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Professional Development Courses

Professional development courses can help you learn effective communication, leadership strategies, time management, and conflict resolution. You can build skills in networking, personal branding, and project management techniques. Many courses introduce tools like presentation software, collaboration platforms, and performance tracking systems, showing how these skills can enhance teamwork and productivity in various professional settings.


Popular Professional Development Courses and Certifications


  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    I

    IBM

    Developing Interpersonal Skills

    Skills you'll gain: Active Listening, Interpersonal Communications, Conflict Management, Constructive Feedback, Social Skills, Trustworthiness, Relationship Building, Business Communication, Collaboration, Communication, Communication Strategies, Professional Development, Assertiveness, Influencing, Non-Verbal Communication, People Management

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    3.1K reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    Y

    Yale University

    The Science of Well-Being

    Skills you'll gain: Growth Mindedness, Health And Wellness Coaching, Behavioral Health, Positive Behavior Support, Goal Setting, Resilience, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychology, Social Skills, Mindfulness

    4.9
    Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
    ·
    40K reviews

    Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: New
    New
    Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    U

    University of Minnesota

    Accelerate: Professional Development with an Advanced Degree

    Skills you'll gain: Goal Setting, Project Management, Storytelling, Intercultural Competence, Communication Strategies, Professional Development, Communication, Verbal Communication Skills, Persuasive Communication, Professional Networking, Cultural Diversity, Strategic Planning, Collaboration, Public Speaking, Smart Goals, Empathy, Self-Awareness, Planning, Leadership, Time Management

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    Y

    Yale University

    Connected Leadership

    Skills you'll gain: Systems Thinking, Strategic Leadership, Leadership, Team Leadership, Team Building, Team Management, Leadership and Management, Visionary, Time Management, Prioritization, Planning, Emotional Intelligence, Personal Development, Self-Awareness, Goal Setting, Communication

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    757 reviews

    Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    I

    IBM

    People & Soft Skills: Essential for Professional Success

    Skills you'll gain: Active Listening, Problem Solving, Presentations, Collaboration, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Root Cause Analysis, Interpersonal Communications, Conflict Management, Constructive Feedback, Social Skills, Creative Problem-Solving, Virtual Teams, Teamwork, Collaborative Software, Public Speaking, Persuasive Communication, Professional Development, Professionalism, Workflow Management, Accountability

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    5.4K reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

  • C

    Coursera

    Build a Professional Resume using Canva

    Skills you'll gain: Applicant Tracking Systems, Professional Development, Graphic Design, Keyword Research, Personal Development, Detail Oriented

    4.5
    Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
    ·
    903 reviews

    Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours

What brings you to Coursera today?

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    I

    IBM

    Collaborate Effectively for Professional Success

    Skills you'll gain: Collaboration, Virtual Teams, Collaborative Software, Teamwork, Team Building, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Telecommuting, Meeting Facilitation, Team Management, Communication Strategies, Communication, Critical Thinking

    4.6
    Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
    ·
    949 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    U

    University of Pennsylvania

    Achieving Personal and Professional Success

    Skills you'll gain: Influencing, Active Listening, Negotiation, Communication, Communication Strategies, Persuasive Communication, Verbal Communication Skills, Contract Negotiation, Trustworthiness, Leadership, Interpersonal Communications, Business Communication, Strategic Communication, Relationship Building, Initiative and Leadership, Professional Networking, Innovation, Growth Mindedness, Personal Development, Optimism

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    3.2K reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    I

    IBM

    Delivering Quality Work with Agility

    Skills you'll gain: Professionalism, Workflow Management, Accountability, Time Management, Agile Methodology, Continuous Improvement Process, Plan Execution, Problem Solving, Planning, Process Improvement, Adaptability, Client Services, Quality Improvement, Communication Planning, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Communication, Decision Making, Customer experience improvement

    4.6
    Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
    ·
    514 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Free
    Free
    U

    Utrecht University

    Professionalism in an era of change

    Skills you'll gain: Lifelong Learning, Professionalism, Professional Development, Organizational Change, Adaptability, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Workforce Development, Organizational Structure, Sociology, Psychology, Employee Engagement, Leadership, Personal Development, Leadership Development

    4.6
    Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
    ·
    77 reviews

    Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    I

    Intel

    Fostering Engagement in the Age of Digital Distraction

    Skills you'll gain: Education Software and Technology, Learning Management Systems, Teamwork, Collaboration, Classroom Management, Creative Problem-Solving, Innovation, Motivational Skills

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    U

    University of Toronto

    The Arts and Science of Relationships: Understanding Human Needs

    Skills you'll gain: Relationship Building, Social Skills, Active Listening, Interpersonal Communications, Communication, Empathy, Self-Awareness, Emotional Intelligence, Needs Assessment, Assertiveness, Psychology, Cultural Diversity

    4.5
    Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
    ·
    1.8K reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

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In summary, here are 10 of our most popular professional development courses

  • Developing Interpersonal Skills : IBM
  • The Science of Well-Being: Yale University
  • Accelerate: Professional Development with an Advanced Degree: University of Minnesota
  • Connected Leadership: Yale University
  • People & Soft Skills: Essential for Professional Success: IBM
  • Build a Professional Resume using Canva: Coursera
  • Collaborate Effectively for Professional Success: IBM
  • Achieving Personal and Professional Success: University of Pennsylvania
  • Delivering Quality Work with Agility: IBM
  • Professionalism in an era of change: Utrecht University

Frequently Asked Questions about Professional Development

Professional Development courses on Coursera cover a wide range of skills that are crucial for career advancement and personal growth, including:

  • Leadership and management techniques to effectively lead teams and projects.
  • Communication skills to enhance interpersonal interactions and public speaking.
  • Time management and productivity strategies to optimize work efficiency.
  • Critical thinking and problem-solving skills applicable across various job roles.
  • Career planning and job search strategies, including resume writing and interviewing.
  • Emotional intelligence and conflict resolution for better workplace dynamics.
  • Digital literacy, including mastering new technologies and software relevant to modern workplaces.
  • Entrepreneurial skills for starting and managing a successful business.‎

Coursera’s Professional Development courses are designed to be accessible to learners at all career stages:

  • Beginners: No prior experience is needed. Courses are available to help newcomers enter the workforce equipped with essential soft skills and basic professional knowledge.
  • Intermediate Learners: Those with some professional experience can find courses to enhance specific skills such as leadership, project management, or advanced communication techniques.
  • Advanced Professionals: Experienced individuals can deepen their expertise and expand their leadership capabilities with advanced courses focused on strategic management and innovation. ‎

Participating in Professional Development courses on Coursera can lead to various credentials that substantiate your career growth:

  • Course Certificates: Earn a certificate for each professional development course you complete, demonstrating your commitment to improving specific professional skills.
  • Professional Certificates: These certificates are designed to provide comprehensive training in key areas such as leadership, business administration, or digital transformation.
  • Specializations: Engage in a series of courses that offer extensive training in specialized areas, culminating in a hands-on project that showcases your applied skills in a real-world context.‎

Skills gained from Professional Development courses can significantly enhance your career prospects across a wide range of industries, including:

  • Managerial Roles: Leading teams and projects with enhanced leadership and management skills.
  • Human Resources Specialist: Managing recruitment, training, and employee relations more effectively.
  • Sales Professional: Leveraging advanced communication and negotiation skills to increase sales performance.
  • Project Coordinator: Utilizing project management and organizational skills to oversee complex projects.
  • Freelance Consultant: Offering specialized services based on your area of expertise to clients and businesses.‎

Yes. You can start learning professional development skills on Coursera for free in two ways:

  • Preview the first module of many professional development courses at no cost. This includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera Coach (where available).
  • Start a 7-day free trial for Specializations or Coursera Plus. This gives you full access to all course content across eligible programs within the timeframe of your trial.

If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in professional development, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎

This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

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