35 Top Skills to Learn Online

Whether you’re looking to work from home, switch careers, or pick up a new hobby, online learning gives you the flexibility to grow on your own terms. The right platform can help you master productivity, gain in-demand skills, and even find the best jobs for stay-at-home moms or remote professionals. So, if you’re ready to reinvent your career or simply explore something new, let’s dive into the top skills you can learn online today!

Take Our Quiz: What Skills Can You Learn Online?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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