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Advice / Succeeding at Work / Productivity

10 Free Classes That’ll Make Anyone Better (and Happier) at Their Job

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Despite how different our jobs may be—whether we’re an engineer or a sales rep, work remotely or in an open office—we all have one thing in common: We want to be better at what we do.

Well, reaching success (and, alternatively, being happier) in our careers starts with the right habits. This means learning how to communicate effectively, be a leader, face adversity, work more productively, and start our days off right.

Maybe you’re already a pro at some of these but lack others, or could use a refresher on all of them. Either way, these 10 free online classes can help you out.




Ever heard of a pivot table? If you haven’t, it could change the way you look and analyze data. And if you have, but don’t know how to create them on Excel, this class is for you.

Length: 33 minutes/ 15 lectures




Before you work with people, you need to understand where they’re coming from. In this class, you’ll get to know your own personality, the weaknesses and strengths of others’, and how to use all these newfound knowledge to collaborate and succeed as a team.

Free to audit

Length: 3 weeks/ 3-5 hours a week




Maybe the idea of “deep work” has been tossed around in your office, or you’ve come across the book Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World by Cal Newport on the concept. Regardless, you’d like to start focusing on projects that matter and avoid unnecessary distractions. This course will help you prioritize and accomplish your best work.

Length: 43 minutes/ 7 lectures




We all use email—and we all struggle to keep it from overwhelming us. This simple step-by-step process will help you work faster and more effectively when tackling your inbox, so, as the class states, you can spend more time on more important things.

Free with trial

Length: 44 minutes/ 8 videos




Feeling a creativity lag in your office? Get back on the horse (and help others do it, too) with this class on leadership, forming and fostering a creative space, and encouraging cooperation.

Length: 1 hour/ 23 lectures




Whether you have a big client meeting coming up or are looking to pursue more speaking engagements in your role, this course will cover everything—from storyboarding your presentation to understanding your audience to rehearsing.

Length: 2 hours, 50 minutes/ 84 lectures




Sometimes, we don’t know how to put our thoughts into words. Which is why this class on drawing your ideas will help you better communicate, analyze data, and brainstorm various projects.

Length: 1 hour, 5 minutes/ 13 videos




Beat that imposter syndrome and put yourself out there with this class taught by a master coach. Understand where a lack of confidence and self-esteem come from, the obstacles standing in your way, and the habits of successfully confident people.

Length: 43 minutes/ 14 lectures




A successful day of work starts with a killer morning routine. Here’s how to start your day energized, confident, and in the right mindset.

Length: 34 minutes/ 17 videos




Stress is a normal part of your career—but how you handle it separates the good employees from the great ones. This course, taught by a professor from the University of Washington, will empower you to become resilient in any tough situation that might come your way (and how to practice resilience on a regular basis).

Length: 8 weeks/ 2-3 hours a week



Can’t get enough online education? Why not check out these 10 fun and free classes you can finish in a week.