Are Online Courses worth paying for? Are certificates valuable?

Question

Background: Thinking about getting a certificate to help me stand out a bit more and show proof on my knowledge in Python programming.

This question can be general for all programming languages, even if it's not Python specifically.

I want to ask has anyone taken an online course from Udemy, Coursera or a boot camp and accomplished on receiving a certificate? I would like to know:

1. Was it worth paying for a course?
2. Did you learn new valuable skills, tips and tricks, better understanding on concepts.
3. Was getting a certificate beneficial in aiding you land an internship or a job?
4. Are certificates from Udemy, Coursera or boot camp worth any value to employers?

I would just like to know if paying for a course is truly worth it. And if possible, I can get some recommendations for Python.

Edit: Reading, that creating projects is what attracts or makes you stand out more than Certifications? What are your guys opinions?

Answer 1

Once check it in nptl swayam site. you can get certified certificates from big institutes
https://swayam.gov.in/nc_details/NPTEL

Answer 2

It honestly depends on several different factors: what is the company?, who is interviewing you?, how good your recruiter is?, etc. Ultimately, it is on you, especially when the interview comes around. My best advice is to build up a code repository so you have a collection of codes you're proud of, something you can demo. Personally, I love taking Udemy courses. I just finished a Data Science & Machine Learning course. The instructor was great and I like interacting with the other students. I have created several dozen scripts and I have more knowledge and experience on the topic

Answer 3

Thanks Steven M.

I have created a few projects, to start out with. But I do honestly feel like I can create bigger projects that would honestly make me feel proud of myself.

I was watching a few videos on YouTube on having a GitHub account and having your codes there. So you can demonstrate your work.

Answer 4

Steven M

Same on Udemy. I was looking at some courses in that section.

This is one, I was looking at.
https://www.udemy.com/course/complete-JUMP_LINK__&&__python__&&__JUMP_LINK-bootcamp/

Answer 5

Raul Sanchez Jose Portilla is the man! I say go for it, I have paid for almost all of his classes, he offers discounts for reoccurring students. Great guy, I love his work!

Answer 6

Steven M

I'm waiting for a discount to come up. I've been getting recommendations from him. Thanks!

Answer 7

There are no 'official' certificates for programming in the industry like there is for IT (CompTIA, CCNA, CCIE, etc). Online course programs and websites will have their own 'certificates' (i.e. Sololearn, Udemy, etc) as proof of completion but what really matters is the projects you've worked on.

Answer 8

Maybe certicates are not available
But mainly
Knowledge you are having is important!

Answer 9

Id like to join bootcamp next year. Right now Im developing my skills at my own pace.