Master Your Summer: Unlock Online Certificates to Boost Your Career and Demand That Long-Awaited Salary Increase

Stand Out Consulting
Jun 16
4 min read

As summer approaches, many professionals find themselves with some extra downtime. This is the perfect chance to enhance your skills and qualifications. Instead of spending the entire summer lounging by the pool or binge-watching TV shows, consider diving into online courses that can boost your knowledge and help you confidently approach your employer for that long-awaited salary increase by year's end.

In this post, we’ll discuss how you can make the most of your summer for learning. We will detail several online academies and universities offering relevant courses, and share strategies on how to showcase your new skills effectively, making that salary conversation a realistic goal.

Why Summer is the Best Time for Professional Development

Summer is known for offering a break from our usual routines, making it an ideal time for self-improvement. Whether you are fresh out of college, settled in your career, or contemplating a career change, there is a wealth of opportunities available.

With flexible online learning options — like one-month courses or convenient at-your-own-pace programs — you can align your educational pursuits with your summer schedule. The secret is choosing courses that not only fascinate you but also add substantial value to your professional profile. For example, professionals who pursue additional certifications often experience salary increases averaging between 10% to 20% within the first year of completion.

Choosing the Right Courses to Elevate Your Career

When selecting online courses, focusing on those that will add real value to your resume is crucial. Below are some noteworthy platforms that offer short-term courses designed to help you gain in-demand skills:

1. Coursera

Coursera partners with top universities and organizations worldwide to provide free and paid courses. Many are designed to be completed in a month or less.

Highlighted Course: The Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate takes about six months to complete but allows you to fast-track your learning. By the end of this course, you will be equipped with vital data analysis skills that are currently in high demand across various industries, with a reported 25% increase in job postings related to data analytics this past year.

2. Udacity

Udacity is well-known for its "Nanodegree" programs aimed at professionals who aim to break into tech careers. While most programs require more time, several modules can be wrapped up in a short timeframe.

Highlighted Course: The Digital Marketing Nanodegree can be completed at your own pace. This course covers essential marketing concepts that are constantly evolving, with digital marketing roles growing by over 10% annually.

3. LinkedIn Learning

With a subscription model, LinkedIn Learning provides access to thousands of courses, many of which can be finished in a matter of weeks.

Highlighted Course: The Project Management Foundations course is excellent for developing organizational skills and mastering project lifecycles, which can be instrumental in improving your overall productivity.

4. edX

Similar to Coursera, edX features courses from prestigious institutions, allowing you to gain recognized credentials in your field.

Highlighted Course: The Harvard CS50’s Introduction to Computer Science course is a challenging but rewarding program. Completing this course provides a solid foundation in coding, logic, and problem-solving, skills that are increasingly critical in the tech landscape.

5. Skillshare

Skillshare emphasizes creative skills but also covers business and technology topics. Most courses are brief and designed with busy professionals in mind.

Highlighted Course: The Success in Project Management course can be finished in just a month, helping you articulate the value of structured project management in your role, which can lead to more efficient workplace processes.

Effectively Showcasing Your New Skills

Balancing learning with your regular job may feel challenging, but once you complete a course, it’s time to showcase your new skills effectively. Here are a couple of strategies to do just that:

Update Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile

Make sure to include the online certificates you've earned, as well as any key projects or accomplishments related to your studies. Customize these updates to align with the skills most useful in your current position. For instance, if you've completed a data analytics course, highlight any projects that involved data interpretation.

Initiate a Meeting with Your Supervisor

Leverage your recent learning achievements by scheduling a dedicated meeting with your supervisor. Prepare a strong case for a salary increase by emphasizing how your new skills can benefit the company directly. For example, if you took a digital marketing class, present how those strategies could enhance the company's outreach efforts.

Maximizing Your Networking Opportunities

Take advantage of events or meetups related to your newly acquired skills. Building connections can lead to new opportunities and give you the confidence to discuss how your learning can translate into value for your workplace.

Invest in Your Future This Summer

Summer is more than just a break; it’s an opportunity to invest in your future and advance your career. By enrolling in online certificates with manageable time commitments, you can significantly enhance your skill set and approach your employer with confidence when discussing a salary increase.

With accessible platforms like Coursera, Udacity, and LinkedIn Learning, you are just a few clicks away from transformative education. Take action this summer—this is your time to shine and prepare for the opportunities that fall will bring.