As we navigate our new normal, we’re all looking for ways to spend our time at home. Whether you want to distract yourself with something fun, get up to speed on trending topics, or gain career-relevant skills, there’s a path for you with us.
Think back to when you were a kid. What did you want to be when you grew up? Even if the career path you’re following now isn’t what you dreamed of back then, there are ways you can get a glimpse of that world. If you’re looking for a way to have fun and keep learning, take a moment to dive into those topics you always wanted to learn more about as a kid.
Browse our lookbook highlighting eight courses that will let you explore your childhood dreams—or current passions!—including video game designer, space explorer, meteorologist, chef, architect, archaeologist, musician, and animal behaviorist.
1. Video Game Designer
If you grew up with a video game controller in your hands, you may have imagined creating your own games. While your full-time job may not be video game designer, you can still join our quest to understand how video games are designed.
Course highlight: In CS50’s Introduction to Game Development from HarvardX, you’ll explore the design of your favorite classic games, including Super Mario Bros., Pokémon, Angry Birds, and more. By the time you’ve completed the course, you’ll have programmed several of your own games and gained a thorough understanding of game design and development basics.
Meet your instructors: You’ll learn from David J. Malan, Gordon McKay Professor of the Practice of Computer Science at Harvard University, and Colton Ogden, a Technologist in the Division of Continuing Education at Harvard University. Malan is the professor for CS50’s Introduction to Computer Science, which is the #1 most popular course on edX.
2. Space Explorer
Did you dream of going to the moon or being the first person to walk on Mars? We can’t send you into outer space, but we can help you explore it from your couch.
Course highlight: In The Conquest of Space: Space Exploration and Rocket Science from UC3Mx, you’ll follow the birth of the Space Age, uncover the evolution of space exploration, and analyze current trends. Along the way, you’ll learn how to solve basic technical and engineering problems of space travel, rocket propulsion, space systems, and human space flight.
Watch the course preview and meet your instructors:
3. Meteorologist
The idea of predicting the weather and being on television may have sparked your interest in a career as a meteorologist. But even if you won’t be a star on the Weather Channel, you can still learn how to predict the weather at home!
Course highlight: In Backyard Meteorology: The Science of Weather from HarvardX, you’ll learn how to make a weather forecast just by looking out your window. As you explore the science behind weather systems, you’ll discuss the physical processes driving weather and examine the limits of different weather prediction methods.
Watch the course preview and meet your instructor:
4. Chef
Many of us have been forced to practice our cooking abilities more often lately. Even if you’ve been burning toast on a regular basis, it’s never too late to improve your culinary skills.
Course highlight: In Science & Cooking: From Haute Cuisine to Soft Matter Science from HarvardX, you’ll join top chefs as they reveal the secrets behind their culinary creations. Then, Harvard researchers will explain the science behind the recipe. As you follow along in your own kitchen, you’ll learn how to think like a chef and a scientist—and make tasty dishes while you’re at it!
Hear from a learner: “I really enjoyed the course and have a new appreciation for food and cooking. I now make better scrambled eggs and French fries, a great molten chocolate cake and flan, and I love my new way of preparing salmon, using the Maillard reaction!”
5. Architect
If you were fascinated by all of the buildings that were so much taller than you, you may have wondered how they were designed. Keep that passion going by taking a course in architecture.
Course highlight: In The Architectural Imagination from HarvardX, you’ll learn how to understand architecture as both cultural expression and technical achievement. As you explore the idea of architectural imagination, you’ll get to put on your architect hat and complete hands-on exercises in drawing and modeling.
Watch the course preview and meet one of your instructors:
6. Archaeologist
Did Indiana Jones inspire you to go on adventures and treasure hunts? While “treasure hunter” isn’t a common career path to follow, the field of archaeology is still yours to explore.
Course highlight: In Pyramids of Giza: Ancient Egyptian Art and Archaeology from HarvardX, you’ll embark on an online journey to ancient Egypt’s most famous archaeological site. There, you’ll uncover the history and significance of Giza, and use new digital techniques to unravel the mysteries of its ancient tombs and temples.
Watch the course preview and meet your instructor:
7. Animal Behaviorist
If you’re an animal lover, there’s no doubt you imagined choosing an animal-related career at some point during your childhood. Whether your actual career is related to animals or not, there are always opportunities to learn more about the animals that share our world.
Course highlight: In Introduction to Animal Behavior from WageningenX, you’ll broaden your understanding of animal behavior beyond nature documentaries or a typical high school education. Together with three top researchers from Wageningen University & Research, you’ll explore the complexities of wild animal behavior and how they’re studied.
Hear from a learner: “I have learned many cool things and was impressed by the wide broad of animals’ potential, illustrated with so many examples.”
8. Musician
If you’ve always had a passion for music but didn’t know how to get started, it’s never too late to find joy in creating and sharing music with others.
Course highlight: In Introduction to Musical Theory from BerkleeX, Berklee College of Music professor George W. Russell, Jr. will teach you the knowledge and skills needed to understand basic musical theory. Plus, you’ll hear from Berklee students about their own musical journeys and leave inspired to create music of your own and share it with others.
Watch the course preview and meet your instructor:
Keep Learning, Together
Together with our university partners and the millions of learners who make up our community, we want to support you in your learning journey in every way we can. Explore more fun courses and programs and check out our collection of tips for learning online.
The post Learn at Home Lookbook: Explore Your Childhood Dream Job in These 8 Courses appeared first on edX Blog.
Kathleen Houlihan is a leader in workforce innovation and she is the Founder of an agency that reimagines talent acquisition and optimizes the system for candidates and employers. Her company, Dream2Career, provides human-centric ROI solutions that filter-in candidates who exceed expectations in the workplace.
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