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Learn about success with online courses and programs

Everyone defines success differently. How can you fulfill your purpose, personally or professionally? It comes down to the right approach, attitude, and measurements for success. Learn the skills you need to succeed with online courses on edX.

What is success?

Being successful looks different for different people. For some, success may mean completing a task to standard, whereas for others it may mean going above and beyond expectations. No matter how they define it, everyone wants to achieve success in reaching their goals.

Everyone’s goals are unique. A new parent may have the goal of getting their newborn to sleep through the night. A seasoned CPA might set a goal of gaining 10 new clients by a certain time. A dog trainer could work toward achieving a top rating within their local area for a second consecutive year.

If you’re ready to pursue your next goal and reach success in whatever way you define it, it’s time to build the right knowledge. From industry-specific training to courses that teach resilience, time management, and other soft skills, edX can help you increase your odds of hitting your objectives.

Success | Introduction Image

Success course curriculum

Whether you want to get better grades in school, increase your aptitude for a particular ability, or reach new heights in your career, it all comes down to skills for success. Depending on where you are in your life and career, you may decide to take a course that discusses:

  • Study skills for achieving academic success

  • Strategies for effective reading, writing, test preparation, and time management

  • Building a career roadmap based on your existing skills

  • Creative thinking techniques

  • Systematic approaches to idea generation

  • Developing confidence by practicing problem solving

edX offers online courses that allow learners to study a variety of topics including entrepreneurship, innovation, and much more. ‌Sign up for an accelerated boot camp or enroll in a full degree program and start working toward a bachelor's degree or (for more advanced learners) a master’s degree in a relevant subject. You can also explore executive education courses specifically designed for busy professionals.

Explore rewarding career paths

While your professional success will always be defined by you, there are some career paths that have been described as highly rewarding by those who have walked them. The roles below are by no means exhaustive or definitive, but are meant to inspire you to work toward whatever goals you may have:

  • Entrepreneur: Innovates, takes risks, and builds a business that has potential for significant financial gain.Footnote 1

  • Chief executive officer (CEO): Guides their company's strategy and vision, and measures their success by the company's performance and profitability.Footnote 2

  • Surgeon: Performs procedures in various medical settings, which can result in saved lives or a better quality of life overall.Footnote 3

  • Lawyer: Leverages their knowledge and expertise in the legal field to influence legal outcomes.Footnote 4

  • Musician: Enjoys fame, recognition, and financial rewards when their talents are appreciated by a sizeable audience.Footnote 5

Each of these roles will have different education and skills requirements. For example, some employers may seek candidates with a degree in business or law, depending on the role. Before deciding on a specific learning path, research the positions you hope to pursue and align your coursework with your career goals.

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