Don’t you think your career deserves more than a random online course?
You and I know this! Online courses are like jollof rice these days: everyone’s making one, and not all of them taste good.

There’s a course for everything now, from “How to Design a Website in 3 Days” to “Mastering Business Strategy in Your Sleep” and even “How to Make Puff-Puff Like A Pro (Fluffy Guaranteed).” It’s a buffet out there. But here’s the thing: just because it’s a course doesn’t mean it’s good for you. Especially when it comes to your career.

Some courses will boost your confidence, your skills, and maybe even your bank account. Others? They’ll just boost your frustration levels and drain your wallet faster than a flash sale on Black Friday. Trust me, I’ve been there, done that, mixed in a lot of lamenting of “ohh my money, my time just wasted”.

 So, how do you separate the game-changers from the time-wasters? That’s exactly what we’re breaking down in this article, before you sign up for yet another “life-changing” course taught by someone who learned the topic last week.

Is The Course a Scam or a Skill-Up?

Let’s Find Out

So, how do you know which course is the one that will help you grow? That’s what we’re breaking down in this article.

1. Start with Your Career Goals

Before you even hit Google or open that course marketplace app, pause and ask yourself this million-dollar question: What do I want to achieve in my career right now?

• Are you trying to switch careers?
• Do you want to climb the ladder in your current job?
• Are you looking to start something on the side?
• Or maybe you just want to become more confident in what you already do?

Clarity is everything. The clearer you are about your goal, the easier it’ll be to filter through the confusion and focus on courses that truly serve you.

2. Research What Skills Are In Demand in Your Industry

Trends change. What was a hot skill three years ago might not even be relevant today. If you want to stay ahead—or catch up—know what your industry is asking for right now.

You can do this by:

• Browsing job listings and noting repeating keywords.
• Checking out LinkedIn profiles of people in roles you admire.
• Talking to mentors or industry friends.
• Reading industry blogs and newsletters.

Once you’ve gathered your list of in-demand skills, match them against potential courses. You’ll want to find courses that teach those exact skills in practical, job-ready ways.

3. Make Sure the Course Matches Your Learning Style

Everyone learns differently. Some people love watching videos. Others need to read, take notes, and do hands-on work.

Here are a few questions to ask yourself:

• Do I prefer short videos or long lectures?
• Do I need downloadable resources like PDFs and worksheets?
• Will I stay more engaged with quizzes or interactive projects?
• Do I need deadlines to stay motivated, or do I want to learn at my own pace?

Pick a course that feels like it was made for you, not one that makes you feel like you’re back in a boring classroom.

4. Check Who’s Teaching the Course (And How Qualified They Are)

The instructor matters a lot. Not just in terms of how they teach, but also their real-world experience, certifications, and how respected they are in their field.

Here’s why this is important:
A certified or well-trained coach isn’t just regurgitating theory. They’ve likely walked the walk, whether in tech, marketing, finance, or any other industry, and that means you’ll get insights that come from experience, not just textbooks.

When checking out instructors or course creators:

• Look for verified credentials or industry certifications.
• See where they’ve worked or what projects they’ve handled.
• Check if they’ve been featured in industry talks, conferences, or reputable publications.
• Read their LinkedIn or personal websites—credibility matters.
• Look for student reviews that mention how practical and useful their teaching style is.

The internet is full of self-proclaimed “experts.” Choose those who not only teach well but have proven expertise to back it up. If you’re spending your hard-earned money and time, you deserve someone who truly knows what they’re talking about.

5. Read the Reviews (Seriously)

Course reviews aren’t just fluff. They give you real insights into what it’s like to be a student in that program.

Look out for:

• Comments on the instructor’s teaching style.
• Whether the course delivers what it promises.
• How helpful the assignments or exercises are.
• How often the course is updated (outdated content = red flag).

Pro tip: Check the 3-star reviews. They usually give the most balanced feedback—what’s great, and what could be better.

6. Look for Courses with Real-World Projects or Certification

You want more than just theory—you need application. Look for online courses that offer:

• Capstone projects.
• Real-world case studies.
• Interactive assignments.
• Certificates that are recognised in your industry.

Even better if the course helps you build a portfolio you can show during interviews or pitch to clients.

And if you’re chasing a specific role like becoming a digital marketer, data analyst, or UX designer, certifications from places like Google, Meta, or IBM can give your resume a real boost.

7. Think About the Time Commitment (And Be Honest With Yourself)

Be real, not all of us can carve out 10 hours a week for learning. Some of us are balancing full-time jobs, side hustles, family life, or just trying not to burn out.

Before enrolling, check:

• How long the course is.
• Whether it’s self-paced or time-bound.
• If you can download lessons for offline learning.
• If there’s a supportive community or instructor access in case you get stuck.

There’s no point in picking an “amazing” course if it doesn’t fit your life. Go for the one you’ll actually finish.

8. Compare Prices, But Don’t Just Choose the Cheapest Option

Free courses are great if they get the job done. But don’t pick a course just because it’s the cheapest. A $0 course that wastes your time is more expensive than a $200 course that lands you a job.

When comparing prices:

• Check what’s included (lifetime access, resources, community, etc.).
• See if there’s a free trial or refund policy.
• Consider the return on investment. Will this course lead to better income or opportunities?

Think of it as investing in your future self, not just spending money on another internet thing.

9. Don’t Be Afraid to Start Small

If you’re overwhelmed by big courses or unsure of your direction, start with a mini-course or even a YouTube tutorial. Dip your toes in. See if you enjoy the topic and the learning style.

Many platforms let you preview the first lesson or two. Take advantage of that.

Small steps often lead to big changes—especially when it comes to learning.

10. Trust Your Gut (And Your Curiosity)

Finally, go with what feels right. If a course excites you, challenges you, and makes you curious to learn more, that’s a strong sign.

Your learning journey should feel meaningful, not just like another to-do list item. And when it clicks? You’ll know.

Conclusion

 The Right Course Can Be a Game-Changer

Online learning isn’t just a passing trend,  it’s one of the most powerful tools you can use to level up your career. But like any tool, it works best when you know how (and when) to use it.

The right course taught by a credible, experienced coach can open doors, build confidence, and even spark that side hustle you’ve been daydreaming about during Zoom calls.

So take your time. Ask the right questions. Do your homework. And whatever you do, don’t skip the reviews.

Before you commit, get on Parrot or download the App ( Parrot Customer Review) available on Play Store / App Store and see what real people are saying. Because your career growth is personal, and your learning journey should be backed by real voices, not just flashy ads.