Job-Oriented Courses: Definition and 12 Common Types

Updated 9 July 2022

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If you are interested in beginning a new career or advancing your current role, you may consider taking a professional course. These courses can help you develop industry knowledge and technical skills for a specific job. Learning about those courses can help you select one that fits your objectives and interests. In this article, we explain what job-oriented courses are and provide a list of some popular course options you may consider.

What are job-oriented courses?

Job-oriented courses are training and academic courses that prepare professionals for a particular career field or role. A traditional academic course may provide an overview of a certain topic or area, but a job-oriented course focuses on the knowledge and skills required for a particular job. These courses may help you qualify for a certain position or earn a higher salary. They may be optional for some fields, although some employers and positions may require them.

12 common career-focused courses

Here are some job-oriented courses you can consider:

1. Certificate in Business Analytics

Business analytic professionals use specific techniques and practices to explore and investigate business data. They obtain insights about a business that can lead to improved and evidence-based decision-making. After completing this course, you may apply for roles as an analytics consultant, business analyst, data analyst, data science consultant, statistical analyst, data scientist, system analyst or data architect. You may apply for this course without prior experience or knowledge. The course typically lasts three to six months, depending on the course provider.

2. Certificate in Product Management

Product management professionals focus on a product's overall success, particularly its financial and strategic goals. Product managers often work with the team to build and execute a plan to ensure the product best meets its targets. Taking a product management course can prepare you for a career as a sales manager, product manager, project manager, marketing manager, business development manager or brand manager. Usually, these courses last three to 10 months. There are usually no formal requirements for applying.

3. Business Accounting and Taxation Certification course

A Business Accounting and Taxation (BAT) Certification course provides students with the basic knowledge of accounting, taxation and payroll policies. Job opportunities after the course completion may include becoming an accountant, tax policy analysis, personal finance consultant, assistant manager, corporation taxation, revenue agent, executive indirect taxation, employment tax specialist or marketing manager. You can pursue this course after completing a bachelor's degree in commerce. Typically the course takes three to six months to complete.

4. Digital Marketing Certification course

Digital marketing involves creating awareness about products and services using various digital platforms, like social media, websites and email, to reach a target audience. Following this course, you may have opportunities to become a marketing manager and strategist, email marketer, social media marketer, search engine marketer, content marketer, SEO specialist and digital marketer. Usually, these courses take two to three months to complete. You may complete 10th to qualify for a programme.

5. Machine Learning Certification course

Machine learning professionals design mechanical systems to collect and analyse large amounts of data. This helps them make accurate predictions, create automation tools and improve client experience. After completing this course, you may be prepared for such jobs as a machine learning engineer, electronic engineering systems analyst, data scientist, research scientist, software architect, research engineer and data insight analyst. You are eligible to apply for this course after completing 12th. The course duration is typically around three months to a year, depending on the course provider.

6. Data Visualisation Certification course

Data visualisation is the process of illustrating data or information using visual elements such as charts, graphs and maps. This may be a good course for those interested in research, design and algorithms. It provides job opportunities like becoming a data visualisation specialist, data visualisation engineer, data visualisation developer, business intelligence analyst and data scientist. Typically, there is no requirement for prior knowledge or experience for this course. You can complete this course in one to three months.

7. UX Design Certification programme

User experience (UX) design is the process of designing products and improving products' designs to improve user experience. UX designers focus on the quality of the end-user experience and make sure users' interactions with products are accessible, helpful and pleasing. After this course, you may pursue job opportunities like UX designer, interaction designer, visual designer, information architect, user researcher, usability analyst, UX engineer, UX consultant and UX manager. You can pursue this course after completing 10th or 12th. Typically this course takes around three to six months to complete, depending on the course provider.

8. Cloud Computing Certification course

Cloud computing involves the delivery of IT resources on the internet, such as development tools, applications, servers, networking and software that users can access remotely. A cloud computing professional's role is to design, plan and manage the cloud infrastructure and help businesses store and migrate their information and services into the cloud. Roles specific to this field are often in high demand and offer good pay.

Such job roles include cloud engineer, cloud administrator, cloud security manager, cloud application developer, cloud architect, cloud network engineer, cloud automation engineer, cloud system administrator and cloud product manager. The eligibility criteria for this course is 10th or 12th. The course duration varies from 60 hours to 30 days, depending on the course provider.

9. Data Science Certification course

Data science is a discipline that uses methods, algorithms and systems to extract relevant knowledge and insights from various data sources. Those actionable insights can apply to a wide range of application domains. Data scientists analyse and interpret large data sets and extract valuable insights from raw data using their analytical, statistical and programming skills. You may opt for this course if you wish to pursue a job as a data scientist, data analyst, data engineer, database administrator, machine learning engineer, data architect, statistician, business analyst, data or analytics manager.

Typically, no prior knowledge or experience is required to apply for this course. This course takes around three to 15 months to complete, depending on the course provider.

10. Blockchain Certificate programme

A blockchain is a type of digital ledger that secures transactions on the internet. A blockchain developer develops and optimises blockchain protocols, the architecture of blockchain systems and web apps using blockchain technology. Blockchain development is one of the rising fields and gives opportunities to work on innovative projects. Completing this course may make you eligible for jobs like blockchain developer, blockchain solution architect, blockchain UI/UX designer, blockchain specialist or blockchain engineer.

The minimum eligibility criteria for this course typically involves having a minimum knowledge of coding, programming languages and networking. This course takes around two months to a year to complete, depending upon the course provider.

11. Java Certification course

Java is a programming language built to produce web-based applications for multiple platforms. Java developers design and develop Java-based applications and solutions to integrate with large systems. Java development involves coding and offers opportunities to learn on the job. This course opens many provide a variety of job opportunities, such as java developer, computer programmer, coder, software engineer, software developer, applied scientist, java architect, web developer or database administrator. You can apply for this course with basic computer knowledge. It typically takes around three to 12 months to complete.

12. CFP Certification course

The Certified Financial Planner certification (CFP) is a professional certification awarded by the CFP Board affiliated with the Financial Planning Standards Board. This course helps train professionals for a career in financial planning. This can help you pursue working opportunities as a financial advisor, financial planner, finance assistant, financial manager, mutual fund admin, client service associate, cost accountant, portfolio manager or risk analyst. To apply for this course, you may first complete 12th with a commerce background. The course typically lasts six months.

Additional courses to consider

Certain academic and vocational courses may also prepare you for a career. Consider completing a course online or at a local institution to earn one of the following:

Diploma in Hotel Management
Diploma in Graphic Design and Computer Application
Diploma in Multimedia, 3D Animation & Visual Effects
Diploma in Advertising & Marketing
Diploma in Fashion Designing
Diploma in Event Management
Diploma in Retail Management
Diploma in Tourism Management
Diploma in Interior Designing
Diploma in Web Designing
Diploma in Foreign language(s)

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