What do you do if you want to enhance your strategic communications skills through online courses?

1 Assess your current level and gaps

Before you enroll in any online course, you need to have a realistic and honest assessment of your current strategic communications skills and gaps. You can do this by asking for feedback from your peers, mentors, clients or supervisors, or by taking a self-assessment test or quiz online. You should identify your strengths and weaknesses in areas such as writing, speaking, listening, presenting, storytelling, branding, media relations, crisis management and digital communications. This will help you narrow down your learning objectives and priorities, and select the most relevant and suitable online courses for your development.

2 Explore different formats and platforms

Online courses come in different formats and platforms, such as live webinars, recorded videos, podcasts, e-books, interactive modules, quizzes, assignments and projects. You should explore the different options available and compare their features, benefits, costs, duration, flexibility, feedback and accreditation. You should also consider your preferred learning style, whether you are more visual, auditory, kinesthetic or reading/writing oriented. You should choose the online courses that match your learning preferences and goals, and that offer high-quality content, engaging delivery, practical application and credible certification.

3 Plan your time and budget

Online courses can be a great way to enhance your strategic communications skills at your own pace and convenience, but they also require discipline, commitment and investment. You should plan your time and budget carefully before you enroll in any online course, and make sure you can allocate enough hours and resources to complete it successfully. You should also set realistic and measurable goals for your learning outcomes, and track your progress and performance regularly. You should also seek feedback and support from your instructors, peers or mentors, and apply what you learn to your real-life situations and challenges.

4 Review and reflect on your learning

Online courses can provide you with valuable knowledge, insights and skills to improve your strategic communications, but they are not enough by themselves. You need to review and reflect on your learning regularly, and evaluate how it has impacted your communication effectiveness and results. You should also update your portfolio, resume and online profiles with your new credentials and achievements, and showcase them to your current or potential employers, clients or partners. You should also continue to learn and grow by seeking new opportunities, challenges and feedback, and by joining online communities, networks and forums related to strategic communications.

6 Enjoy and have fun

Online courses can be a fun and enjoyable way to enhance your strategic communications skills, if you approach them with curiosity, enthusiasm and passion. You should not see them as a chore or a burden, but as an opportunity and a privilege to learn from the best, to expand your horizons, to challenge yourself and to grow personally and professionally. You should also celebrate your achievements and rewards, and share your learning experiences and insights with others who are interested or involved in strategic communications. You should enjoy and have fun with your online learning journey, and make the most of it.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?