If you’re stuck in a dead-end job or are ready for a career change, you can get affordable online career training in a field full of lucrative opportunities. Google has partnered with Coursera to launch Google career professional certificate programs – so that online learners can train and be ready for in-demand jobs in a matter of just months. For example, you could become an information technology (IT) support specialist or a user experience (UX) designer by completing a Google career training program. That means you don’t have to spend a lot of time and money on an expensive college or technical program that might take you years to complete. Not only are these online programs more affordable, but many students can also qualify for financial aid, allowing them to earn a certificate for free.
Quick Facts:
- Training programs offered in IT Support, Data Analytics, UX Design, Project Management, and Android Development
- Pre-recorded lessons are taught by current Google employees
- Programs cost $39/month to access the course material through Coursera
- No experience necessary
- If you’re currently enrolled in a community college, you’re eligible to access Google’s certificate programs for free.
What Are Google Career Certificates?
Google Career Certificates are digital professional credentials developed by Google and other industry partners that employers recognize as having the skills they need to fill jobs in high-demand fields. They provide a pathway for people to gain relevant skills quickly, with no prior experience needed, and open new opportunities such as better wages or promotions. With Google Career Certificates, individuals can get job-ready for in-demand careers like Project Manager or Data Analyst in months instead of years.
Are Google Career Certificates Worth It?
Google Career Certificates are becoming increasingly popular as a way to demonstrate knowledge and skills in data, project management, UX design, and IT support. Google certifications provide an opportunity to validate your skillset in the workplace and are highly sought after by employers. The certificates are offered online and provide a comprehensive education. Earning a Google Certificate can give you a competitive edge in the job market, as these certificates demonstrate that you have been trained and can help increase your value as an employee. Additionally, they can give you access to free career support services such as resume assistance and interview coaching.
Which Google Career Certificate Is Best?
It depends on your individual goals and interests. However, the Google Career Certificates that are most in-demand include Cloud Platform Certification, Analytics Academy Certification, and Android Developer Certification. Each of these certifications is highly respected by employers and can open you up to great job opportunities within the tech industry. Additionally, it’s important to choose a certificate that reflects actual skills instead of soft skills as this will help you get hired faster and more easily.
5 In-Demand Google Career Certificates
Here are five in-demand tech careers you can prepare for with one of Google’s career certificates.
IT Support Google Certificate
IT specialists are responsible for configuring and managing computer networks for organizations. Here are some of their most common tasks:
- Installing and troubleshooting computers
- Build and troubleshoot networks
- Provide end-user support and assistance
- Install and manage software
- Manage and maintain servers
If you love working with computers, have good problem-solving skills, and enjoy helping others, then you should consider getting a Google career certificate in IT support. IT support is also among one of the fastest-growing jobs, as well as one of the best-paying fields for entry-level employees. For more information, you can check out the Google IT Support Certificate page.
Data Analytics Google Certificate
If you have a passion for analyzing data, reviewing visuals for insights, and identifying trends, then you might be a good fit for a career in data analytics – which is another Google career certificate program. Data analysts help business leaders make informed decisions by collecting, analyzing, and organizing data into valuable information. Data analytics requires a good aptitude for math – especially statistics – and other subjects related to data science. You should also be good at using spreadsheet and data modeling software to create graphs, charts, and other visuals. For more information, you can check out the Google Data Analytics Certificate page in more detail.
Project Management Google Certificate
Do you have good problem-solving and organizational skills? Do you like working with people? If so, then you might enjoy being a project manager. Project Management is by far one of the most, if not the most, in-demand jobs right now. Google’s project management certificate provides the training to ensure that projects are planned and implemented while maximizing value. This program will also train you in project management best practices.
Here are some of the most common jobs related to project management:
- Project Coordinator
- Operations Manager
- Program Manager
- Project Administrator
- Technical Project Manager
Check out Google’s Project Management Certificate program page for more information.
UX Design Google Certificate
The role of a UX designer is to help make products (both physical and digital) more enjoyable and easier to use. Basically, your job is focused on making the end user happy with a product. Google’s UX design certificate is a good fit for people who are creative, enjoy drawing, and have a lot of empathy to help them understand users better. UX design is among one of the best-paying and fastest-growing careers in digital design. In fact, the most experienced UX designers can earn six figures. Learn more about the Google UX Design Certificate program today.
Android Development Google Certificate
Since Google products run on Android, it should be no surprise that Google offers a career certificate program in Android development. Android developers design, build, maintain, and troubleshoot Android apps. Google devices like smartphones and tablets use these apps. You should look into the Google Android developer certificate if you enjoy the following:
- problem-solving
- working with technology
- programming
- collaborating with others
The Android Development Google career certificate might just open up a new career opportunity for you as an app developer.
Conclusion
If you’re interested in learning more about these Google career certificates, you can visit the Grow with Google website. That’s where you can get more details about enrolling in courses, as well as fees and any financial aid options that can offset course fees. According to the information on the Grow with Google webpage, each of these programs requires less than 10 hours of studying per week. That means you still have plenty of time to work and do other things while enrolled in a program. As far as job placement goes, Google has partnered with several large companies that have pledged to hire some graduates from these programs. Also, since these Google career certificates train you for in-demand jobs, you can likely find a lot of available opportunities on your own.
