Knowing how to get ahead at work or put yourself on the track to your dream job can be tough. It often seems like there's no roadmap to follow, which can leave you wondering where to even begin. Thankfully, there are a host of online classes than can put your mind at ease as they help you achieve your dreams. You can become a spreadsheet wiz or gain some project-management chops or even get started on the path to a whole new career, all without leaving the comfort of your home. Read on to see the four ways the right online class can set your professional life on track:

If you want to refresh or expand your skills . . .

Just because you use a program all the time, it doesn't mean you're necessarily the best at it. Or maybe your job description has changed and you're getting some new tasks on your plate. In order to do your best, it makes sense to build a more complete knowledge base on certain skills, whether it's getting more familiar with a program like Excel or boning up on a whole new skill set like graphic design.

Suggested classes:

• $19 for an Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator certification package from eLearnPhotoshop
• $9 for a Spanish course from SkillSuccess
• $39 for a Microsoft Excel Master Diploma course from eLearnExcel

If you're gunning for a promotion . . .

Your work is stellar and your rapport around the office is unparalleled, but maybe you still need a leg up. That's where management classes can come into play. You can get a feel for the kind of work you want to be doing, while showing your bosses you're willing to go the extra mile and on your own time no less! Think about the skills you might need in a new role and look for courses that'll help prepare you.

Suggested classes:

• $9 for a PMP Project Management course from SkillSuccess
• $89 for a three-course bundle of management classes from Management and Strategy Institute
• $99 for a Professional Agile and Scrum career advancement bundle from Simplilearn

If you want to start your own business . . .

Whether you want it to be a side gig or your new full-time venture, starting your own business is scary. There's no two ways about it. But you can make it a little less scary by seeking out online classes that'll help you feel like you're not going in blind. Think about all aspects of your new business, from building a website to marketing yourself and your product, there's a lot to learn! Start by choosing either a more all-encompassing class or whatever you're the most nervous about.

Suggested classes:

• $10 for a social-media marketing course from ExpertRating
• $10 for a website-building class from Express Website Course
• $59 for a 12-course bundle on operating a small business from Courses for Success

If you're ready for a totally new career path . . .

You don't necessarily have to throw away hundreds or even thousands of dollars on going back to school if you want to try something new! Plenty of online courses are designed with the specific goal of getting you certified to try a brand new career. In some cases, of course, additional schooling might be helpful or even absolutely necessary, but because online classes are so low cost, it's a lot easier to try them out before committing to spending a lot more on schooling.

Suggested classes:

• $19 for an EMT certification course from Skills on Projects
• $15 for a Criminology and Profiling and Forensic Science course bundle from International Open Academy
• $9.25 for an event-planning certification course from Trendimi

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