In today’s fast-paced, digital-first world, there’s been a surge in online learning platforms like Masterclass, offering a wide variety of courses taught by experts in their fields. But, the big question remains: does adding a Masterclass to your resume increase your value as a professional?
The job market is competitive, and candidates are always looking for ways to stand out. Certifications, diplomas, and professional development courses are common additions to resumes, but more unconventional options like Masterclass have begun to surface. Masterclass is unique in that it offers courses taught by world-renowned experts in their respective fields like Sachin Tendulkar for cricket, CA Rachana Phadke Ranade for Finance, Anna Wintour for leadership or Gordon Ramsay for cooking. But is this type of learning experience something that employers look for?
Let’s break down the pros and cons of adding Masterclass to your resume and how to leverage this resource for career growth.
1. The appeal of masterclass
Masterclass is positioned as a premium online learning platform, where users can learn from the best in the business. The classes cover a wide array of topics from cooking and creative writing to business leadership and negotiation tactics. For instance, learning screenwriting from Rajkumar Hirani or photography from Dabboo Ratnani is certainly an attractive prospect. The platforms that provide masterclass like Coursera, Udemy, Masterclass, UnocuePro, etc emphasize creativity, critical thinking, and life skills rather than formal credentials. Some platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and UnocuePro do provide certification on successful completion of the masterclass but some don't offer formal certifications or academic credits. This raises questions about its value when compared to traditional courses that result in certifications or degrees. A survey by Indeed showed that hiring managers still value traditional education highly but are increasingly open to considering online courses, especially those that demonstrate a practical skill set.
But when it comes to your resume, one of the primary questions is, does it show formal expertise, or is it more of a hobbyist platform? While Masterclass won’t give you a traditional certificate, it can showcase a dedication to continuous learning and personal growth. 2. When to add a masterclass to your resume The decision to include Masterclass on your resume depends on a few key factors:
Relevance to your field: If you work in an industry closely related to the course content, Having attended a masterclass could show your proactive interest in expanding your knowledge. For example, if you’re an aspiring filmmaker or a chef, a class by someone like Sanjay Leela Bhansali or Vikas Khanna would be a great addition to demonstrate your willingness to learn from top experts.
Supplementary learning: If you’ve already got the formal qualifications for a position, having done a masterclass course could highlight your desire to further polish your skills. This can be particularly relevant in the industries.
Soft skills: Many Masterclass offerings focus on soft skills, like leadership, negotiation, and critical thinking. These skills are increasingly important in modern workplaces, and showing that you’re working to enhance them can make you a more well-rounded candidate.
3. The employer’s perspective From the employer’s point of view, online courses like Masterclass can show initiative. A 2023 LinkedIn Learning survey found that 79% of learning and development professionals believe online education will grow in importance over the next decade. However, the emphasis is often placed on recognized certificates. In many cases, hiring managers might not be familiar with Masterclass or may perceive it more for personal development rather than professional expertise. There it is important to know this, if you choose to add a Masterclass to your resume, explain how the knowledge gained has been applied to your job or career goals. You need to connect the dots between what you learned and how it adds value to the role you’re pursuing.
4. Highlighting masterclass strategically
If you decide that a Masterclass does add value to your resume, it’s important to present it strategically. Here’s how:
Incorporate it into a broader narrative: Don’t simply list the course under education. Instead, integrate it into your skill section or use it to complement previous experiences. For instance, if you took a negotiation course, highlight how it has helped improve your client relations or project management.
Focus on skills, not just the name: Emphasize the practical skills or new insights you gained rather than just the title of the course or the celebrity instructor.
Tailor it to the job: Be selective about which courses you highlight based on the position you’re applying for. Only include the Masterclass if it’s relevant to the role you seek.
