How to Acquire New Job Skills and Advanced Training Online for FREE

In today's tough job market, acquiring a new job skill may determine whether or not you land that new job or even whether or not you retain the one you have. Unfortunately, many of us don't have the time or the extra income to take classes. However, there maybe some other options. Read on to find out some alternative and FREE ways to get new skills under your belt.

step1: LEARN MICROSOFT WORD, EXCEL AND POWERPOINT FOR FREE!

Knowledge of Word, Excel and Powerpoint is one of the most desired skill sets especially in office oriented positions. If you have not had the opportunity to learn these programs and would like to do so now, you here are a couple of options.

1.) Microsoft recently announced a program called Elevate America which offers FREE on-line basic, advanced & certification courses. The basic skills course is a good starting point and gives a sound overview of how a computer works, the internet, wordprocessing (WORD), spreedsheets (EXCEL) and presentations (POWERPOINT), computer security, and what they call digital lifestyle (digital photography, music & video).
http://www.microsoft.com/About/CorporateCitizenship/US/CommunityInvestment/ElevateAmerica

2.) Once you have completed the Elevate America Basics Overview course, you can obtain more detailed instruction by doing the outstanding tutorials in WORD, EXCEL and POWERPOINT. Don’t have these programs on your computer? No problem. Download a FREE six month trial offer of Microsoft Office for Students/Home at Microsoft.com.

Step2:BECOME BILINGUAL FOR FREE!

In today’s global economy and with the increase in cross border trade, learning a second language may be a good career move. Luckily, our friends at the British Broadcasting Company offer FREE beginner through advanced on-line language courses in seven languages including Spanish, French, Chinese, German, Portuguese, Greek, and Italian. Check it out at http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages

Step3:TAKE AN ONLINE COURSE AT MIT, STANFORD, OR TUFTS FOR FREE!

This one is a little hard to believe but many colleges and universities across the country are now offering access to their courses online for FREE. You will not be matriculated and therefore will not earn a degree but will certainly improve you knowledge on a given subject. Additionally, you may impress prospective employers with your motivation and willingness to learn as well as your resourcefulness & creativity in accomplishing a goal.
http://www.education-portal.com/articles/universities_with_the_best_free_online_courses.html

Step4:INCREASE YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF GOOGLE ANALYTICS FOR FREE!

If you are trying to promote your website or work in or would like to work in an e-commerce job, then you may be interested in a new FREE online Web analytics course offered by GOOGLE. The course will provide instruction on Google Analytics implementation, administration, and analysis tools. Additionally it will focus on the elements required to pass the Google Analytics Individual test ($50.00) and receive a qualified Google Analytics Certification.
http://www.google.com/support/conversionuniversity/?hl=en

Step5:TAKE A FREE ONLINE SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION COURSE

Whether you work for or would like to work for a small business or maybe even start one of your own, the SBA offers an impressive selection of online courses which may be of interest in categories including “Starting a Business” , “Surviving a Down Economy”, & “e-Commerce”.
http://www.sba.gov/services/training/onlinecourses/index.html