Free Online Courses to Prepare You for the Future of HR
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These are challenging times in the job market, with much talk about re-skilling, upskilling, and lifelong learning being key to surviving in the workforce even as new technology threatens to make many jobs redundant or outdated. Not even the Human Resources field, despite the 'human' aspect of the work, is futureproof.
How does HR remain relevant? One way is to make use of MOOCs, or Massive Open Online Courses, which allows you access to thousands of certified courses, many of them for FREE! All you need is an internet connection, some free time, and most importantly the discipline to finish the course.
We've compiled 7 subjects offered by MOOCs that are useful for HR professionals to learn. Some can be converted to course credits, and you'll get a verified certificate if you pay a fee. Otherwise, they are completely free to access.
Data Analysis
Business and management decisions are increasingly data-driven, and HR is no exception. Take People Analytics for example, a new discipline that uses statistics and technology to make employee and workforce decisions, including hiring and talent management. It's not enough to know the numbers, you need to know what they mean and what to do next.
Learn People Analytics from top schools such as Wharton, or take an introductory course by the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology. You can also get an overview of Data Analytics for Managers by the University of Michigan, or try out Data, Models, and Decisions in Business Analytics by Columbia University.
Project Management
Project management skills can make implementing new HR intitiatives easier and more effective, with measurable progress and results. Getting buy-in and follow-through from staff can be a challenge, so learn how to Initiate and Plan Projects from University of California Irvine, or learn the Fundamentals of Project Planning and Management from University of Virginia.
Change & People Management
There is only one constant in life, and that's change. Knowing how to manage it means you'll be able to keep up with and make the most of both internal and external trends. Turn disruption from a threat into an opportunity in Manage Disruptive Change from RWTH Aachen University, or step up to Managing Social and Human Capital by Wharton.
Stanford will teach you organisational analysis, theories and behaviour, while the University of Minnesota teaches Managing Employee Performance. How about that seemingly vague concept of company culture? The University of Pennsylvania has a suite of 5 courses dedicated to Culture-Driven Team Building.
Coaching & Training
One way to be valuable to your company beyond your role is learning to teach others. By passing on knowledge and skills to your colleagues and especially juniors and interns, you'll build stronger relationships and be seen as a leader that others can depend on and confide in. Coaching on the other hand, helps you figure out what motivates employees and how you can help them have more productive careers.
Conflict Resolution
Learning Mediation, Negotiation, and Conflict Resolution from the ESSEC Business School will give you a deeper understanding of resolving workplace conflicts. As organizations diversify and grow, there's bound to be some disagreements. Knowing Conflict Management will help you navigate rough waters and surface as a winner.
Branding & Reputation Management
How to differentiate your company from the rest to attract more applications and better quality candidates? Being able to 'promote' your own HR department internally is important too. Reputation Management in a Digital World by Curtin Univesity will teach you how to develop, manage and protect your company's online reputation via social media.
Communication Skills
This includes Presentation Skills (including Public Speaking) and Written communication. HR is constantly in contact with employees, and often acts as the messenger to convey decisions or actions by management. So, being able to communicate well is essential! How about an all-in-one course by University Colorado Boulder, or let the Rochester Institute of Technology show you how to build professional relationships and be a better listener too?
