This year has been one for the ages. Quarantine was stressful and difficult, but I am grateful for the library's treasure trove of online reading material, education and entertainment of all kinds. I took advantage of all it and would like to share what I have learned and how you can utilize the library to make your year better, no matter what life throws at you.
The library added Gale Courses to their career development and personal enrichment offerings just last year. The courses are six-week long classes on a wide range of subjects with sessions that begin each month. Classes are free with your St. Tammany Parish Library Card and 100% online. They do require you to log on and complete work, exams, practice tests and assignments just like a regular course.
They are like leisure learning courses and can give you a view into a completely new career to see if it is a good fit for you and they are great practice if you are entertaining the possibility of going back to school and testing the waters in online learning. I took advantage of learning new skills and earning certificates with the Gale Courses in quarantine. I had always been interested in the law, so I was so happy to print out my Explore a Career as a Paralegal certificate once I had completed the course. I also took and finished the Beginners Guide to Getting Published course. Finishing the courses made me feel like I was still accomplishing goals even during lockdown.
Now, I may entertain thoughts of going back to school for a paralegal degree or finally publish that novel or both. However, I will continue to take these Gale Courses to enrich my personal development, help me smash my goals, and help pad my current resume with new skills to take my career goals to the next level. I will also keep enrolling in these Gale Courses to also gain insight into other jobs and add skills to my repertoire that may help me with my art and jewelry business, I am currently enrolled in WordPress Websites and in other courses to further improve my writing skills.
That is how I have used Gale Courses. Are there any that can help you gain insight or a leg up in the current job market and economy? You bet! Any subject you are interested in or in any career development route, the St. Tammany Parish Library has you covered. Have fun, explore and do not feel too pressured, you can do it all from home online in your pajamas.
