledge, including programming and design;
- emotional intelligence and self-knowledge: in addition to helping you deal with your own emotions, these courses improve your ability to deal with other people and reinforce the skills for those who want to achieve a leadership position;
- marketing: extracurricular courses allow professionals in the field to update their knowledge and perform their duties with greater clarity and objectivity;
- project management: courses that teach how to use methodologies and tools such as Power BI, Scrum and PMI are attracting more and more students, due to the specialization demands imposed by recruiters.
How do extracurricular courses enhance your resume?
Considering all the aspects mentioned so far, it is clear that extracurricular courses are essential to improve your resume , impressing managers and recruiters. In addition, they increase your chances of getting great opportunities in the job market.
But, after all, what qualities can you obtain by taking this type of course? Discover the main ones:
- proactivity: extra courses allow you to reach a prominent position because organizations understand that you don’t wait for opportunities, but rather strive to get your place in the sun;
- versatility: by diversifying, complementing or reinforcing your skills and competencies, you can become a more versatile professional, keeping an eye on trends and changes in the market;
- productivity: as they expand knowledge, additional courses allow professionals to perform their duties more assertively;
- differentiated remuneration: by enhancing your skills, this can be a justification for requesting a salary increase or promotion.
How to choose extracurricular courses to take?
Now it’s time to learn how to select and add the best courses to your life as a university student or professional committed to work. Let’s go!
1. Define your goals
Before enrolling in a course, consider your short, medium and long-term goals. Prioritize those that will effectively help you gain more space in your field and generate authority.
2. Consider market demands
It is important to know which skills are in high demand in the market within your field or the niche you intend to move into. Consider the options we mentioned, such as project management and languages, as these courses are always well-regarded and in demand.
3. Prioritize your personal interests
In addition to looking for interesting courses based on the demands of the job market, we recommend that you enroll in a course that you really enjoy and find enjoyable.
4. Consider your learning style
Each person has a different learning style, whether auditory, visual or kinesthetic. Therefore, it is essential that you analyze the format that best suits you, choosing the alternative that offers the greatest gains in terms of understanding and productivity . Keep in mind that this choice will have a profound impact on the quality of your learning.
5. Check the credibility of the course and the institution
Extracurricular courses from renowned institutions are generally well-rated and offer higher-quality, more up-to-date content that is recognized in the job market. Choose courses taught by universities or digital teaching platforms with a solid reputation in the market.