Why Coursera is the Best for Starting a Cybersecurity Career and Learning for Free

Cyb3r Philosoph3r 🌐
4 min readDec 29, 2023

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I get it, I get it, there are other platforms like Udemy or edX, and honestly, they might have their merits. But let’s talk about what makes a good MOOC.

When it comes to learning online, we usually resort to books, videos, or MOOC platforms. While each has its perks, online course platforms bring together a variety of resources, making learning more well-rounded.

Image from https://www.learnworlds.com

Coursera is the one that shines the brightest. It was founded in 2012 by Stanford University computer science professors Andrew Ng and Daphne Koller.

They’ve partnered with big names like Google, Meta, and universities to offer tons of courses, certifications, and even degrees in various fields.

Image from https://learning.unv.org

Let’s talk cybersecurity

This field is booming, and Coursera doesn’t disappoint here.

Apparently, they’ve teamed up with tech giants like Google and IBM, plus some top universities, to provide top-notch education for those keen on securing the digital world.

But here’s the kicker: You can learn a lot on Coursera without spending a dime. Yep ! Free learning is possible.

Here’s how I’ve done it

Using Python to Access Web data from The University of Michigan

The screenshot above is one of the certificates which I got at FREE of cost with Method-II

Method I: Financial Aid

You fill out a form for financial aid asking for your:

  • Education
  • Annual income
  • Employment status
  • Reasons you are applying for the aid
  • Then a fairly long write up on how you think your selected course can help you
This is from my email

Coursera then checks if you qualify. Surprisingly, chances are high — around 90% — that you’ll get a scholarship.

Method II: Free Trials

This will be instant !
Choose courses that promise certificates within a 7-day free trial. You give your payment details, but no money is taken during this time. Cancel within 7 days, and you get the certificate without any charge.

The 7-day free trial

Remember, not all courses offer certificates during the trial

Still have questions? Coursera’s Help Center is there for more info; Coursera Help Center.

BONUS:

Coursera’s collaborations and diverse courses make it a top choice for anyone aiming to dive into cybersecurity or any other field, especially if you’re looking for free learning opportunities.

Here Are Some Cybersecurity Courses You Can Look Into:

In a nutshell, Coursera isn’t just a platform; it’s a gateway to a world of learning opportunities.

Whether you’re diving into cybersecurity or exploring any other field, its partnership with top-notch institutions opens doors that might have seemed closed before.

And the best part? You can access this treasure trove without breaking the bank. So, why wait? Start your journey to knowledge and a promising career path with Coursera today.

Happy learning !

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Cyb3r Philosoph3r 🌐

My name is Abdul-mumin. I write about insights on Cybersecurity || Automation with Python || All through the lens of Aristotle 🗿