Let’s be real – climbing up that corporate ladder ain’t easy. Tons of other hungry go-getters are vying for the same stretch roles and promotions as you. So how do you get a leg up on the competition and make that next career move happen? Here are 5 tips to advance your career with business management and leadership courses:
1. Pick Your Weapon Wisely
You know the deal – the internet is overflowing with a bajillion different online courses and certifications claiming they’ll make you a business superstar overnight. But c’mon, we all know most of those are worth about as much as and promise from a used car salesman.
If you really want the goods that’ll impress hiring managers and decision-makers, your best bet is gonna be seeking out comprehensive programs from accredited universities or companies with a proven track record of results. Do your homework upfront – read reviews, course descriptions, outcomes and everything.
Having a legit, intensive program on your resume carries infinitely more weight than some flakey $19 “certificate” from the School of Hard Knocks University. An investment now could mean a huge payoff down the road.
2. Look for Practical Learning
Here’s a reality check – employers don’t give two flying figs about you memorizing some dusty old leadership theory book from the 1950s. Nope, what they’re really thirsty for are candidates with legit, practical leadership and business skills that’ll translate on Day 1 of a new role.
Make sure any program you sign up for has loads of hands-on stuff mixed in – case studies, team projects, real-world simulations…basically anything that forces you to synthesize and apply those concepts instead of just regurgitating definitions on a lame test. Not knowing the material in my bones is the kind of stunt that’ll leave my ass in entry-level purgatory forever.
3. Specialize for Your Goals
Fact: Business leadership kinda covers a ginormous range of skills and disciplines these days. You got your finance and accounting peeps, marketing and strategy gurus, operations wonks, people management coaches…each requiring a unique blend of know-how.
That’s why blanket, general leadership courses may not actually be the best use of your time and money if you’ve got laser-focused career goals. See if you can find a niche specialty program more aligned with the roles and responsibilities you’re after. The more specialized the material, the more tailored skills and expertise you can bring to an employer.
4. Mind the Workload…For Real
Lots of my fellow career-obsessed maniacs sign up for one of these intensive business certification programs, then basically flake out after a few weeks when the realities of the time commitment hit. Total rookie move that’ll leave you with zero transferable skills and wasted money/opportunity.
I get it, work-life balance is tough…but that isn’t an excuse to slack on a program you willingly invested in. Take a long, hard look at the expected hours and workload upfront so you can actually follow through. Being realistic about what you can handle – even if it means dragging a lengthier program out over more time – is better than biting off more than you can chew. Slow and steady growth wins this race.
5. Turn That Credential into a Paycheck
Okay, so you managed to power through and successfully complete a rigorous management or leadership program. Give yourself a pat on the back, champ…but don’t rest on your laurels just yet! Having the knowledge alone won’t do squat for your career.
Now’s the time to amplify and leverage that expertise into new roles and responsibilities. Update that resume and online profiles ASAP with the new credential. Start peppering accomplishments and skills from your coursework into interviews. And don’t be afraid to flag the commitment for your current bosses – they just might have new opportunities for someone with your freshly-leveled-up capabilities.
Getting that certificate or degree isn’t the true finish line here. Doing the work to regularly show off your new skills and positioning yourself as a bad-ass business leader at every turn? That’s how you make the big bucks and finally kick your career into high gear.