Last updated on September 28th, 2024 at 10:07 pm

In 2024, let’s face it—Netflix binging isn’t going to land you that promotion (unless you’re aspiring to be a professional couch critic). Instead, online learning is the smart move. Udemy gives you a wealth of choices that help you grow your career. But trying to find the best course is like deciding what to order at a cheesecake factory—it’s overwhelming! So, we’ve sifted through the clutter to bring you 17 courses that will give your career the boost it deserves.

Now, if you’ve ever taken a course that changed your life, you know what I mean. I remember the time I enrolled in a marketing course, thinking I’d turn into a digital wizard overnight. Spoiler alert: I did not. But I learned valuable skills that helped me pivot into a more fulfilling role. Let’s see which courses will do the same for you in 2024.

Why Udemy Is Your Best Bet for Career Advancement in 2024

When I first started exploring online learning, I thought, “How could a few hours of videos compare to an actual degree?” But after taking a few courses, I realized that what I was paying for wasn’t just convenience—it was the ability to learn exactly what I needed without all the extra fluff. I could focus on what mattered, apply it right away, and, surprise surprise, I saved a lot of money.

The e-learning market is expected to grow to $645 billion by 2030. More companies are offering online training for employees, which means skills you gain on Udemy are in demand everywhere—from Google to startups. Professionals with online certifications often see salaries jump by 10-15%, especially in tech roles like data science, digital marketing, and project management.

• Who Should Take It: Anyone looking to advance their career without disrupting their schedule.
• Who Might Want to Skip It: If you’re someone who thinks “self-paced” means “self-never.” This might not be your thing.

1. Data Science A-Z™

I remember starting my first data science course and being overwhelmed by spreadsheets. But then, as I began to analyze data and see patterns emerge, it felt like solving a puzzle—each piece fitting perfectly to reveal a clear picture. It was satisfying and slightly addictive.

Data science jobs have exploded by 650% since 2012, with companies like Facebook, Amazon, and Airbnb constantly on the hunt for professionals who can make sense of data. Entry-level data scientists often start at around $95,000 a year, with top earners making six figures easily.

• Who Should Take It: Anyone excited by the idea of turning messy numbers into actionable insights.
• Who Should Skip It: If you hear “Python” and think of a snake instead of a programming language, maybe take a break before jumping into this.

2. The Complete Digital Marketing Course

The first time I tried running a digital marketing campaign, I thought it was going to be a walk in the park. Then, reality hit—my first post had exactly one like, and guess who it was from? Yep, my mom. Fast forward a few courses later, and I was running ads that reached thousands of people. It was like unlocking the cheat codes to the internet.

The digital marketing industry is worth over $340 billion and continues to grow with every click. Companies like HubSpot, Salesforce, and even smaller agencies are snapping up marketers who know how to run social media ads, email campaigns, and SEO strategies. Marketing managers can pull in around $70,000 to $120,000 a year.

• Who Should Take It: Entrepreneurs, small business owners, or anyone looking to break into the marketing world.
• Who Should Skip It: If you think Facebook posts are the same as marketing… yeah, this might not be for you.

3. Python for Data Science and Machine Learning Bootcamp

I’ll be honest: my first encounter with Python was confusing. I spent more time Googling errors than actually coding. But after a few weeks, I started writing scripts that made tasks so much easier. It felt like I’d acquired a superpower.

Python is one of the most popular programming languages for a reason. Companies like Tesla, Google, and Netflix are constantly looking for Python-savvy professionals, and the average salary for a Python developer is around $110,000. In the machine learning space, that number can climb even higher.

• Who Should Take It: If you’re interested in AI, machine learning, or just want to make computers do cool things.
• Who Should Skip It: If you break into a cold sweat every time Excel asks you to write a formula.

4. Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification Prep

When I first became a project manager, I thought it was all about keeping lists and timelines. Boy, was I wrong. As projects grew, so did the chaos. It wasn’t until I dove into formal project management techniques that I learned how to steer the ship confidently—no more winging it.

The PMP certification is recognized globally and can add a 20% salary bump to project managers. With more industries embracing agile methods, companies like Microsoft, IBM, and General Electric are seeking certified professionals. Salaries for project managers with a PMP can range from $85,000 to $135,000.

• Who Should Take It: Managers, team leaders, or anyone overseeing complex projects.
• Who Should Skip It: If organizing your sock drawer seems like too much to handle, maybe project management isn’t your calling.

5. The Web Developer Bootcamp 2024

I still remember the first website I built. Let’s just say it wasn’t pretty—but it worked! Every little improvement felt like leveling up in a video game, and soon, I was able to build fully functional websites that looked good too. Now, people actually want me to build them sites.

The demand for web developers is through the roof. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 13% job growth over the next decade. Companies like Shopify, Square, and even NASA are always hiring web developers, with starting salaries hovering around $65,000 to $100,000.

• Who Should Take It: If you’ve ever wanted to build websites or apps from scratch, this one’s for you.
• Who Should Skip It: If coding makes you want to throw your computer out the window, maybe sit this one out.

6. Ethical Hacking and Cyber Security

The first time I learned about ethical hacking, I thought it was something from a spy movie. But then, I took a course and realized it’s more about securing data and less about dodging laser beams. Turns out, knowing how to ethically hack is a huge asset in today’s world.

Cybersecurity is expected to grow by 35% through 2031, with companies like Cisco, IBM, and the government looking to hire. Entry-level positions start at around $80,000, with ethical hackers easily making over $100,000.

• Who Should Take It: Anyone with a knack for problem-solving and an interest in tech.
• Who Should Skip It: If you get easily frustrated by complex problems, this might not be your cup of tea.

7. The Complete Financial Analyst Course 2024

I always thought finance was all about balancing checkbooks (which, who even uses anymore?). But after diving into financial analysis, I found out it’s more about spotting trends, making forecasts, and advising businesses. It’s like predicting the future, but with numbers.

Finance careers, particularly as financial analysts, are projected to grow by 6% over the next decade. J.P. Morgan, Goldman Sachs, and other major firms are constantly hiring, with salaries ranging from $65,000 to $95,000 for entry-level analysts.

• Who Should Take It: Anyone interested in analyzing markets, trends, and numbers.
• Who Should Skip It: If numbers give you a headache, this probably isn’t for you.

8. UX/UI Design Essentials

I never realized how much effort went into making apps look simple and intuitive until I took a UX/UI course. Suddenly, I couldn’t stop critiquing every app I used. Designing with the user in mind became second nature.

UX/UI design is booming, with job demand expected to increase by 18% by 2026. Companies like Google, Apple, and Amazon are snapping up designers who can create user-friendly interfaces. Salaries range from $75,000 to $120,000.

• Who Should Take It: Creative thinkers who enjoy problem-solving and improving user experiences.
• Who Should Skip It: If you’re not a fan of design or user testing, this might not be the right path.

9. Artificial Intelligence for Everyone

Artificial intelligence seemed like something out of a sci-fi movie, but once I got into this course, I realized it’s already shaping the world we live in. From chatbots to self-driving cars, AI is everywhere.

The AI industry is expected to grow by 40% by 2030, with companies like Tesla, IBM, and Google leading the charge. The demand for AI professionals is skyrocketing, and salaries can range from $90,000 to $150,000.

• Who Should Take It: Tech enthusiasts or anyone interested in the future of AI.
• Who Should Skip It: If you still have trouble setting up your smart TV, AI might feel overwhelming.

10. Adobe Photoshop CC: Complete Beginner to Advanced Course

The first time I opened Photoshop, I was intimidated by all the tools. But after a few lessons, I could manipulate images like a pro. It’s like learning magic tricks for the digital world.

The demand for graphic designers and visual artists is rising, with companies like Adobe, Nike, and Disney constantly hiring creatives. Designers with Photoshop skills can start with salaries between $45,000 and $75,000, with more experienced designers making upwards of $100,000.

• Who Should Take It: Creative individuals looking to enhance their digital design skills.
• Who Should Skip It: If you struggle with tech, mastering Photoshop’s many tools might be frustrating.

11. The Complete SQL Bootcamp 2024

The first time I worked with databases, I thought it was all about keeping rows and columns neat—kind of like a glorified spreadsheet. But SQL? It’s so much more. After taking this course, I was querying databases like a detective piecing together clues, extracting exactly what I needed.

SQL skills are essential for data analysis, and it’s not just tech companies like Google or Amazon looking for SQL experts. Industries like healthcare, finance, and retail are all searching for professionals who can manage and interpret data. Entry-level SQL developers can expect to earn around $65,000 with experienced professionals earning $100,000 or more.

• Who Should Take It: Analysts, developers, or anyone working with large data sets.
• Who Should Skip It: If staring at lines of code makes your eyes glaze over, this one might not be for you.

12. Copywriting Masterclass: Writing That Sells

When I first got into copywriting, I thought it was just about stringing words together. But after taking a course, I realized good copywriting is more like a game of chess. Every word needs to be strategic, and the goal is always to move your audience toward action. Suddenly, writing an email felt as intense as a high-stakes poker game.

The digital marketing industry relies heavily on skilled copywriters, with companies like BuzzFeed, Shopify, and even Apple always on the lookout. A top copywriter can earn anywhere from $60,000 to $120,000 depending on their expertise and the industry.

• Who Should Take It: Anyone who loves writing and wants to make a career out of it.
• Who Should Skip It: If you dread writing emails or social posts, you might want to pass on this.

13. The Complete Guide to YouTube Success

I’ll never forget the day I uploaded my first YouTube video. I thought it would go viral overnight—spoiler alert, it didn’t. But after learning the ins and outs of content creation and marketing, I started building an audience. With each video, I gained more confidence and learned how to engage my viewers effectively.

YouTube content creation is more than a hobby these days; it’s a booming industry. With YouTube’s ad revenue reaching over $30 billion, companies like Red Bull, GoPro, and Skillshare are investing heavily in video marketing. Successful creators can earn anywhere from $10,000 to $100,000 per year, depending on their niche and audience.

• Who Should Take It: Aspiring content creators, marketers, or business owners looking to grow their brand.
• Who Should Skip It: If you’re camera-shy or hate editing videos, you might want to sit this one out.

14. Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Explained

When I first heard about cryptocurrency, I thought it was some sort of sci-fi currency you’d use in a video game. Fast forward to a couple of years later, and now blockchain technology is revolutionizing industries from finance to supply chains. Taking this course made me realize that it’s not just a passing trend—it’s the future.

The blockchain industry is projected to grow to $1.59 billion by 2026, with companies like IBM, Mastercard, and Coinbase leading the charge. Blockchain developers can earn anywhere from $100,000 to $160,000, depending on their level of expertise.

• Who Should Take It: Tech enthusiasts, finance professionals, or anyone curious about the future of digital transactions.
• Who Should Skip It: If words like “crypto” and “blockchain” make you think of Minecraft, this might not be for you.

15. Introduction to Cloud Computing

I remember the first time I had to explain “the cloud” to someone. “So, you’re telling me my files are just floating somewhere?” they asked. It was like trying to explain magic. But once I took this course, I understood the infrastructure behind cloud computing, and it all made sense—your files aren’t floating; they’re on powerful servers.

The demand for cloud computing specialists has skyrocketed, with companies like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud leading the market. Cloud architects and engineers can easily earn between $90,000 and $150,000, depending on their experience and location.

• Who Should Take It: IT professionals, developers, or anyone looking to pivot into the cloud industry.
• Who Should Skip It: If the only cloud you care about is the one that brings rain, maybe sit this one out.

16. The Complete Guide to Artificial Intelligence in Business

Artificial intelligence used to feel like something straight out of a sci-fi movie—until I started learning about how businesses are already using AI for everything from customer service chatbots to analyzing sales data. Once I realized how practical it was, I couldn’t help but see AI applications everywhere.

The global AI market is set to reach over $1 trillion by 2030, with companies like IBM, Tesla, and Microsoft leading the charge. Business analysts who can understand and apply AI technologies are in demand, earning between $80,000 and $130,000.

• Who Should Take It: Entrepreneurs, managers, and tech professionals looking to implement AI in their businesses.
• Who Should Skip It: If you’re still trying to figure out how Siri works, this might feel a little too advanced.

17. Excel: From Beginner to Advanced

The first time I opened Excel, I thought, “Oh, it’s just a bunch of boxes, right?” But then I tried to create a formula. Hours later, I was still trying to figure out how to sum a column. After a few lessons, though, I was automating reports and creating dashboards that made my team think I was some sort of Excel wizard.

Excel remains the gold standard for data analysis and management. From finance to HR, companies like Goldman Sachs, PWC, and Accenture still heavily rely on Excel experts to keep their operations running smoothly. Mastering Excel can boost your salary by $5,000 to $10,000, with experts often earning $75,000 or more.

• Who Should Take It: Anyone who deals with numbers or data regularly.
• Who Should Skip It: If the sight of an Excel spreadsheet fills you with dread, this might not be your jam.

Conclusion: Take Charge of Your Career with Udemy in 2024

If your career feels like it’s stuck in second gear, it’s time to take the wheel. These 17 Udemy courses won’t just give you skills—they’ll give you options. Whether you’re looking to break into a new field or sharpen the tools you already have, Udemy is the smart, flexible choice for 2024. And who knows, one of these courses could be your key to unlocking that next big opportunity.

So, what are you waiting for? Hit “enroll” today and watch your career take off like never before!