Advance your career
CAREER EXPLORATION
Opportunities won't knock on your door. You have to go find them.
“Never stop looking for your passion. Don’t be afraid. Be curious. Explore to find what you like.”
Lisa Legohn, Master Welder, Los Angeles Trade Technical College
Skill building through your employer or online courses
Building new skills is one of the best ways to grow in your career. Whether you want to take on new responsibilities at work or explore a new field, there are flexible options to help you get started. Many Texans build skills through employer training, online courses, or short-term certificate programs.
Use the ideas below to find learning opportunities that fit your goals and schedule.
Learn through your employer
Many companies offer training to help employees stay current and move forward. Some training may be required for your role, but employers often provide much more.
Start by asking Human Resources or your supervisor about the following:
- Required training for your position
- Online or in-person professional development courses
- Tuition assistance or reimbursement
- Partnerships with online learning sites
- Opportunities to earn a certificate or industry-recognized credential
- Internal apprenticeships or leadership development programs
Online learning sites
Online learning sites offer thousands of courses in areas like communication, project management, technology, customer service, and data skills. These platforms make it easy to learn at your own pace, even if you only have a few minutes a day. Many offer free or low-cost courses. Some also provide certificates you can add to your resume or LinkedIn profile. Some popular online learning sites include:
Tip: Your employer may have a partnership with certain online learning sites. Be sure to ask if courses from these sites are available for free or for a discount.
Earning professional certificates or licenses
Short-term credentials can help you demonstrate new skills or meet requirements for certain careers. There are two main types: certificates and licenses.
Certificates
A certificate shows that you’ve gained skills in a specific area. These programs vary in length and may involve taking one course or a series of classes. Certificates can be a great option if you want to build skills quickly or move into a new career pathway. Common certificate fields include human resources, project or program management, information technology and software, construction and manufacturing, accounting support and bookkeeping, and HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) and other skilled trades.
Licenses
A license is often required by law for certain careers. To earn a license, you typically need to complete the required training and pass a standardized exam. Before enrolling in a program, confirm the licensing requirements for your field. Requirements can vary by state and profession. Licensed professions include healthcare, accounting, legal and social services, aviation, and realtors, among others.
Read more: Exploring certificate programs
Pursuing a degree with a college or university
Earning or finishing a degree, whether bachelor’s, graduate, or postgraduate, can open new doors and may increase your earning potential. Today’s colleges offer flexible and affordable options, including online and hybrid programs, evening and weekend classes, self-paced or competency-based programs and credit for prior learning, military experience, or workplace training.
Curious if a degree is worth it? Use our Career Explorer compare career paths, view typical education requirements, check earning potential, and see job demand in your area.