As New Zealand prepares for a 4-week quarantine to flatten the coronavirus curve, loads of people who won’t be able to work from home are wondering what activities they can do to fill their days. We’ve already listed 20 fun and inspiring things to do while self-isolating at home. Here’s another idea: why not spend this time learning new business skills? Ivy League Universities are now offering many of their self-paced online courses for free. We’ve picked the most exciting and informative for you! Which one will you choose?
Developing Breakthrough Innovations with the Three Box Solution
Dartmouth
To complete in 4 weeks you’ll need 3-5 hours a week
It goes without saying, after a 4-week quarantine we will all need some breakthrough strategies to get our businesses back on track. This course will teach you how to approach your daily routine and future planning with a Three Box framework. Without going into too many details, we’ll just say one box is the present for your business, another is the past and the third one is the future. But how do you organise these boxes? Find out by taking the course! It’s a good strategy both for large corporations and for small start-ups. Even non-profit organisations will benefit!
Business Strategies for A Better World
University of Pennsylvania
To complete in 4 weeks you’ll need 18 hours a week
This course is for people aiming to not just do business but do business with social impact i.e. business that changes the world. The Business Strategies for A Better World course will teach you how to use effective strategies to solve world problems, be it malnutrition, environmental issues or lack of job opportunities for single mums. You’ll even learn how to work with the corruption many societies face and make better business decisions in these situations.
Omnichannel Strategy and Management
Dartmouth
To complete n 4 weeks you’ll need 3-5 hours a week
Transitioning from a traditional retail system to online shopping, pick-up services and other 21-century sales channels can be a tough task. This course will help you make your omnichannel retail strategy effective and profitable. Find out what options customers expect from you these days, how to leverage your online presence and how to cater everywhere and to all needs.
Rhetoric: The Art of Persuasive Writing and Public Speaking
Harvard University
To complete in 4 weeks you’ll need 2-3 hours a week
This extremely exciting course is based on the speeches of Martin Luther King Jr., John F. Kennedy, Margaret Chase Smith and other legendary politicians. But trust us, it’s not just for politics! It’s for every person wanting to construct and defend compelling arguments, be it in a business meeting or in emails. Learn to recognise and analyse rhetorical structure and style, get inspired to share your viewpoint and discover the most powerful ways to convince others to do things your way.
Exposing Digital Photography
Harvard University
To complete in 4 weeks you’ll need 6 hours a week
Want to up your photography game and stand out among competitors on social media? This in-depth digital photography course is for you! Learn everything you need to know to take juicy shots: rule of thirds and other composition must-do, exposure, colour coordination and visual perspective and so much more. You’ll also learn how to enhance and edit your photos in different software and touch the basics of video production as well.
Writing Case Studies: Science of Delivery
Princeton University
To complete in 4 weeks you’ll need 5,5-7,5 hours a week
Want to analyse and document something new that you’ve been working on for a while, be it a new computer programme, a new vaccine or a new institution? Or working on big research? Take this course to learn how to plan your research, conduct interviews, and organise your writing in the most efficient and productive way to show the world all the steps that have been taken in the right direction.
Women Have Always Worked
Columbia University
To complete in 4 weeks you’ll need 20-30 hours a week
This course is a bit different from the rest in this article, as it’s not focused on gaining new skills. It’s a historic course, explaining how women influenced economics, politics, and social life in the US throughout its history. You’ll learn how women sought equality in different periods and why it’s important for women to continue influencing history in modern times.
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