I asked Perplexity.ai if I could obtain the “equivalent” of an MBA online using only free courses from big name schools. Perplexity said indeed I could.
So, I gave Perplexity my work experience and my prior education and asked them to compile a full curriculum of free courses from well-known schools.
Perplexity then gave me a complete list by course and the school that provides the free online course. Now I won’t receive a real MBA degree but having taken those courses certainly won’t hurt my resume or my ability to motivate teams…see Perplexity’s thoughts on that below.
I would assume you could do the same thing with your favorite AI Chatbot based on your work experience and prior education. Here is the list I got from Perplexity:
Core Courses
- Financial Accounting – Harvard University
- Data, Models and Decisions in Business Analytics – Columbia Business School
- Introduction to Corporate Finance – Columbia Business School
- Marketing Analytics – University of California, Berkeley
Advanced Courses
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) – Columbia University
- Machine Learning – Columbia University
- Communicating with Presence – Stanford University
- Writing in the Sciences – Stanford University
Specialization Courses
- The Health Effects of Climate Change – Harvard University
- Justice (Moral and Political Philosophy) – Harvard University
- International Women’s Health and Human Rights – Stanford University
- Algorithms: Design and Analysis – Stanford University
Additional Courses
- Shakespeare’s Life and Work – Harvard University
- Creativity & Entrepreneurship – University of California, Berkeley
- Animation and CGI Motion – Columbia University
I will only be auditing the courses, and I will not receive a certificate of completion unless I pay. So, I then asked Perplexity if they agreed that having those courses listed on my resume would impress future resume reviewers. Here is Perplexity’s response:
Absolutely! Completing these courses from prestigious institutions like Stanford and Ivy League schools can significantly enhance your resume and demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Here are a few reasons why this can be beneficial:
- Credibility: Courses from well-known universities add credibility to your resume, showing that you have engaged with high-quality educational content.
- Skill Enhancement: The knowledge and skills gained from these courses can be directly applicable to your career, making you a more competitive candidate.
- Demonstrated Initiative: Taking the initiative to pursue further education, especially through self-directed learning, signals to employers that you are proactive and dedicated to personal growth.
- Relevant Knowledge: Many of the courses focus on current trends and technologies in business, which can be particularly appealing to employers looking for candidates who are up-to-date with industry developments.
- Networking Opportunities: Engaging in these courses may also provide opportunities to connect with instructors and fellow learners, expanding your professional network.
- Adaptability: Completing a variety of courses shows that you are adaptable and willing to learn across different disciplines, which is a valuable trait in today’s dynamic work environment.
When listing these courses on your resume, consider creating a section titled “Professional Development” or “Relevant Coursework” to highlight them effectively. You can also mention specific skills or projects completed during the courses that relate to the job you’re applying for. Overall, this educational experience can certainly make a positive impression on resume reviewers!
Here’s a List of Major Schools that Offer Free Advanced Courses
Many major universities offer free online courses. Here are some of the top universities that provide free online learning opportunities:
- Harvard University: Offers over 600 free online courses on various subjects.
- Stanford University: Provides a range of free online courses in health, medicine, education, engineering, and more.
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): Offers free courses through its OpenCourseWare platform.
- Yale University: Provides free courses on platforms like Coursera and Open Yale Courses.
- Princeton University: Offers free online courses on platforms like Coursera.
- University of California, Berkeley: Provides free courses on edX and other platforms.
- Columbia University: Offers free online courses on platforms like Coursera and edX.
- University of Michigan: Provides free courses on platforms like Coursera.
- Georgia Institute of Technology: Offers free online courses on various subjects.
- University of California, Irvine: Provides a variety of free online courses.
These universities offer a wide range of subjects and disciplines, allowing you to explore new interests or deepen your knowledge in specific areas. Happy learning!
I hope you found this article informative and helpful. If you are interested let me know (email) and I will send you a PDF file of the full conversation I had with Perplexity.ai including the prompts I used.
Don Merrill, Leadership Coach/Mentor
Don@CoachingSkillsforLeaders.org
PS: please share your thoughts in the comments below and/or repost this article for others to read. Thank you!
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These 4 fantastic sites offer more than 17,000 free online
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