Advance your management and planning skills through business programs in Boston. You’ll gain the tools to lead projects and foster collaboration across teams.
Gain the essential skills and knowledge to excel as a Business Analyst with this comprehensive certificate program. Master Excel, PowerPoint, SQL, and Tableau while building hands-on expertise in data analysis, data visualization, and presentation design.
Learn the skills you’ll need to succeed as a business professional with our comprehensive applied business program. This program covers essential tools and strategies for project management, finance, marketing, data analysis, and productivity with generative AI, ensuring you gain practical, hands-on experience to excel in the business world.
Learn the essential skills needed to become a Data Analyst or Business Analyst, including data analysis, data visualization, and statistical analysis. Gain practical experience through real-world projects and prepare for a successful career in the field of data analytics.
Learn the digital marketing tools and strategies needed to succeed online, including SEO, social media marketing, paid search, and analytics tracking. Gain essential skills to promote a business and increase ROI in today’s competitive markets from top digital marketing experts.
Become proficient in Microsoft Excel and go from beginner to pro with our hands-on Excel Bootcamp. Learn functions, formulas, Pivot Tables, macros, and time-saving techniques to conquer all the key skills needed to excel in Excel.
Learn how to harness the power of artificial intelligence to transform your workflow with hands-on training in ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot. This course will teach you how to generate content, streamline tasks, and integrate AI into business communication, writing, analysis, and productivity tools.
Boost your social media marketing skills and stay on top of trends with our certificate program. Learn to create effective strategies on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok, and X (formerly known as Twitter) to grow your online following and stand out in the marketplace.
Master Excel, review corporate finance, and build a valuation model on a public company. Gain basic and intermediate Excel skills and learn how to read financial statements, build valuations, and predict market trends.
Join our accelerated bootcamp to start your journey towards becoming a successful project manager. Learn the five phases of project management, project management tools, and strategies, as well as gain an understanding of different project methodologies such as Waterfall, Critical Path, and Agile.
Businesses are organizations that provide goods or services, and they can range from small companies that specialize in a single product, to large global corporations, that provide a wide range of products. Most businesses operate to earn a profit; however, there are also non-profit businesses. Businesses are an important part of the economy. They drive economic growth by generating wealth and tax revenue, creating jobs, providing needed goods and services, and fostering innovation. Within the business world, there are many different career opportunities. By taking a business class, you’ll gain the skills that you need to work in your chosen field.
Business exists in every industry, and most businesses include many different types of jobs. With business training, you could work in retail, finance, media, healthcare, or tech, to name just a few. You could specialize in human resources, marketing, finance, or management. You could even decide to become an entrepreneur and start your own business.
There are also many different ways to utilize your business knowledge in your personal life. Many important life decisions such as investing money or buying a house or a car require business knowledge. By gaining a business education, you’ll be in a better position to make these types of decisions and will be much more likely to achieve successful outcomes.
Every business class is different, and what you learn will depend on the specific course that you take. However, in business, there are many foundational principles that are important no matter what you plan to study, and these foundational principles are likely to be covered in most business classes. They include data analytics, financial principles, law and ethics, entrepreneurial skills, and leadership and management skills.
Data analytics is a field that involves collecting and analyzing data. It is used by a growing number of businesses, and is included in many business classes. By using data, a business can make better-informed decisions, increase revenue, operate more efficiently, and find new opportunities.
When you study business, you’ll learn a wide range of different financial and economic principles. These are likely to include managing cash flow, budgeting, financial forecasting, and managing inventory. You may also learn about managing risk, financial ratios, and making investments.
If you plan to work in business, you’ll need to learn about both law and ethics. There are many laws that govern the way businesses operate. Areas like contracts, corporate structures, finance, and investments are all subject to a variety of laws that you’ll need to learn about. You’ll also need to learn ethics, which are principles and values concerning the way business operates. Unlike laws, businesses are not legally required to comply with ethical standards; however, most do because ethics are a vital part of maintaining trust and good relationships with customers.
An entrepreneur is a person who starts their own business. Many business classes cover basic entrepreneurial skills. For instance, you may learn how to conduct market research and how to identify opportunities. You may also learn how to develop an idea, build a team, and manage it effectively.
Many business courses include instruction in leadership and management skills. One important part of leading others is understanding team members and learning how to empower and lead them. Another important aspect of leadership is developing the ability to be flexible and adaptable to meet the ongoing challenges of business. You’ll also need to learn how to communicate well and how to make sound decisions.
The level of difficulty you’ll face in learning business depends on what level of mastery you’re looking to achieve. Most people find it relatively easy to learn some basic business concepts. If you want to become an expert, however, it’s likely to be more challenging. You’ll need to learn about many different fields including human resources, marketing, finance, and management. You’ll also need to become skilled in communicating and working with other people. Additionally, you’ll need to learn critical thinking and planning skills and be able to apply them to a variety of different situations. For most people, becoming an expert in business is possible; however, doing so can be challenging.
One of the greatest challenges in business is that no matter how much you learn, you’ll never know exactly what the future will bring. Business involves unpredictability and risk. You can definitely increase your chance of success by educating yourself; however, some unpredictability will always remain, and that can be challenging to deal with.
It’s possible to learn some basic business skills in a matter of weeks; however, business is a complex field, and most people say that it will take years to achieve mastery. You’ll need to learn a wide range of principles and skills, and also gain experience. Most successful business people insist that the learning process is never over in this field. Learning helps you stay informed about new trends and emerging technologies. It can also help you avoid mistakes and identify new opportunities. One way to speed up the learning process is to enroll in a paid business class where you can learn under the guidance of an expert. An expert instructor can provide feedback on your progress, share tips and tricks, and connect you with valuable professional networks.
Many business classes are offered in more than one format. There is in-person, live online, and on-demand learning—each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Your unique circumstances and learning style will influence the decision about which format is right for you. In-person learning is a popular option. Students appreciate that there are minimal outside distractions with this format since learning takes place in a dedicated classroom space. Many also find it more engaging because instructors and students interact face-to-face. A downside is that a commute is required, which may be expensive and time-consuming. Students who learn in-person are also limited to classes available in their geographic area.
In contrast, live online classes can be attended from any location such as your home or office. To attend, you simply need to log in online. Instruction is live, and instructors are available to answer questions and give feedback—just like with in-person classes. Some students even feel more comfortable interacting this way, from the comfort of their screens. Also like in-person classes, many live online courses encourage interaction between students, and since students can join from anywhere, the classroom is often more diverse. A downside to this format is that students typically need to supply their own equipment and software and ensure they have a reliable internet connection.
A third format is on-demand learning, where students learn asynchronously. Instead of a live lecture, the material for this type of class is pre-recorded. Students work through it at their own pace—they can pause, resume, fast-forward, or rewind whenever they need to. This is usually the most flexible learning format, as students can attend from any location and on any schedule. It can be a good option for people with busy schedules. On-demand learning also tends to be more affordable since there is no live instructor. However, it requires a higher level of discipline and self-motivation, so it may not be the best option for students who don’t like to work alone.
A business class can cost hundreds of dollars, and you may wonder whether you can learn business for free using online resources. There are definitely several helpful free resources online. For instance, YouTube has short tutorials on a variety of business-related topics. Some schools also offer free tutorials to help students better understand a topic before choosing a class. For example, Noble Desktop offers several free business-related seminars, including Stock Market Investing Fundamentals and Top 10 Beginner Excel Tricks You Need to Know. These types of resources can be an effective way to learn a new skill, get an overview of a specific topic, or troubleshoot a problem. If you’re serious about learning business, however, you’re likely to find that free resources are not comprehensive enough. Instead, you’ll probably want to invest in a paid course where you can be guided by an expert and be confident that the information you’re learning is accurate and up-to-date. Many paid classes also come with a certificate of completion, which is a great way to prove your skills to employers.
Regardless of what type of business you plan to work in, you’re likely to benefit from improving your soft skills. These include communication, adaptability, problem-solving, and teamwork. In an article titled “11 Essential Soft Skills in 2024, ” Forbes Advisor notes, “While it is important for individuals to continue to build their technical expertise, developing soft skills can ultimately set you apart in the workplace and lead to long-term success.” Soft skills play an important role in maintaining strong relationships with customers and fellow employees, and they can also help you work more effectively.
Boston is a large city and is home to many financial industries that use business. In a report titled “Boston’s People and Economy, ” the City of Boston calls the city “the economic engine and cultural hub of New England.” It states, “Many of the country’s leading financial services firms are located in Boston, including Fidelity Investments, John Hancock, State Street Corporation, and Wellington Management.” The Global Financial Centres Index compares financial centers around the world and releases a yearly report on its findings. In its most recent ranking, Boston stands at number nine on the list of top global financial centers.
Business is also a vital part of education, which is another of Boston’s major industries. U.S. News & World Report calls Boston “an educational epicenter.” It explains that major employers include Boston University, Northeastern University, and Harvard University. According to a City of Boston report titled “Boston’s People and Economy, ” “Boston hosts 35 universities, colleges, and community colleges, with a combined enrollment of approximately 150,000 students annually. Included among the city’s colleges and universities are some of the finest educational institutions in the country.” It says, “These institutions of higher education have a major effect on Boston’s economy.”
Business also plays an important role in the healthcare industry. Boston’s healthcare industry is substantial. As explained in the City of Boston report titled “Boston’s People and Economy, ” “The health care and social assistance industry employs the largest number of people in Boston, 17.5% of total jobs.”
The life sciences industry is another leading industry in the Boston area and in Massachusetts in general. According to the organization MassEcon, Massachusetts has more than 1,000 life sciences companies and employs more than 120,000 people in this field. It says, “The life sciences industry and Massachusetts are synonymous, and the state has become known as the world’s leading life sciences supercluster. Companies relocate from around the world so they can be among the best biotech, pharma, and healthcare organizations here in the Commonwealth.”
A Financial Analyst is someone who analyzes financial data and makes recommendations about investments. Some of the tasks involved in this job might include gathering and organizing data, looking at historical reports, and creating reports and budgets. Some Financial Analysts specialize in a specific type of financial analysis. Some work for government entities and non-profit organizations. The average salary for this position is between $77,000 and $79,000 yearly.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (the BLS) is a federal agency that gathers U.S. labor market statistics and publishes a variety of reports. Between 2022 and 2032, it predicts 8 percent job growth for Financial Analysts. This is higher than the average U.S. job growth rate of 3 percent. The BLS finds that the Boston metropolitan area is the second-largest employer of Financial and Investment Analysts in the United States, with about 15,000 people employed, and ranks in the top ten highest-paying metropolitan areas.
A Project Manager manages projects from start to finish and can work in many different types of industries. In a May 2024 Forbes article, the author explains that Project Managers are needed in many different industries, which can make this profession more secure than some others. She says, “You can easily apply this skill to multiple industries and in a wide variety of contexts. This helps you to future-proof your career, as you will always have the ability to be able to bounce regardless of the job market.”
As reported by the BLS, over the next decade, jobs for Project Management Specialists are likely to grow by 6 percent. The BLS predicts approximately 68,000 job openings in this field each year over this time period. According to the BLS, “Demand for project management specialists is expected to be strong in computer systems design services. More project management specialists will be needed to manage the growing volume and complexity of information technology (IT) projects required to support expanded telework.” Project Managers typically earn between $88,000 and $117,000 yearly.
A Market Research Analyst gathers and analyzes data to help a company get a better understanding of its customers and markets. The BLS explains, “Analysts help determine a company’s position in the marketplace by researching their competitors and studying their marketing methods, prices, and sales. Using this information, analysts may determine potential markets, product demand, and pricing.” A Marketing Analyst earns between $66,000 and $75,000 per year.
According to the BLS, jobs in this field are likely to grow by 13 percent over the next ten years, which is much faster than the average job growth rate. The agency predicts that there will be more than 94,000 job openings per year. It says, “The increase in the collection and analyses of big data—extremely large sets of information such as social media comments or online product reviews—can provide insight on consumer behaviors and preferences. Businesses will need market research analysts to conduct analyses of the data and information.” The BLS also finds that Boston is both a top employer and a top-paying metropolitan area.
A Human Resources Specialist is a person who helps manage the workforce of a business. Their job typically includes recruiting and onboarding new employees and managing existing ones. They typically need to be good at listening and communicating, possess attention to detail, and demonstrate strong decision-making skills. The BLS reports that the average salary for this role is $67,000.
The BLS predicts 6 percent job growth for Human Resources Specialists between 2022 and 2032. This means about 78,000 job openings per year. While growth is expected, the agency also explains, “Some companies may outsource human resources functions to organizations that provide these services, rather than directly employing human resources specialists.” Boston is a top-paying metropolitan area for Human Resources Specialists, according to the BLS.
Noble Desktop offers a wide variety of business classes, both in-person—at its Manhattan facility—and in a live online format. Course subjects include data analytics, digital marketing, finance, and project management. One of its most popular types of classes is its certificate courses, which are comprehensive, hands-on programs designed to help you master all the skills that you’ll need to work as a business professional.
One option is the “MBA” Business Certificate, which is an “MBA-style” course that includes some of the skills taught in MBA programs. In this class, you’ll learn tools and strategies for finance, marketing, project management, and data analysis. You’ll also learn about the practical applications of generative AI, and will get access to a self-paced class that covers the basics of business insurance, business law, and employment law. This class includes the option to take electives that match your specific area of interest. Finally, you’ll get eight one-on-one mentoring sessions. Noble Desktop is licensed by the New York State Education Department.
Noble Desktop also runs many different business bootcamps. The Project Management Bootcamp is a popular option. This class is designed for students who want to learn more about project management, including the five phases of a project, and who want to begin a project management career. It is a combination of the school’s Level I and Level II classes and is offered at a discount. When you take the Project Management Bootcamp, you’ll learn the five phases of project management and will receive a slide deck that contains a variety of exercises. You’ll also learn about Waterfall, Critical Path, and Agile methods of project management, including popular Agile frameworks. You’ll receive a certificate of completion at the end of the class.
Boston University Metropolitan College offers a Business Management Undergraduate Certificate. This 16-credit program takes several months to complete. It is a part-time program and is designed to help students attain proficiency in a variety of different business practices. This program is a good fit for students interested in future leadership roles.
Northeastern University offers a Business Administration Certificate, which takes between eight months and three years to complete, depending on how quickly students want to learn. Students take four to six classes, covering financial reporting, managerial decision-making, organizational management, information analysis, and information resource management.
If you want to learn data analytics, General Assembly offers a Data Analytics Bootcamp. This is a multi-week course and runs in a live online format. You can choose to attend either full-time or part-time. The course is designed for beginners and covers acquiring, analyzing, and visualizing data with a variety of different tools, preparing students for an entry-level job. Students learn to get data with SQL and clean it. They also learn data analysis, including statistical and mathematical methods. In addition, they learn how to analyze and communicate data using Excel, Tableau, Power BI, and Python. The course concludes with a capstone project. Students also receive support from a professional career coach.
Business skills training is beneficial to almost any type of company. Noble Desktop offers a wide variety of corporate training classes. There are several preexisting classes such as project management, Excel, and data analytics, or you can create a custom course to meet your specific needs. No matter which training option you choose, employees will also receive comprehensive support materials such as handouts and access to training videos. Scheduling options are flexible and include weekdays, weeknights, and weekends.
If your employees need more flexibility, another option is to purchase vouchers for Noble Desktop’s regular group classes, allowing employees to enroll individually. You’ll be able to control which classes they have access to. Noble offers a discount with bulk voucher purchases. For more information about corporate training, or to schedule a complimentary consultation, email Noble Desktop.