coursera critical thinking skills for the professional

U.S. News & World Report Education takes an unbiased approach to our recommendations. When you use our links to buy products, we may earn a commission but that in no way affects our editorial independence.

Critical Thinking Skills for the Professional

About this course.

Have you ever tried to find a solution to a problem only to realize you’ve been focusing on the wrong problem from the very beginning? Or you’ve proposed a solution only to have it shut down by your boss or coworkers? How stressful and defeating is that? With massive changes in our world that seem to create the most difficult of circumstances, both personally and professionally, your skills as a critical thinker and problem solver need to be further developed now more than ever. By the end of this course you will have learned and memorized a practical model to solve problems on your own and with others. These 7 critical steps will ensure that you have looked at a problem from every angle and considered multiple solutions. In fact, this dynamic and holistic approach will help you solve problems once and for all!

Add a Verified Certificate for $49 USD

What Else Should I Know?

International Scientific Conference “Digital Transformation of the Economy: Challenges, Trends, New Opportunities”

ISCDTE 2021: Digital Technologies in the New Socio-Economic Reality pp 783–792 Cite as

Critical Thinking in Professional Education: Digital Options for Teachers and Learners

• O. V. Belyakova 11 ,
• N. A. Pyrkina 12 &
• E. S. Chuikova 13  
• Conference paper
• First Online: 17 November 2021

1501 Accesses

1 Citations

Part of the book series: Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems ((LNNS,volume 304))

Critical thinking is widely recognized to be the key to high-quality professional education. The previous studies of teaching tools that develop critical thinking searched mostly for traditional reading-discussion activities in a traditional classroom. The article updates the choice of the resources and evaluates mobile applications and online courses used in EFL teaching practice. The research is aimed at analyzing digital options that are essential for language learning as well as for professional growth and cognitive development. The authors scrutinize a number of language massive open online courses, mobile apps, and digital platforms targeted at promoting learners’ critical thinking skills in reading, writing, and interaction. The methods of the research require evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of the examined digital tools. Additionally, some options in the digital assessment of the academic texts features are studied. Finally, the authors provide recommendations on the effective EFL teaching strategies coupled with the essential critical thinking activities in academic contexts.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution .

Buying options

• Available as PDF
• Read on any device
• Instant download
• Own it forever
• Available as EPUB and PDF
• Compact, lightweight edition
• Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
• Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Belyakova, O.V., Pyrkina, N.A.: App-based multimedia in foreign language teaching: options for language learner. In: Ashmarina, S., Mantulenko, V. (eds.) Current Achievements, Challenges and Digital Chances of Knowledge Based Economy. Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems, vol. 133, pp. 549–557. Springer, Cham (2021)

Google Scholar  

Bovtenko, M.A., Parshukova, G.B.: Subject MOOCS as component of language learning environment. In: Filchenko, A., Anikina, Z. (eds.) Linguistic and Cultural Studies: Traditions and Innovations, pp. 122–127. Springer, Cham (2018)

Cambridge English. Write & Improve: Write & Improve workbooks (2021). https://writeandimprove.com/workbooks#/wi-workbooksare . Accessed 24 March 2021

Coursera: Critical thinking for the professional (2021). https://www.coursera.org/learn/critical-thinking-skills-for-professionals . Accessed 23 March 2021

Coursera: Critical thinking for university success (2021). https://www.coursera.org/learn/critical-thinking-skills . Accessed 23 March 2021

Coursera: Mindware: Critical thinking for the information age (2021). https://www.coursera.org/learn/mindware . Accessed 23 April 2021

Coursera: Professional skills for the workplace (2021). https://www.coursera.org/specializations/professional-skills-for-the-workplace . Accessed 23 April 2021

Heidari, K.: Critical thinking and EFL learners’ performance on textually-explicit, textually-implicit, and script-based reading item. Think. Skills Creativity 37 , 100703 (2020)

Perez-Paredes, P., Guillamón, C.O., Van de Vyver, J., Meurice, A., Jimenez, P.A., Conole, G., Hernández, P.S.: Mobile data-driven language learning: affordance and learners’ perception. System 84 , 145–159 (2019)

Article   Google Scholar  

Robinson, J., Dusenberry, L., Hutter, L., Lawrence, H., Frazee, A., Burnett, R.E.: State of the field: teaching with digital tools in the writing and communication classroom. Comput. Compos. 54 , 102511 (2019)

Soufi, N.E., See, B.H.: Does explicit teaching of critical thinking improve critical thinking skills of English language learner in higher education? a critical review of causal evidence. Stud. Educ. Eval. 60 , 140–162 (2019)

Strobl, C., Ailhaud, E., Benetos, K., Devitt, A., Kruse, O., Proske, A., Rapp, C.: Digital support for academic writing: a review of technologies and pedagogies. Comput. Educ. 131 , 33–48 (2018)

Writefull: Help your students and researchers with their academic writing (2021). https://writefull.com/institutions.html . Accessed 21 March 2021

Download references

Author information

Authors and affiliations.

Samara State University of Economics, Samara, Russia

O. V. Belyakova

Samara State University of Social Sciences and Education, Samara, Russia

N. A. Pyrkina

Moscow City University (Samara Branch), Samara, Russia

E. S. Chuikova

You can also search for this author in PubMed   Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and affiliations.

Department of Applied Management, Samara State University of Economics, Samara, Russia

Svetlana Igorevna Ashmarina

Valentina Vyacheslavovna Mantulenko

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2022 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this paper

Cite this paper.

Belyakova, O.V., Pyrkina, N.A., Chuikova, E.S. (2022). Critical Thinking in Professional Education: Digital Options for Teachers and Learners. In: Ashmarina, S.I., Mantulenko, V.V. (eds) Digital Technologies in the New Socio-Economic Reality. ISCDTE 2021. Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems, vol 304. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-83175-2_96

Download citation

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-83175-2_96

Published : 17 November 2021

Publisher Name : Springer, Cham

Print ISBN : 978-3-030-83174-5

Online ISBN : 978-3-030-83175-2

eBook Packages : Engineering Engineering (R0)

Share this paper

Anyone you share the following link with will be able to read this content:

Sorry, a shareable link is not currently available for this article.

Provided by the Springer Nature SharedIt content-sharing initiative

• Publish with us

Policies and ethics

• Find a journal
• Track your research

• Search Search Search …
• Search Search …

Critical Thinking Skills for the Professional: Boost Your Career Success

In today’s rapidly changing professional landscape, critical thinking skills have become increasingly essential for success. These skills equip individuals with the ability to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information while making well-informed decisions. As the complexity of workplace tasks and decision-making processes continues to grow, professionals must possess the ability to think critically and rationally, enabling them to navigate challenges and achieve their goals effectively.

One key aspect of critical thinking is the development of strong observational skills. A keen observer can quickly sense and identify new problems, understand their implications, and recognize potential solutions. Likewise, analytical thinking plays a vital role in critical thinking as it involves gathering information, interpreting it, and evaluating it skeptically in order to make informed decisions.

By investing in the cultivation of critical thinking skills, professionals can enhance their problem-solving abilities and make more confident, strategic decisions. This ongoing development not only benefits individual careers but also contributes to overall organizational growth and success.

Foundations of Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is a crucial skill for professionals in any field. It entails careful, goal-directed thinking that allows individuals to analyze, interpret, and solve problems effectively. At the core of critical thinking are the abilities to reason, question, and evaluate evidence logically and objectively.

Developing critical thinking skills involves practicing several essential abilities. First is the capacity for observation, which is the starting point for critical thinking. Professionals who are observant can quickly sense and identify new problems or opportunities for improvement in their work environment.

Another important aspect of critical thinking is the ability to reason. Reasoning involves analyzing information, making logical deductions, and systematically working through problems to arrive at well-founded conclusions. This skill is crucial in evaluating arguments, making informed decisions, and managing resources effectively.

Soft skills, such as communication and collaboration, also play a key role in fostering critical thinking. Effective communication helps professionals articulate their ideas and arguments clearly, while collaboration enables them to consider diverse perspectives and evaluate the merits of different arguments. Developing these soft skills is essential for professionals to work effectively within teams and contribute to a shared understanding of complex challenges.

Incorporating critical thinking into a professional’s daily work routine requires diligence and constant practice. There are several strategies one can utilize to develop these skills such as:

• Asking probing questions to explore assumptions or test the validity of claims
• Seeking out diverse information sources to ensure balanced understanding
• Evaluating evidence rigorously and being open to changing one’s mind based on new information
• Encouraging open-mindedness and debate within teams to prevent groupthink

By focusing on the foundations of critical thinking, professionals can cultivate a mindset that promotes informed decision-making, constructive problem-solving, and continuous learning. This, in turn, contributes to greater success and effectiveness in their careers.

Critical Thinking Skills for Professionals

Critical thinking is essential for professionals in any field. It involves the ability to reason, analyze, and solve problems effectively. Employers value these skills as they contribute to efficient decision making and successful outcomes. This section will discuss some key components of critical thinking skills for professionals, including problem-solving and decision making, effective communication, creativity and innovation, and reflection and self-improvement.

Problem Solving and Decision Making

Professionals with strong critical thinking skills are adept at problem-solving. They quickly identify issues and generate possible solutions by analyzing information and drawing upon their experience. Equipped with this ability, they can confidently make well-informed decisions that benefit their organization. A few techniques to enhance problem-solving and decision-making skills include:

• Breaking down problems into smaller components and examining each part separately
• Considering multiple perspectives to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the situation
• Evaluating alternative solutions based on their merits and potential outcomes

Effective Communication

Clear and effective communication is closely linked to critical thinking. Professionals need to express their thoughts and ideas concisely, both orally and in writing. This helps them convey complex information to others and facilitates productive collaboration. Additionally, good listeners can absorb new information and integrate it into their learning process. Effective communication techniques involve:

• Active listening to fully understand the speaker’s point of view
• Adapting communication style based on the audience’s needs or preferences
• Asking relevant questions to clarify information and encourage further discussion

Creativity and Innovation

Critical thinkers are often characterized by their creativity and ability to innovate. They are not afraid to challenge conventional wisdom and explore new ideas. Through constant learning and experimentation, they develop novel approaches to solving problems and generating value. Some ways to foster creativity and innovation include:

• Brainstorming to generate a wide range of ideas for tackling a problem
• Trying new techniques or approaches that have not been previously considered
• Seeking inspiration from diverse sources and considering the potential application to current challenges

Reflection and Self-Improvement

Reflecting on one’s performance and learning from experience are vital aspects of critical thinking. Professionals who continually evaluate their work can identify areas for improvement and refine their skills. This self-awareness helps them grow professionally and adapt to new situations faster. Strategies for reflection and self-improvement include:

• Conducting regular self-assessments to evaluate performance against established goals
• Soliciting feedback from peers and supervisors to gain additional perspective
• Participating in professional development opportunities to expand knowledge and refine skills

By developing and honing these critical thinking skills, professionals can effectively tackle complex challenges, make informed decisions, and contribute positively to their organizations.

Developing Critical Thinking Skills

Developing critical thinking skills is essential for professional development and success in various industries. These skills help professionals navigate challenges, make informed decisions, and improve their overall performance.

One key aspect of building critical thinking skills is effective brainstorming. Brainstorming sessions provide an opportunity to explore different ideas, perspectives, and solutions, fostering an environment that encourages creativity and critical analysis. By inviting diverse viewpoints and challenging assumptions during brainstorming sessions, professionals can develop innovative solutions to complex problems.

Another significant factor in developing critical thinking skills is continuous learning, which enhances one’s foundation for critical thinking. Professionals should stay updated on the latest trends, research, and best practices in their industry. Engaging in learning activities such as attending conferences, participating in training sessions, and taking relevant online courses can help expand their knowledge and improve their critical thinking capabilities.

Facing challenges head-on is also crucial for honing critical thinking skills. It is important to embrace difficult situations and use them as opportunities to grow by assessing, analyzing, and finding solutions. By tackling challenges with a proactive attitude, professionals can strengthen their ability to think critically and adapt to various circumstances.

Reflection is another essential component of developing critical thinking skills. Professionals should take the time to review their experiences, decisions, and thought processes regularly. Self-reflection allows individuals to identify areas needing improvement, reassess their beliefs and assumptions, and refine their approach to problem-solving. Moreover, seeking feedback from peers and mentors can provide valuable insights to enhance critical thinking abilities.

By incorporating brainstorming, continuous learning, facing challenges, and reflection into their professional development, professionals can build a strong foundation for critical thinking skills. This commitment to critical thinking will help them navigate complex situations and contribute to their success in the workplace.

Critical Thinking in the Age of Automation and AI

In the age of automation and artificial intelligence (AI), critical thinking skills have become increasingly important for professionals. As AI systems continue to revolutionize the workplace, professionals need to be able to navigate this new landscape by applying their critical thinking abilities. This allows them to stay ahead of the curve and leverage the advantages offered by advanced technologies.

Automation has created a vast array of benefits for businesses, such as increased efficiency and cost-effectiveness. However, it also has the potential to displace jobs that involve routine tasks. In order to remain relevant and valuable in the workforce, professionals must learn to adapt by developing skills that complement these automated processes. In particular, critical thinking skills are crucial. These abilities enable professionals to analyze complex information, identify unique solutions to problems, and make informed decisions.

Artificial intelligence has shown immense capabilities in various domains, but it is not without limitations. AI systems often struggle with tasks that require complex problem-solving, creativity, and context-specific knowledge. This is where human critical thinking skills play an essential role. By applying their critical thinking abilities, professionals can bridge the gap between what AI can accomplish and what human input is still required.

Moreover, critical thinking skills can help professionals critically evaluate AI-generated data and suggestions. This is essential given that AI systems may occasionally produce results that are not entirely accurate, relevant, or appropriate for a given situation. By applying their skills in critical thinking, professionals can assess and filter the information provided by AI systems and identify potential errors and biases.

With the ever-evolving landscape of automation and AI, it’s clear that critical thinking will remain a much-needed skill for professionals across industries. Those who continuously develop and sharpen their critical thinking abilities will find themselves well-equipped to thrive and succeed in the age of automation and AI.

Critical Thinking in Leadership

In the world of leadership, critical thinking skills are essential for professionals to make informed decisions and navigate complex situations. These skills enable leaders to think through issues systematically, weighing evidence, and reaching logical conclusions.

An interactive approach to leadership, that includes collaboration among team members, enhances the development of critical thinking. Encouraging debates and open dialogue allows leaders to consider different perspectives and refine their understanding of a topic. By engaging in constructive discussions, professionals can formulate more compelling arguments and solutions.

Originality is a valuable asset in leadership, and critical thinking helps leaders develop innovative approaches to problems. With a clear and focused mindset, leaders can explore creative avenues that may lead to effective solutions. Critical thinking in leadership allows for the analysis of new ideas and the continuous improvement of existing processes.

In summary, critical thinking is an integral component of professional leadership. It enhances interactive communication, encourages debates, fosters originality, and helps leaders navigate complex situations with confidence and clarity. By continuously honing their critical thinking skills, professionals can elevate their leadership abilities and create a more effective work environment.

Role of Curiosity and Open-Mindedness

Curiosity and open-mindedness play a crucial role in the development of critical thinking skills for professionals. Curiosity, an innate human trait, drives individuals to explore new ideas, ask questions, and examine information from various perspectives. It propels one to actively engage with problems and search for innovative solutions. On the other hand, open-mindedness refers to the willingness to consider and accept diverse views, thereby overcoming personal biases and prejudices.

Both curiosity and open-mindedness contribute significantly to the growth of professionals in their respective fields. By fostering curiosity, professionals can expand their knowledge base, discover new trends, and create innovative strategies. For example, curious business leaders tend to be more dynamic and faster in adapting to changing market conditions, as they constantly seek out novel opportunities and ideas.

Open-mindedness, on the other hand, enables professionals to think objectively and make better decisions. It encourages individuals to evaluate information based on merits and evidence instead of merely adhering to preconceived notions or beliefs. Being open-minded means embracing diverse opinions and considering alternative approaches, which ultimately leads to more comprehensive problem-solving and decision-making.

Developing these traits also promotes productive collaboration and teamwork. A curious and open-minded professional is more likely to appreciate different perspectives, enhance communication, and foster a positive work environment, all of which contribute to achieving common goals. Additionally, being curious and open-minded strengthens critical thinking skills like ethical decision-making and social responsibility , which are paramount in the modern professional landscape.

In summary, curiosity and open-mindedness are vital components of professional success, as they enable continuous growth and effective problem-solving. Cultivating these attributes can bolster critical thinking capabilities, adaptability, and collaborative skills, all of which contribute to long-term career success across various industries.

Practice and Assessments

To effectively develop critical thinking skills for the professional, it is vital to engage in consistent practice and assessments. By exposing oneself to a variety of analyzing techniques and complex problem-solving scenarios, professionals can greatly improve their ability to make reasoned decisions and create sound recommendations.

One way to practice critical thinking is by tackling complex problems in the workplace. Professionals can brainstorm possible solutions, evaluate their effectiveness, and decide on the best course of action. This technique allows individuals to hone their observational and analytical skills, which are essential for making well-informed decisions.

Another method for improving critical thinking involves participating in interactive assignments that focus on real-world scenarios. These simulations can help professionals learn to think critically by requiring them to analyze information, identify underlying assumptions, and evaluate alternative viewpoints.

Regular assessments can also help professionals gauge their progress in developing critical thinking skills. These reviews may include self-evaluations, peer feedback, and performance metrics related to problem-solving and decision-making. By understanding their strengths and weaknesses, professionals can further develop their critical thinking abilities through targeted practice.

To enhance the impact of practice and assessments, use various learning formats such as:

• Role-playing exercises that encourage participants to approach problems from different perspectives
• Case studies that require analysis of real-life situations
• Group discussions to promote collaboration and diverse thinking
• Online courses and resources to deepen understanding of critical thinking concepts and techniques

Through consistent practice and ongoing assessments, professionals can improve their critical thinking skills, ultimately leading to greater success in navigating complex problems and generating thoughtful recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can professionals enhance their critical thinking abilities.

Professionals can enhance their critical thinking abilities by practicing observation skills, which are the starting point for critical thinking. Observant individuals can quickly sense and identify new problems and understand why something might be a problem 1 . In addition to honing observation skills, professionals can take courses like Critical Thinking Skills for the Professional to learn structured approaches for problem-solving and decision-making.

What are some examples of critical thinking skills in the workplace?

Critical thinking skills in the workplace involve assessing situations, analyzing information, and deriving well-founded conclusions. Examples include evaluating different approaches to solving a problem and selecting the most effective one 2 , presenting new ideas or techniques to a team 3 , and identifying potential risks or improvements in a process.

Why does critical thinking contribute to professional success?

Critical thinking contributes to professional success because it enables individuals to analyze and break down issues effectively, leading to informed decision-making and innovative solutions 4 . These skills add value to a professional’s performance, as they can identify and address problems more efficiently, adapt to change, and communicate their ideas clearly.

How do the 7 critical thinking skills relate to professional settings?

The 7 critical thinking skills are observation, interpretation, analysis, inference, evaluation, explanation, and self-regulation 5 . In professional settings, these skills help individuals assess situations and information, draw logical conclusions, evaluate the credibility of sources, explain their reasoning, and monitor their own thought processes to ensure accurate decision-making.

What role does critical thinking play in personal and professional growth?

Critical thinking plays a significant role in personal and professional growth because it fosters intellectual curiosity, creativity, and adaptability. As individuals develop their critical thinking abilities, they become better equipped to learn from experiences, navigate challenges, and make well-informed decisions. This continuous process of reflection and improvement promotes both personal advancement and professional development.

How can critical thinking improve decision-making in a professional context?

By employing critical thinking, professionals can improve decision-making by analyzing all relevant information, evaluating different perspectives, and logically assessing potential outcomes and risks. This rigorous approach to problem-solving ensures that decisions are based on well-founded reasoning, leading to higher quality solutions and more effective performance in the workplace.

• https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/critical-thinking-skills ↩
• https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/critical-thinking-interview-questions ↩
• https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/interview-questions-critical-thinking ↩
• https://hbr.org/2022/04/critical-thinking-is-about-asking-better-questions ↩
• https://www.mindtools.com/articles/seven-critical-thinking-skills ↩

You may also like

Critical Thinking Vs Analytical Thinking

It’s easy to confuse critical and analytical thinking as one, but they’re not the same. While there are similarities, you will realize […]

Critical Thinking and Time-Management (How to get the most important things done)

Critical thinking and time management go together. Time management is really just a problem that needs to be solved, and that problem […]

10 modern day thought leaders on critical thinking

Critical thinking is a vital skill that enables individuals to analyze, evaluate, and interpret information effectively. In today’s dynamic environment, it has […]

The Connection between Associative Thinking and Entrepreneurship: Exploring the Link

Associative thinking is a cognitive process that involves connecting seemingly unrelated concepts to generate new ideas. This type of thinking is essential […]

15 Best Soft Skills Courses On Coursera For 2024

• Career Success Specialization
• Effective Communication: Writing, Design, and Presentation Specialization
• Leading People and Teams Specialization
• Strategic Leadership and Management Specialization
• Organizational Leadership Specialization
• Business English Communication Skills Specialization
• Influencing: Storytelling, Change Management and Governance Specialization
• Introduction to Logic and Critical Thinking Specialization
• Innovation: From Creativity to Entrepreneurship Specialization
• Professional Skills for the Workplace Specialization
• Negotiation, Mediation and Conflict Resolution Specialization
• Conflict Management Specialization
• Adapting: Career Development Specialization
• Career Discovery Specialization
• Futures Thinking Specialization

Career Success Specialization #

This 10-course specialization is offered by the University of California, Irvine.

In “Project Management: The Basics for Success,” you’ll master the essentials of leading teams and overseeing projects.

Key takeaways include forming dynamic teams, navigating project cycles, and clear communication of project statuses.

“Work Smarter, Not Harder: Time Management for Personal & Professional Productivity” equips you with strategies to efficiently achieve your goals.

You’ll tackle prioritization, resource management, and learn to maintain productivity under pressure.

Dive into “Finance for Non-Financial Professionals” to demystify financial concepts crucial for organizational impact.

This course simplifies financial analysis, budgeting, and strategic financing, empowering you to make informed decisions.

“Communication in the 21st Century Workplace” hones your ability to connect with a diverse workforce.

Whether face-to-face or online, you’ll learn to tailor your communication style to various environments and team dynamics.

For clear and persuasive business writing, “High-Impact Business Writing” is your go-to.

From drafting compelling emails to comprehensive reports, you’ll refine your writing and editing skills, ensuring your ideas are understood and appreciated.

“The Art of Negotiation” enhances your bargaining skills, teaching you to navigate different negotiation styles and understand the dynamics of power and persuasion in any deal-making scenario.

“Fundamentals of Management” lays the foundation for effective leadership, covering the core responsibilities of planning, organizing, and decision-making.

You’ll also learn to set SMART goals and expand your professional network.

“Effective Problem-Solving and Decision-Making” sharpens your analytical skills, guiding you through a systematic approach to tackling complex business challenges and making sound decisions.

If entrepreneurship excites you, “Essentials of Entrepreneurship: Thinking & Action” will ignite your innovative spirit.

You’ll explore how to identify opportunities, develop business ideas, and understand the nuances of launching new ventures.

Finally, the “Career Success Project” allows you to apply your newfound skills to a personal project, demonstrating your value to employers through strategic planning and effective communication.

Effective Communication: Writing, Design, and Presentation Specialization #

This specialization on Coursera is a comprehensive suite designed to elevate your professional communication skills.

It’s offered by the University of Colorado Boulder, a top-ranked American public university.

Dive into “Business Writing” and master the art of crafting compelling content.

This course equips you with the top ten principles of effective writing, ensuring your ideas are presented with clarity and impact.

It’s practical, immediately applicable, and even counts towards CU Boulder’s Master of Science in Data Science (MS-DS) degree for those considering an academic boost.

“Graphic Design” is your toolkit for visual impact.

Learn to create eye-catching PowerPoints, reports, and more with best practices that make design accessible.

You’ll start projects with newfound confidence and use common software like PowerPoint or Google Slides to bring your visions to life.

Then there’s “Successful Presentation,” a course that transforms public speaking from daunting to empowering.

Discover personal speaking strategies that resonate with audiences and command attention, regardless of the setting.

Cap it all off with the “Effective Communication Capstone Project,” where you’ll compile a portfolio showcasing your writing, design, and presentation prowess.

This final project not only hones your skills but also carves out your unique professional identity.

Leading People and Teams Specialization #

This 5-course specialization is offered by the University of Michigan.

The journey begins with “Inspiring and Motivating Individuals.”

Here, you’ll delve into crafting a shared vision and setting strategic goals.

It’s not just about rallying the troops; it’s about understanding the diverse drivers of performance and creating an environment where motivation thrives.

You’ll gain insights into diagnosing and addressing motivation issues, ensuring your team is engaged and productive.

Moving on to “Managing Talent,” you’ll explore the art of attracting and nurturing top talent.

This course covers the entire talent lifecycle, from selection and onboarding to performance evaluation.

You’ll acquire best practices and frameworks to develop your team’s potential, positioning you to address one of the most pressing concerns for today’s CEOs.

“Influencing People” is next, focusing on the subtleties of wielding influence without formal authority.

You’ll learn to build a power base and employ persuasive tactics with colleagues at all levels.

This course emphasizes the importance of high-quality relationships and ethical influence, preparing you to navigate complex organizational dynamics with ease.

“Leading Teams” tackles the challenges of team management.

You’ll learn to assemble and guide a team, fostering collaboration and driving continuous improvement.

The course provides practical strategies for conflict resolution and trust-building, ensuring your team operates at its best.

The capstone project rounds out the specialization by simulating real-world leadership scenarios.

You’ll apply the concepts learned to demonstrate your leadership acumen in a mock interview setting, preparing you for actual job interviews and leadership challenges.

By the end, you’ll have a robust set of skills in leadership, talent management, influence, and team dynamics—equipping you to lead with confidence and drive organizational success.

And with the University of Michigan’s reputation for excellence, you can be sure you’re receiving a quality education that’s both practical and relevant.

Strategic Leadership and Management Specialization #

The specialization from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign begins with “Leading Teams: Developing as a Leader,” where you’re not just learning about leadership; you’re actively shaping your own style.

This course helps you understand the core of leadership, assess your competencies, and guides you in making ethical decisions while fostering trust within your team.

Building on that foundation, “Leading Teams: Building Effective Team Cultures” takes you into the realm of team dynamics.

Here, you’ll learn to cultivate a team culture that prioritizes safety, engagement, and growth, setting the stage for high-performing teams.

With “Designing the Organization,” you’ll gain a strategic edge in understanding organizational complexities.

This course equips you with theories and frameworks to design an organization that’s adaptable and poised for success.

“Managing the Organization” complements this by focusing on the practical aspects of management.

You’ll tackle real-world managerial challenges, learn to wield power strategically, and navigate the intricacies of organizational culture and ethics.

For those with an eye on the bigger strategic picture, “Business Strategy” offers insights into how organizations create and sustain value.

You’ll master strategic management tools and learn to align internal operations with the external environment for optimal performance.

“Corporate Strategy” expands your perspective to the corporate level, where you’ll learn to manage multiple business units and stakeholders.

This course covers decisions on vertical integration, diversification, and global strategy, all crucial for a well-rounded corporate leader.

The capstone project is where theory meets practice.

You’ll apply your newfound knowledge to a real business challenge, demonstrating your ability to create strategic value and showcasing your skills to potential employers.

The skills you’ll gain are not just theoretical; they’re practical, in-demand, and directly applicable to your career.

Moreover, these courses are part of the Gies College of Business’ respected online programs, meaning you’re receiving a quality education that can also contribute to further academic achievements if you choose to pursue them.

Organizational Leadership Specialization #

This specialization, offered by Northwestern University, enhances specific soft skills crucial for effective leadership.

Dive into “High Performance Collaboration: Leadership, Teamwork, and Negotiation” to uncover the mechanics of leadership.

You’ll learn to craft teams for peak collaboration and master negotiation strategies that benefit everyone involved.

This course equips you with the skills to lead confidently and create harmonious team dynamics.

In “Leadership Communication for Maximum Impact: Storytelling,” you’ll harness the power of storytelling to inspire and connect with your audience.

It’s about building an authentic narrative that resonates, managing communication during crises, and leveraging your voice to drive innovation.

“Leadership Through Social Influence” offers a strategic framework for persuasion.

You’ll explore how to shape personal attitudes and social behaviors, enhancing your ability to guide and motivate others.

“Leadership Through Marketing” focuses on customer attraction and retention in the digital age.

You’ll learn to navigate data-rich environments, identify value creation opportunities, and craft competitive strategies.

With “Leadership Through Design Innovation,” you’ll apply human-centered design to real-world challenges.

This hands-on approach teaches you to empathize with users, frame problems effectively, and prototype solutions to drive organizational innovation.

The “Organizational Leadership Capstone” is where you apply what you’ve learned.

Acting as a CEO in a case study, you’ll tackle industry challenges, strategize, and communicate your vision, demonstrating your leadership prowess.

Each course is a step towards becoming a more adept leader.

You’ll gain communication, negotiation, and innovation skills that are immediately applicable in any leadership role.

Business English Communication Skills Specialization #

Each course in this specialization offered by the University of Washington is tailored to a specific aspect of business interaction, ensuring comprehensive coverage of essential skills.

In “Business English: Networking,” you’ll gain the vocabulary and etiquette necessary for effective socializing in professional settings.

The course includes a proficiency test to ensure it matches your level, and you’ll practice crafting emails that strike the right tone, whether formal or informal.

Moving on to “Business English: Meetings,” this course equips you with the phrases and strategies for active meeting participation.

You’ll learn to arrange meetings, articulate numbers and data clearly, and write proposals that capture attention and detail your ideas succinctly.

For those involved in deal-making, “Business English: Planning & Negotiating” offers insights into the language of negotiation.

You’ll engage in planning a business event, honing your ability to compare services, resolve issues, and announce your plans with clarity and impact.

“Business English: Making Presentations” is ideal if your role requires persuasive speaking.

This course focuses on structuring presentations, utilizing visuals, and employing persuasive language to make your case compellingly and coherently.

The “Business English: Capstone Project” is the culmination of the specialization, where you’ll apply everything learned by writing and presenting a mini business plan.

This final project demonstrates your ability to use appropriate business language across various communication formats.

Influencing: Storytelling, Change Management and Governance Specialization #

This specialization is tailored to enhance your ability to lead, negotiate, and communicate with authority.

It’s offered by Macquarie University.

Dive into “Leading transformations: Manage change” to refine your approach to organizational change.

You’ll learn to craft change initiatives and navigate the complexities of transformation with a strategic mindset.

This course equips you with the tools to lead change effectively, ensuring you’re prepared to influence outcomes positively.

Sharpen your conflict resolution skills with “Negotiation skills: Negotiate and resolve conflict.”

This course empowers you to dissect and navigate organizational politics, equipping you with strategies for successful negotiations.

You’ll emerge with the ability to manage conflicts and negotiate with confidence, a vital skill in any professional setting.

“Storytelling and influencing: Communicate with impact” is designed to boost your persuasive communication.

It’s not just about speaking; it’s about making a lasting impression.

You’ll explore how to tailor your message, engage your audience, and drive your points home, ensuring your vision is not just heard but embraced.

Finally, “Risk governance: Manage the risks” focuses on the essentials of organizational governance and risk management.

You’ll analyze governance structures, apply risk management principles, and tackle ethical dilemmas.

This course prepares you to foster an environment where every team member is aligned with serving the organization’s stakeholders.

Each course is interactive, featuring video lectures and practical assessments to solidify your learning.

Introduction to Logic and Critical Thinking Specialization #

This series from Duke University hones critical thinking and argument analysis skills.

You’ll master argument construction and evaluation, boosting your reasoning abilities and decision-making confidence.

Start with “Think Again I: How to Understand Arguments,” where you’ll learn to identify and dissect arguments, enhancing your ability to engage with complex ideas.

The course includes weekly videos and quizzes, with optional deeper reading available in “Understanding Arguments.”

Progress to “Think Again II: How to Reason Deductively,” where you’ll employ truth-tables and Venn diagrams to validate arguments, ensuring your conclusions are sound.

This analytical skill is crucial for clear, logical thinking.

In “Think Again III: How to Reason Inductively,” you’ll tackle real-world problems using inductive reasoning, from solving mysteries to making everyday decisions.

You’ll also explore how probability can inform your decision-making process.

Finally, “Think Again IV: How to Avoid Fallacies” empowers you to recognize and steer clear of common reasoning errors.

Understanding fallacies equips you to critically evaluate arguments and avoid being misled.

Innovation: From Creativity to Entrepreneurship Specialization #

This specialization is offered by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

In “Strategic Innovation: Building and Sustaining Innovative Organizations,” you’ll master the art of creating value through innovation strategy.

This course equips you with the know-how to use technology for competitive advantage, protect your innovations, and navigate strategic decisions confidently.

“Strategic Innovation: Managing Innovation Initiatives” takes you further, focusing on implementing innovation within established organizations.

You’ll tackle the challenges of disruptive technologies and learn to lead teams and manage innovation projects effectively.

“Creativity Toolkit I: Changing Perspectives” unlocks your creative potential.

It teaches you to view challenges from new angles, fostering creativity in yourself and others.

This course is about turning creative thinking into actionable innovation.

Building on creative skills, “Creativity Toolkit II: Creative Collaboration” emphasizes teamwork.

You’ll learn to pitch ideas persuasively, assess others’ concepts critically, and cultivate a collaborative environment where creativity thrives.

For budding entrepreneurs, “Entrepreneurship I: Laying the Foundation” covers the essentials of starting a venture, from understanding growth dynamics to identifying opportunities that shape entrepreneurial success.

“Entrepreneurship II: Preparing for Launch” prepares you for the realities of launching a business.

You’ll craft strategies for team building, customer engagement, financial planning, and securing investment, ensuring your startup is ready for growth.

The capstone project integrates your learning, challenging you to apply your skills to analyze and develop business models for new ventures, identifying opportunities and addressing potential challenges.

Each course offers practical skills and insights, with the added benefit of potentially contributing to a degree from the Gies College of Business if you choose to pursue further education.

Professional Skills for the Workplace Specialization #

This specialization is offered by the University of California, Davis.

In “Emotional and Social Intelligence,” you’ll gain the insight to navigate workplace dynamics with finesse.

This course equips you with the tools to understand and manage your emotions, enhancing your interactions and relationships at work.

You’ll delve into the four core quadrants of ESI, learning to handle stress and forge stronger professional connections.

“Critical Thinking Skills for the Professional” offers a strategic approach to problem-solving.

You’ll adopt a seven-step model that ensures comprehensive analysis and effective solutions.

This course empowers you to dissect complex issues and propose well-considered responses, a vital skill in any professional setting.

“The Growth Mindset” course is designed to transform your approach to challenges and learning.

You’ll assess your current mindset, identify triggers for a fixed mindset, and practice transitioning to a growth-oriented approach.

This shift not only benefits your personal development but also contributes to a more dynamic and productive workplace.

Lastly, “Adaptability and Resiliency” prepares you to excel in an ever-changing business environment.

You’ll learn to adjust your strategies and recover from difficulties with agility.

The course focuses on developing a proactive mindset, enabling you to thrive amidst uncertainty and emerge from challenges with valuable insights.

Each course is rich with actionable skills, from emotional intelligence to critical thinking, that you can immediately apply to stand out in your career.

Negotiation, Mediation and Conflict Resolution Specialization #

This specialization is offered by the ESSEC Business School, a top-ranked French business school.

In “Negotiation Fundamentals,” you’ll acquire practical tools to prepare for negotiations, structure effective sequences, and navigate through deadlocks.

This course emphasizes creating sustainable partnerships, moving beyond a win-lose mindset to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.

“International and Cross-Cultural Negotiation” takes you across the globe, enhancing your understanding of cultural impacts on negotiation.

You’ll learn to recognize and adapt to cultural nuances, improving your negotiation flexibility and strategy when dealing with international partners.

“Mediation and Conflict Resolution” equips you with the skills to lead mediation processes and resolve workplace or international conflicts.

It builds on negotiation fundamentals, introducing you to various mediation types and strategies to address common challenges.

You’ll analyze real-life negotiations, engage in peer negotiations, and simulate mediation scenarios.

This hands-on approach solidifies your learning and prepares you for real-world application.

Each course is rich with expert videos, interactive content, and practical case studies, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience.

Conflict Management Specialization #

This series of courses from the University of California, Irvine will equip you with the tools to navigate and resolve conflicts effectively.

You’ll master assertiveness, active listening, and effective communication, positioning you to handle conflicts in any setting with confidence.

Dive into “Types of Conflict” to understand that not all disagreements are detrimental.

This course will help you identify various conflict types and discover how to transform them into positive outcomes.

Through engaging video lessons, case studies, and interactive quizzes, you’ll learn to embrace and manage conflict constructively.

In “Conflict Resolution Skills,” you’ll develop the ability to ensure your voice is heard and to listen actively to others.

This course hones in on strategic communication techniques and equips you with a practical conflict management plan, enhancing your ability to achieve amicable resolutions.

“Intercultural Communication and Conflict Resolution” prepares you for the global stage, where interactions across cultures are commonplace.

You’ll gain insights into avoiding cultural misunderstandings and learn strategies for successful communication in diverse settings.

The capstone, “Conflict Management Project,” allows you to apply your knowledge by analyzing and resolving a specific conflict.

You’ll create a comprehensive case study and develop an integrated action plan, showcasing your ability to apply communication skills and concepts learned throughout the specialization.

Adapting: Career Development Specialization #

This specialization is offered by Macquarie University.

In “Build personal resilience,” you’ll master stress management, a crucial skill in our always-on work culture.

Discover how to maintain peak performance under pressure by enhancing your resilience through self-management techniques, motivation, and organization.

You’ll also learn the importance of health and social connections in building your resilience.

“Career planning: Your career, your life” is your guide to navigating career transitions with confidence.

If you’re questioning your career direction, this course helps you craft a development plan that aligns with your aspirations.

You’ll gain insights into setting achievable goals and leveraging your strengths for career advancement.

For those working in or aspiring to global roles, “Cultural intelligence: Become a global citizen” is indispensable.

It equips you with the skills to recognize and adapt to cultural differences, fostering an inclusive work environment.

High cultural intelligence is a key asset in leading diverse teams and achieving organizational objectives.

Lastly, “Professional development: Improve yourself, always” focuses on continuous learning as a cornerstone of career success.

You’ll engage in self-reflection to identify your leadership style, pinpoint areas for growth, and embrace the process of self-improvement.

This course is about evolving your capabilities to stay relevant and effective in a dynamic workplace.

Each course in this specialization is designed to be actionable and relevant, ensuring that you can apply what you learn directly to your career.

Career Discovery Specialization #

This specialization is offered by the University System of Georgia.

“Career Options: Exploring a New Career” equips you with the tools to pivot to a new field confidently.

You’ll evaluate your current skills, identify what you need to learn, and map out a strategy to acquire them.

This course guides you in crafting a standout resume and cover letter, leveraging your life experiences, and adopting a strategic approach to career advancement.

In “Career Planning: A Pathway to Employment,” you’ll master the art of making a memorable first impression.

It’s a practical guide to articulating your strengths in a personal statement, refining your resume, and effectively using social media in your job hunt.

You’ll gain insights into acing interviews and the crucial steps to take post-interview, setting you up for job search success.

“Successful Career Development” is designed to enhance your professional behavior and networking, regardless of your career stage.

You’ll discover how to find and work with a mentor, engage your LinkedIn network meaningfully, and adjust your career path as your life evolves.

This course is about developing the habits and attitudes that lead to career success.

Each course is rich with expert advice and actionable strategies, allowing you to learn at your own pace and apply your new skills immediately.

Futures Thinking Specialization #

This series of courses from the Institute for the Future equips you with the tools to predict, prepare for, and influence what’s to come.

Start with “Ready, Set, Future!

Introduction to Futures Thinking,” where you’ll grasp the basics of futures thinking, learn to spot trends, and avoid being caught off-guard by change.

It’s ideal if you’re looking to drive innovation in your personal and professional life.

In “Forecasting Skills: See the Future Before it Happens,” you’ll dive deeper into turning clues about the future into actionable forecasts.

This course sharpens your ability to envision multiple futures, helping you guide others in preparing for potential scenarios.

“Simulation Skills: This is Your Brain on the Future” tackles the neurological challenges of future planning.

You’ll practice techniques to enhance your strategic thinking, making you more effective in anticipating future events.

“Collaborative Foresight: How to Game the Future” introduces you to multiplayer gaming methods for foresight.

If you’re interested in understanding diverse perspectives and reducing blind spots, this course offers innovative tools for collaborative future planning.

Lastly, “Urgent Optimism: How to Turn Foresight into Action” empowers you to act on your foresight skills.

You’ll learn to craft a vision for the future, overcome obstacles, and mobilize others to join your cause.

Each course is packed with specific, actionable skills that will help you not just predict the future, but shape it.

Please link back to this page if you use it in a paper or blog post. Thanks!

Professional Skills for the Workplace Specialization on Coursera

Created by UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education and hosted on the Coursera platform, this is an online course consisting of pre-recorded video lectures, auto-graded and peer-reviewed assignments and community discussion forums. This specialization program is self-paced and designed to help you master a specific career skill in as little as 4-6 months.

This Specialization is intended for working professionals early in their career and for organizations who look to improve interpersonal relationship skills among their employees, clients, and customers.

Through four courses, you will explore the use of emotional and social intelligence, practice a formula for problem solving, cultivate a growth mindset, and build skills related to adaptability and resilience in an ever-changing environment. These skills show up in business relationships and communication and ultimately impact professional effectiveness. You will be able to demonstrate sound judgment by engaging in critical thinking to reach decisions and solve problems independently. You will be able to develop a competitive advantage by learning, adapting, and harnessing insights from past endeavors. You will assess your own expectations in your current or anticipated work roles and settings, and how those may align with or differ from what is required by employers and other stakeholders now and in the future.

What is Ethical Leadership and Why is it Important?

Ethical leadership is not only the right thing to do, it is key to driving an organization's success.

Valerie Kirk

Errors, bad behavior, and poor judgment in leadership can negatively impact a company’s brand and reputation. For business success, it’s critical for organizations to fill their C-suite with ethical leaders.

Ethical leadership involves leaders and managers making decisions based on the right thing to do for the common good, not just based on what is best for themselves or for the bottom line. While profits are important, ethical leaders take into consideration the needs of customers, communities, and employees in addition to company growth and revenue when making business decisions. 

Ethical leaders encourage their team members to model this behavior, too. They help to build a workplace culture that values transparency, collaboration and inclusion, and where everyone feels safe to share their voice.

They can also help organizations recruit and retain top talent. Professionals are increasingly seeking out companies whose leaders strive to do the right thing. Generation Z, who will make up 25 percent of the workforce by 2025, demands leadership ethics more than generations that came before them. 

“Gen Z is not going to negotiate. They have really strong values and ethics, and they don’t bend them because of intimidation or because they are just getting a paycheck,” said Michael McCarthy, instructor at Harvard Division of Continuing Education’s Professional & Executive Development and host of the “ Happy at Work ” podcast. “The idea of letting harmful or hurtful behavior slide is not acceptable.”

Leaders who weigh ethical considerations before making key business decisions drive a company’s long-term success. 

The 6 Main Principles of Ethical Leadership

Having ethical leaders isn’t as simple as hiring “good” people. Companies should strive to fill their leadership ranks with people who embody the principles of ethical leadership. The six main principles include: 

Respect includes valuing others’ skills and contributions. While historically respect in the workplace may have been one-way (leaders demanding respect from employees), in an ethical work environment, respect is mutual. 

Mutual respect leads to healthier workplace relationships where both sides appreciate and support what the other is doing and feel secure in talking through issues and challenges. Healthy relationships create positive work environments, which drives increased productivity.

Current and upcoming business leaders should take mutual respect into account as workforce expectations continue to shift.  

“I tell current leadership to respect Gen Z. They have values and morals, and you’re going to have a better organization because of them,” McCarthy said. “They aren’t going to put up with the old hierarchy that doesn’t offer mutual respect.” 

2. Accountability

Ethical leaders hold themselves accountable for their actions. They make decisions based on integrity and stand behind their work. They also lead by example, communicate openly about challenges, and don’t look to place blame on others for any shortfalls.

Leaders make ethical decisions based on doing what is right for employees, customers, and the community. Because these constituents are always top of mind for ethical leaders, they often have a strong sense of service. They engage in activities such as charitable giving and volunteer work to give  back to their communities — and encourage their teams to do the same. 

Leaders who are transparent build trust amongst their organizations and amongst customers. 

To build and maintain trust, leaders must be good communicators who speak openly and honestly about issues. Regardless of the issue’s severity or unpopularity, leaders’ responsibility to be clear and candid  empowers others to make the right decisions with the information they have. 

Honesty and transparency also help to build a brand’s reputation, leading to long-term customer loyalty.

Justice is not just about following the law, but about ensuring that everyone is getting what they deserve. Ethical leaders approach situations with a focus on treating everyone fairly, and they expect their teams to treat each other and customers the same way. Through their actions, they build equitable work environments where everyone feels respected. 

6. Community

Ethical leaders view their companies as communities and consider everyone involved when evaluating situations and making decisions. By viewing their organizations this way, they build equity and inclusion into their decision-making process and create work environments that encourage collaboration across teams. 

Learn more about Harvard DCE’s Ethical Leadership program

Examples of Positive and Negative Ethical Leadership

The following three examples are of companies that were faced with ethical dilemmas and how different leadership styles led to vastly different outcomes. 

Johnson & Johnson

One of the most famous examples of ethical leadership was the case of the Tylenol cyanide poisonings in the early 1980s. Seven people died of cyanide poisoning, and the only connecting factor was that they had all taken extra-strength Tylenol. During investigation, it was discovered that the tablets were laced with cyanide.

Johnson & Johnson’s leaders acted quickly and pulled all Tylenol products off the shelves — 31 million bottles, worth over $100 million — and stopped all production and advertising. The swiftness of their decision, although costly, put customers’ well-being first and saved lives.

They partnered with law enforcement to find the perpetrator and subsequently developed the first-ever tamper-resistant packaging. They were transparent with the public about what they were doing to ensure this tragedy never happened again. 

The Tylenol brand recovered from the incident, largely because of Johnson & Johnson’s ethical leadership team’s swift action and transparent care for customers.

In 2008, JetBlue left passengers stranded on the tarmac at the John F. Kennedy International Airport for more than five hours during a snowstorm. The delay had a ripple effect — JetBlue had to cancel more than 1,000 flights over the following five days.

In response, JetBlue’s CEO wrote a letter of apology to customers. He also directed his team to draft a customer bill of rights, which outlined customers’ rights to information about flights and information about compensation in the event of delays or cancellations.

The CEO also participated in a public apology tour, taking full responsibility for the incident rather than blaming it on the weather.

His transparency and accountability created trust with customers, who stayed loyal to the airline.

Wells Fargo

In September 2016 , it was revealed that employees of Wells Fargo, one of the largest banks in the United States, opened millions of unauthorized accounts in order to meet aggressive sales targets. This widespread fraudulent activity was the result of a work culture that prioritized quantity over quality and pushed employees to engage in unethical practices.

Company leaders denied knowledge of fraudulent practices. The bank was hit with significant financial penalties, but because of the lack of accountability, they damaged the trust of their customers and investors. They reported a 50 percent profit loss in the quarter following the scandal.

Meeting the Ethical Challenges of Leadership

Companies cannot underestimate the power of different leadership styles on their growth and long term success. Those who practice ethical leadership have positive corporate cultures where employees are engaged, motivated, and feel good about coming to work. Companies without ethical leadership face lower productivity and high turnover rates, impacting the organization’s bottom line.

Ethical leaders aren’t just born with these skills — they develop them over years of experience and training. 

Harvard DCE Professional & Executive Development offers a two-day Ethical Leadership program that helps leaders develop skills to make ethical choices and lead companies through challenging dilemmas. 

Topics covered include: 

• Making ethical decisions with conflicting responsibilities 
• Building a moral framework within yourself and the organization
• Understanding the role of employees in both their professional and personal lives 
• Navigating a slippery slope when seemingly good people do bad things
• Building a corporate culture that values moral behavior

Learn more about the ethical leadership program, including how to register.  

Leaders looking to expand their ethical leadership skills should also consider the two-day Authentic Leadership program , where they will learn how to develop mindfulness and authenticity to build trust, create engagement, and promote productivity. 

Explore all Executive Leadership and Management courses

About the Author

Valerie Kirk is a freelance writer and corporate storyteller specializing in customer and community outreach and topics and trends in education, technology, and healthcare. Based in Maryland near the Chesapeake Bay, she spends her free time exploring nature by bike, paddle board, or on long hikes with her family.

How to Successfully Negotiate a Salary Increase

Don’t be intimidated! With some preparation, research, and practice, you can master negotiation strategies to get the salary you deserve.

Harvard Division of Continuing Education

The Division of Continuing Education (DCE) at Harvard University is dedicated to bringing rigorous academics and innovative teaching capabilities to those seeking to improve their lives through education. We make Harvard education accessible to lifelong learners from high school to retirement.