Como escolher o curso certo: guia completo para impulsionar a sua carreira
Education and Training

How to choose the right course: a complete guide to boosting your career

23 de February, 2026

Choosing the right course to improve your skills is one of the most important decisions in your professional career. The right choice can open doors to extraordinary opportunities, while the wrong one can leave you dissatisfied. This guide shows you how to choose a course that aligns with your goals, interests and future plans

Why is choosing the right course important?

Your training is an investment: it takes up time, money and energy. That’s why it’s essential to choose the right course and ensure that:

  • Acquire relevant skills in your area;
  • Increases employability in a competitive market;
  • Remains motivated throughout learning;
  • Don’t waste resources on training that won’t benefit your career.

Methods for choosing the right course

Step 1: understand your career goals

Ask yourself these questions:

  • How do I see myself professionally in the next 5-10 years?
  • Do I want to specialize or have a broad set of skills?
  • Am I changing sectors or progressing in my current one?

Extra tip: consider taking a career guidance test or consulting a career coach.

Step 2: Research the most sought-after skills on the market

Industries are constantly evolving. Use tools such as:

  • Job ads on LinkedIn: see what employers are looking for;
  • Google Trends: check out the popularity of certain skills;
  • Industry reports : for example, the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs, available here.

Example:

  • In technology, data analysis, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence are on the rise;
  • In the business sector, digital marketing, project management and leadership are highly valued.

Step 3: Match the courses to your learning style

Consider:

  • Online vs. face-to-face: online offers flexibility, face-to-face facilitates networking;
  • Self-training vs. with a teacher: choose based on your need for guidance;
  • Short-term vs. long-term: short programs are great for quickly acquiring new skills, long-term ones create a more solid knowledge base.

Step 4: check the accreditation and reputation of the course

Look for courses that are:

  • Recognized by professional bodies (in Portugal it is the Directorate-General for Employment and Labour Relations – DGERT – that approves training bodies);
  • Positively evaluated by students;
  • Offer partnerships with companies.

Step 5: consider your budget

Ask yourself:

  • Does this course increase your chances of getting a better-paid job?
  • Is the price of the course in line with the market?
  • Is the cost of the course within my current budget or do I need to make financial adjustments?

Step 6: Network and ask for recommendations

Talk to professionals in your field about training opportunities:

  • Which courses did you find valuable?
  • Which certifications are relevant?
  • What mistakes should be avoided when choosing a course?

Alternative suggestions

If you have doubts about traditional courses, consider:

  • Technical training: short programs focusing on specific skills;
  • Professional certifications: valued in various sectors, such as technology or management;
  • Webinars and workshops: to learn about specific topics without investing a lot of time.

Mistakes to avoid

  1. Choosing a course just because it’s popular, without making sure it suits your objectives;
  2. Do not check if it is an accredited course;
  3. Disregard your learning style and availability;
  4. Not investigating market demand for the course’s skills.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

  1. How do I know if a course is recognized?
    DGERT has a page where you can consult the accredited training bodies in Portugal.
  2. What should I do if I’m undecided about my career?
    Consider vocational guidance tests or talk to a career coach.
  3. How do I find courses that match the skills I’m looking for?
    Use LinkedIn and market reports such as the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs.
  4. Online or face-to-face courses, which one to choose?
    It depends on your learning style: online courses offer flexibility, while face-to-face courses promote more interaction with the trainer and colleagues.
  5. Is it worth investing in an expensive course?
    Evaluate the return on investment; consider the long-term value of the course compared to the job opportunities.

Conclusion

Choosing the right course is a strategic decision. Take some time to understand your objectives, research the industry, assess your learning style and get advice from professionals. The course you select today could change your career, so make an informed choice.

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