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Last update: Mar 12, 2024

35 Top Skills to Learn Online

In Demand Creative, Professional, Personal Skills & More

Photo of Catherine Cooke

Written by

Catherine Cooke

Catherine Cooke

Upskillwise Advisor

I'm Catherine, originally from London, now living in Spain. My professional journey led me from being a certified teacher to a yoga instructor and then a freelancer designer. These changes were made possible by online learning platforms like Skillshare and Coursera. It wasn't always easy, but so worth it and inspired me to start Upskillwise.

Photo of Catherine Cooke

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Curious to know what skills you can learn online?

Well, if you are anything like me, you’ve probably asked yourself a number of times what skills are available to learn online. In our ever-changing world and technology advancing faster than ever, we are regularly reminded of new and innovative skills we can learn online. So whether you are looking to learn a new skill, looking to work remotely or want a new hobby, there maybe something for you in this article. On top of that, there is nothing better than learning something new from the comfort of your own home.

Catherine Cooke author of the post and education and freelance expert

For this review of top skills to learn online to be both informative and beneficial, I have dedicated substantial time to thoroughly investigating a variety of online courses, evaluating the qualifications of their instructors, understanding their pricing models, exploring different membership plans, and examining their refund policies, along with user feedback. My academic background, including a Master’s degree in Teaching and Education, coupled with my extensive experience in online learning, has been crucial in compiling this detailed review.

Catherine CookeUpskillwise Advisor

You’ve probably still got a bunch of unanswered questions, so let’s get into this detailed guide to find out more.

1. Digital Marketing & SEO

Trying to get someone’s attention online and engaging a user with relevant content is getting more difficult than ever. So if you are an entrepreneur, or you are looking to advance your career in digital marketing, then learning how to do it yourself successfully is the way forward. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is one of the ways to optimize a script, a blog post or help a website to rank higher in google. So, why not educate yourself with some of the top courses out there and help advance your critical thinking and career prospects in Digital Marketing & SEO.

SEO Fundamental, an online Skill to Learn
SEO Fundamental, an online Skill to Learn

We recommend trying out:

2. Coding

If you want to design your own website, or you are considering a career in programming, then there are some excellent online courses out there that are focused on you becoming job ready as a programmer. It is not only a highly employable career, but the salary isn’t bad either.

Coding career path
Coding career path


We recommend trying out:

  • Datacamp is a platform that focuses on data skills, offering more than 400+ on topics like Python, GhatGPT, SQL, Power BI and more. A course we recommend trying is Skill Track – Python Fundamentals
  • Codecademy offers courses in 14 different programming languages and a free basic plan for you to try out. We recommend checking out the Career Path Web Development.

3. Personal Finance

Trying to figure out the best ways to budget and to keep an eye on your spending can definitely become very stressful and feel almost out of control at times. Some ways to keep our personal finance in check is by money management, budgeting and getting out of debt. So getting some guidance and tips from online courses or platforms like XTB can help us make the right choices. If you’re looking to find out more about Online Brokers, then check out our article on the Best Online Brokers for Beginners.

Berkeley personal finance course
Berkeley personal finance course


We recommend trying out:

4. Computer Programming

Computer programming will give you the skills to build programs, software, tablet and smartphone apps, which have all become part of our everyday life. The most common programming languages are Java, Python, or BASIC, and all you will need to start learning is a computer and a reliable internet connection.

Udacity Computer Programming


We recommend trying out:

  • Udacity offers close to 100 Nanodegree programs to prepare you for a career in tech and business. If you are looking to learn one of the most popular computer programming languages, like Java, then we recommend the Nanodegree Become a Java Web Developer
  • Udacity’s Nanodegree programs use real-world projects in its course content. If you have some experience with the computer programming language Python and looking to take your skills to take you to the next level, we recommend the Nanodegree Learn Intermediate Python

5. Artificial Intelligence (AI)

One of the newest and most talked about phenomenons of 2023 is Artificial Intelligence, better known as AI. If you are interested in launching a career in AI, now is the right time to build up both knowledge and a solid skill set.

Coursera IBM Applied AI Professional Certificate
Coursera IBM Applied AI Professional Certificate


We recommend trying out:

  • Coursera offers accredited courses that are parented with top Organizations like IBM. This professional certificate will help to kick-start your career in AI, but learning Python, build a chatbot and explore machine learning and computer vision. We recommend checking out IBM Applied AI Professional Certificate.
  • Udemy:offers a wide selection of AI related courses. One of its most popular courses combines the power of data science, machine learning and deep learning to create a powerful AI. We recommend checking out Artificial Intelligence A-Z 2023: Build an AI with ChatGPT4.

6. Learn a Language

Learning a new language not only improves your prospects of landing a new job or helps you stand out from the crowd for a specific job, regardless of the industry. But learning a new language helps to improve your memory function, cognitive skills and just generally enhances your worldview. I know this from experience, when I started learning Spanish 8 years ago, I never quite anticipated that learning the language would help me understand the people, culture and their traditions the way that is has.

First Step Korean Coursera
First Step Korean Coursera


We recommend trying out:

7. Meditation

Meditation is a powerful skill that can help you reduce stress, increase self-awareness, and improve your overall well-being. For many of us, including myself, using a guided mediation can be a great place to start. There are some popular apps and platforms online to assist you on your mediation journey.

Headspace Meditation
Headspace Meditation

We recommend trying out:

  • Headspace is an app that offers science-backed meditation and mindfulness tools to help create life-changing habits to support your mental health and find a healthier, happier you. We recommend checking out Headspace Meditate sessions with its free trial 
  • Brain.fm started as focus-music in 2014, it has now grown into supporting users and their brains. It offers guided meditation sessions which can help complete beginners get started. We recommend checking out a Brain.fm plan, that gives you full access and a 60-day money-back guarantee is available.

8. Video Editing

We live in a visual world, where most of us have short attention span. We are in inundated by video content, understanding how to make high quality video content can be what makes your video stand out from the crowd.

MasterClass Marques Brownlee
MasterClass Marques Brownlee

We recommend trying out:

  • MasterClass offers courses from some very famous faces. We recommend checking out the Marques Brownlee Session on making compelling videos that go viral.
  • Skillshare offers over 25,000+ creative classes.  We recommend checking out the Film & Video category and the class on Video Editing with Adobe Premiere Pro for Beginners by Jordy Vandeput.

9. Cybersecurity

With the increasing importance of online security, cybersecurity has become a popular career path and for some they are looking to learn more about how to protect their data online. There is a big pool of classes online that cover cybersecurity fundamentals, how to start a career in cybersecurity and other courses that cover different areas of cybersecurity like software development, network security and cloud security.

Coursera Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate
Coursera Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate

We recommend trying out:

10. Podcasting

Have you been sat there thinking that would a great idea for a podcast? Well, you aren’t alone, and there is a big pool of courses and classes out there to get you started. If you are a complete beginner or have some experience and looking to develop your skills, then look no further as there is a great selection of courses out there to help you develop your podcasting skills.

Skillshare How to make a Podcast
Skillshare How to make a Podcast

We recommend trying out:

  • Skillshare has more than 35,000 courses all aimed at creatives and a free trial is available when you first subscribe. If you are a complete beginner to podcasting and looking to write, record and launch your own podcast, then we recommend checking out this course How to Make a Podcast
  • Skillshare’s courses are all aimed at creatives, and its free trial means you can try before financially committing. If you want to learn more about podcast marketing and looking to grow your audience with a marketing plan, then we recommend checking out this course Podcast Marketing
  • Udemy offers a bunch of courses for podcasting. If you are looking for a complete guide to the topic, we recommend checking out the course The Podcast Masterclass: The Complete Guide to Podcasting

11. YouTube

If you are looking to start your own YouTube channel, then having sound knowledge on starting your own channel, getting more views & subscribers whilst building a brand with videos is key to having success. You can learn all these key skills online by completing an online course and following a detailed guide.

YouTube Success Learn Skills Online
YouTube Success Learn Skills Online

We recommend trying out:

12. Software Development

The more that industries are turning towards technology to advance their businesses, there is a need for people who are skilled in developing, maintaining and improving their technological systems

IBM DevOps Software Engineering Professional Certificate
IBM DevOps Software Engineering Professional Certificate

We recommend trying out:

13. Sleep

Sleep may not be something you consider when thinking about a skill, but mastering your sleep can be a real game changer. A recent study found that 50 to 70 million Americans have chronic or ongoing sleep disorders. I myself have suffered with difficulty sleeping and found some simple steps, like having a good bedtime routine and listening to sleep music or audios have made the world of difference.

Headspace Meditation
Headspace Sleep

We recommend trying out:

  • Headspace is an app that offers science-backed meditation and mindfulness tools, its sleepcasts, music and other unique audio experiences can be beneficial. We recommend checking out Headspace Sleep Sessions with its free trial 
  • Brain.fm offers science-based sounds that affect your brain in a way that can assist with focus, relax and sleep. We recommend checking out a Brain.fm plan, that gives you full access and a 60-day money-back guarantee is available.
  • Mindvalley offers a wide range of programs for your health and wellbeing, some of its program focus on better sleep. The program The Mastery of Sleep by Dr Michael Breus is our recommendation.

14. Chatbot Development

Chatbot is a software application that uses artificial intelligence to stimulate a conversation with a user. It is a development that companies are implementing to help solve customer queries and improve communication to help enhance the customer experience. If you are looking for a profession that is on the rise and is in demand then look no further.

Coursera Chatbots without programming
Coursera Chatbots without programming

We recommend trying out:

15. Fitness

If you are looking for a healthy, balanced lifestyle, then making fitness part of that is a key factor. If signing up to a gym doesn’t appeal to you, I get it. Then working out in the comfort of your own home maybe your answer, or just getting motivated by some of the greatest sports men and women could be what you are looking for.

Stephen Curry MasterClass
Stephen Curry MasterClass

We recommend trying out:

16. Leadership Skills

Leadership skills can help inspire, guide and influence others towards a common goal or vision. The qualities needed are communication, decision-making, problem-solving, empathy and much more. Leadership skills are important for any role you have in a team, but if you do want a leadership or managerial role, it’s important you can display these key skills.

MasterClass Anna Wintour
MasterClass Anna Wintour

We recommend trying out:

  • MasterClass offers a wide range of classes and bunch from some famous faces’ bout Leadership. It’s actually the most popular MasterClass from Anna Wintour, who teaches you how to lead with vision and creativity and without apology. We recommend checking out the course Anna Wintour teaching creativity and leadership
  • Mindvalley offers a wide range of courses on personal growth, with some focusing on Leadership. This course is brought to you by Keith Ferrazzi who is one of the world’s leading business consultants, and his course Ultimate Leadership is a 21-day online program designed to elevate you into an effective leader.

17. Social Media Marketing

If you are looking to learn the basics of social media or wanting to advance existing and essential skills, then taking an online course will help you do this. Whether it’s building on technical skills for your business or brand on social media or helping you build social media strategies or adverts, there is something for everyone.

Skillshare Introduction to Social Media Strategy
Skillshare Introduction to Social Media Strategy

We recommend trying out:

18. Project Management

Have you considered becoming a Project Management? The skills needed to become a successful one are initiative, organization and ability to execute a project. For a career as a Project Manager you will need particular qualifications and certifications which you can do from a range of online learning platforms.

Coursera Google Project Management
Coursera Google Project Management

We recommend trying out:

19. Public Speaking

Public speaking isn’t a skill that many of us are comfortable with, so I’m not sure why most of us don’t consider actively learning strategies and tips to improve, get prepared and more comfortable doing it. If you are looking for ways to tackle the anxiety and wanting to know how best to deliver a memorable speech, it’s probably worth checking out an online course on how best to do it.

MasterClass Robin Roberts
MasterClass Robin Roberts

We recommend trying out:

  • MasterClass offers a selection of classes about public speaking from famous faces. One of its most popular classes is from Robin Roberts who teaches you effective and authentic communication. We recommend checking out the course Robin Roberts Teaches Effective and Authentic Communication.
  • Coursera offers high quality accredited courses taught by top experts from world-class Universities and Companies. If you are a beginner to public speaking, we recommend checking out Introduction to Public Speaking.
  • Coursera offers close to 50 courses on public speaking and this one focuses on mastering techniques for designing and delivering compelling presentations. We recommend checking out Dynamic Public Speaking Specialization.

20. Excel

Most companies and businesses manage company data using Excel spreadsheets. The importance of understanding how to effectively use formulas and other features of Excel are something you want to have in your skill set. If you aren’t already comfortable using Excel or are in need of refreshing your Excel knowledge, then it may be worth checking out an online course to update those skills.

Skillshare Excel for the real world
Skillshare Excel for the real world


We recommend trying out:

21. Yoga

Practicing yoga from the comfort of your own home can not only save you time and energy but money as well. Yoga is a practice that is full of physical, emotional and spiritual benefits. In case you don’t have time to go to a studio, you can follow an online class with an expert teacher, so you can fit it around your schedule and practice at a time that suits you.

Headspace move mode
Headspace move mode


We recommend trying out:

22. Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the human ability to be fully present and aware of where we are and what we’re doing. Mindfulness meditation involves paying attention to the breath and bodily sensations, and is accessible to all of us. The benefits of Mindfulness help to relieve stress, process trauma and encourage self-compassion.

MasterClass Jon Kabat Zinn
MasterClass Jon Kabat Zinn


We recommend trying out:

  • MasterClass offers courses from celebrities and VIP instructors. Jon-Kabat-Zinn is a pioneer of the Western mindfulness movement, and in this MasterClass he shares tips and guidance on mindfulness practices. We recommend checking out the MasterClass Jon Kabat-Teaches Mindfulness and Meditation
  • Headspace is an app that offers 1000+ meditation and mindfulness resources. Headspace is designed for complete beginners and for those looking to advance their practice. We recommend checking out Headspace Meditation Resources and making full use of its free trial.
  • Udemy offers close to 2000 courses on topics related to Mindfulness. We recommend checking out the course Mindfulness for Anxiety and Sleep – with Tara Brach

23. Nutrition

Nutrition is essential for growth, development, health and wellbeing. Eating a healthy diet contributes to preventing future illness and improving the quality and length of life. Having a better understanding of the nutritional benefits of the food and drink that we consume can help us to make better decisions. If you are looking for guidance on a personal level or considering a career in nutrition, there are resources online for all.

Child nutrition and cooking course
Child nutrition and cooking course


We recommend trying out:

  • edX offers accredited courses which are partnered by top Universities like Harvard and Berkeley. We recommend checking out the course Nutrition, Exercise and Sports

24. Gardening

Gardening is a really satisfying hobby and having the knowledge to look after and maintain your green friends. It’s important to have the right skills along with enthusiasm and commitment. Whether you have a variety of houseplants or you want to grow your own vegetable patch, there are helpful resources online for you all.

Skillshare course on gardening
Skillshare course on gardening


We recommend trying out:

25. Cooking

Learning to cook with creativity and confidence is very different from just rustling up a quick pasta dish. So, why not take the plunge and learn to cook from an expert. This will leave you ready to invite family, friends and loved ones round for an unforgettable dinner party or potentially the first stages of a culinary career.

Gordon Ramsay teaches you cooking
Gordon Ramsay teaches you cooking


We recommend trying out:

  • MasterClass offers a MasterClass from seven-star Michelin chef Gordon Ramsey where you will learn everything from kitchen setup, buying fresh ingredients and constructing unforgettable dishes. We recommend checking out the course Gordon Ramsay Teaches Cooking I
  • MasterClass offers another MasterClass by Yotam Ottolenghi who teaches you how to create dishes that layer color and flavor for maximum impact. He teaches you simple steps for making Middle Eastern inspired recipes. We recommend checking out the MasterClass Yotam Ottolenghi Teaches Modern Middle Eastern Cooking
  • Udemy offers a wide variety of cooking courses, 300+ to be exact. You can learn anything from Indian Cooking, Vegan Cooking, Bread Baking and Nutrition. We recommend checking out the course Healthy Cooking Fundamentals

26. Baking

Do you want to get into baking? And looking for guidance and inspiration of where to start. There are some key qualities which will help you become a better baker that include: Organization, Attention to detail, Patience and Creativity. There is no better feeling than when your bread has risen perfectly or the ingredients of your cake perfectly compliment each other.

Baking course at Skillshare
Baking course at Skillshare


We recommend trying out:

27. Design

If you already work as a designer, you will know how dynamic and innovative the design world is and keeping up ahead of the game can at times feel a little overwhelming. If you’re anything like me, and you are a creative thinking, then taking an online course to brush up your skills could be the perfect solution. It is both time and cost-effective and if you just want to learn for the joy of designing and being creative is a hobby for you, it’s also an excellent way to get inspired.

Skillshare course on graphic design
Skillshare course on graphic design


We recommend trying out:

  • Skillshare has more than 25,000 courses all aimed at creatives with around 2,000 of its courses completely free. It’s a great place to start. We recommend checking out this free course Graphic Design Basics: Core Principles for Visual Design
  • CreativeLive is an online creative community with 1,500+ curated courses on 6 creative categories including Art & Design, Craft & Maker and more. Its 30-day refund policy makes it an appealing option to try out its creative courses. We recommend checking out the course Color for Designers: Exploration, Theory, & Application

28. Adobe Design

If you are starting your career in the design world, you will be aware of the different Adobe software programs on offer. If you want to create visuals for print, web and app design you will need to know how to use the creative industry’s go-to graphic design programs. With so many useful online courses to help guide you through these programs, it’s the best place for you to start or even brush up on existing skills in the comfort of your own home.

Adobe Design course
Adobe Design course


We recommend trying out:

29. Photography

If you’re a complete newbie to photography, a holiday shooter or just want to know more about setting up your camera. You will be thrilled to know there are some top online photography courses to meet what you are looking for. If you want to read about the Best Online Photography Courses then check out my post here.

Introduction to photography
Introduction to photography

We recommend trying out:

  • Skillshare offers some top photography courses for beginners and with its generous 1-month free trial you really can’t complain. We recommend checking out the course Fundamentals of a DSLR Photography
  • CreativeLive is a creative platform that has 700+ handpicked instructors, and photography is one of its most popular topics. We recommend checking out the course 28 days of Portrait Photography
  • iPhone Photography School is an online platform that focuses on courses to improve your iPhone photography courses. Its courses range from iPhone Editing, iPhone Landscape, iPhone Food Photography and much more.

30. Musical Instrument

Have you always wanted to play the guitar or learn the piano? Well learning how to play an instrument online may be your answer. With so many self taught musicians or ones looking to brush up on existing skills. The high quality and variety of online courses becomes the obvious choice, so why not give it a go.

Learn songwriting & composing melodies
Learn songwriting & composing melodies


We recommend trying out:

31. Writing

Being able to communicate and express ourselves through written words is such a valuable skill that we use every day. Whether it is writing an email to a boss, updating our Curriculum Vitae or creating a post for social media, being able to write in a succinct way and with confidence can not only save us a lot of time but also help to improve our verbal communication. So great courses which can help us not only professionally but personally as well.

Skills to Learn Writing
Skills to Learn Writing


We recommend trying out:

32. Spreadsheet Skills

Almost all businesses online or not use spreadsheets to manage its data. Most of us have some experience with basic Excel spreadsheet skills. But being able to effectively use formulas and other features that a spreadsheet offers is something more advanced. For many of us, unless we have been trained or shown how to use Excel in this way, we will need a course or instructions to feel confident doing that.

Introduction to Spreadsheets Datacamp
Introduction to Spreadsheets Datacamp


We recommend trying out:

  • Datacamp offers close to 350+ on topics that specialize in data science and analytics that are taught by expert data scientists. We recommend checking out the Introduction to Spreadsheets

33. Organization

Managing our time and focusing on how to reduce procrastination can make the biggest difference to our day, week, month and year. Many times it can be by making simple changes and resisting distractions. So why not take a course to help organize ourselves and become more productive.

Course on organising skills
Course on organising skills


We recommend trying out:

34. Copywriting

Copywriting is one of the skills that is in high demand. The career opportunities can vary from website copywriting, blogging, eBook writing, product copywriting and much more. Having the skills for copywriting also can help you in many professions like digital marketing or as a social media manager as it gives you the ability to be able to express yourself coherently through words. Check out the online courses below if you think this could be a career path for you.

Learn copywritinf Skillshare course
Learn copywritinf Skillshare course


We recommend trying out:

35. Data Analysis

Data Science is a revolutionary technology that is the study of Data. It is way of creating insights and predictions to help companies make important business decisions. If you enjoy extracting, analyzing and vizualizing information, then a career as a Data Analyst may interest you. Plus the paycheck isn’t bad either. So, with so many online courses for you to choose one we have highlighted some of the top courses. You can read in more detail our article about becoming a Data Analyst.

Udacity Data Analyst Nanodegree
Udacity Data Analyst Nanodegree


We recommend trying out:

  • Udacity offers close to 70 Nanodegrees on topics in tech and business. Some of its most popular courses are to be a Data Analyst and a Java Web Developer.
  • Datacamp offers 430+ courses on topics that specialize in data science and analytics that are taught by expert data scientists. We recommend checking out the career track Data Scientist with R.

Top Tip: Once you have decided on the new skill it is you want to learn and commit to, you will then need to sign up to the online learning platform who provides that course, in some cases more than one. This will require a login and password, and if you’re anything like me, then remembering a new password can just create another thing to worry about. So to take some of that stress away, check out our latest article on Best Password Managers to find one that could work for you.

Final Thoughts: Top Skills to Learn Online

I hope this comprehensive guide on the Top Skills to Learn Online has not only inspired you but also provided clear direction whether you’re looking to polish your existing skills or dive into something completely new. It’s crucial to keep in mind that the journey of learning a new skill is open to everyone, regardless of their previous experience or background.

This is your opportunity to explore areas you’ve always been curious about, enhance your professional abilities, or even start a new hobby. The beauty of online learning is its inclusivity and flexibility, making personal growth and skill development accessible to all. Remember, every expert was once a beginner, and with the wealth of resources available online, there’s no better time than now to start your own learning adventure.

I also wanted to add here that if you do brush up your skills to a place where you can work professionally, you may consider a career as a freelancer and one of our most recent articles comparing freelancing platforms may interest you.

Skills to Learn Online: FAQ

There are many skills you can learn online in 3 months, and really does depend on you dedicating your time to learn and practice each day so that you make significant progress. Some of the best examples are:

  • Web Development: With the help of online courses and resources, you can learn HTML, CSS and Javascript
  • Graphic Design: You can learn the basics of graphic design and tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign.
  • Data Analysis: Online courses on data analysis, Excel and statistical analysis can help you learn the basics of data analysis.

Some of the most profitable skills to learn online in 2023 are data analysis and machine learning due to the increasing amount of data being generated and collected. Both of these skills are in high demand across many industries, including healthcare, finance and technology. Other skills to learn online include Cloud computing, digital marketing, cybersecurity and product management.

There are so many useful skills that you could learn depending on your interests, career goals and personal development. Some that you could consider are communication skills, time management, financial, decision-making and meditation.