Discover the Top General Assembly Alternatives: A Comprehensive Guide

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 1 June 2023 9 min read

Looking for a General Assembly alternative to level up your skills? You've come to the right place. In this guide, we'll explore five top alternatives that offer a diverse range of courses, pricing, and unique features. Let's dive in and find the perfect fit for your learning needs.

1. General Assembly Alternative: Skillshare

First up on our list of General Assembly alternatives is Skillshare. Skillshare is an online learning platform that offers a wide variety of courses in various fields, from design and technology to business and entrepreneurship.

Courses Offered

Skillshare's course offerings are vast and cover a broad range of subjects. Some popular categories include:

Graphic Design
Photography
Web Development
Marketing
Entrepreneurship

What sets Skillshare apart is its focus on learning by doing. Many courses include hands-on projects, which help you gain practical experience while learning new skills. This can be especially beneficial if you're someone who learns best by diving right in and getting your hands dirty.

Pricing and Membership

When it comes to pricing, Skillshare offers two membership options:

Free membership: Access to a limited selection of courses, perfect for those on a budget or just testing the waters.
Premium membership: For a monthly or annual fee, you'll gain access to all courses and perks like offline viewing and no ads.

If you're unsure about committing to a paid membership, Skillshare typically offers a trial period for new users, giving you the chance to explore the platform and see if it's a good fit for your needs.

Community and Networking

One unique aspect of Skillshare is its strong community focus. With features like class discussions and project feedback, you can connect with like-minded learners and instructors, creating a supportive environment for growth and networking. This can be a great way to build relationships with others in your field, and who knows—you might even find your next collaboration partner or mentor!

2. General Assembly Alternative: Coursera

Next on our list of General Assembly alternatives is Coursera, a well-known online learning platform that partners with top universities and institutions. Let's explore what makes Coursera stand out as a viable General Assembly alternative.

Academic Partnerships

One of the main highlights of Coursera is its partnerships with renowned universities and institutions, such as Stanford, Yale, and Google. This means that you get access to high-quality courses created by experts in their respective fields. As a result, you can be confident that the knowledge and skills you acquire are up-to-date and relevant in today's job market.

Additionally, these academic partnerships allow Coursera to offer a diverse range of subjects, from computer science and data analysis to art and humanities. So, whether you're looking to switch careers or just expand your knowledge, Coursera has something for you.

Specializations and Degree Programs

Coursera goes beyond just offering individual courses; they also have specializations and degree programs. Specializations are a series of courses designed to help you master a specific skill or subject. Completing a specialization provides you with a certificate, which can be a great addition to your resume.

If you're looking to take your education even further, Coursera also offers online degree programs in partnership with universities. These programs allow you to earn an accredited bachelor's or master's degree from the comfort of your own home. While this option might require a more significant time and financial commitment, it could be the perfect choice if you're seeking a more in-depth and recognized credential.

Unique Features and Benefits

What sets Coursera apart as a General Assembly alternative? For starters, Coursera offers a flexible learning schedule. You can access course materials at any time, allowing you to learn at your own pace and on your own terms. This can be especially appealing if you have a busy schedule or need to balance your studies with work or family commitments.

Another notable feature is the peer-reviewed assignments, which provide you with valuable feedback from fellow learners. This collaborative learning environment encourages you to share ideas, gain new perspectives, and improve your understanding of the course material. Who knows, you might just learn something new from your peers that you wouldn't have discovered on your own!

So, if you're looking for a General Assembly alternative that offers academic partnerships, specializations, and unique learning features, Coursera might just be the perfect fit for you.

3. General Assembly Alternative: Udemy

Continuing our exploration of General Assembly alternatives, we now turn our attention to Udemy, a popular online learning platform that boasts a vast array of courses and instructors. Let's dive into what makes Udemy a great General Assembly alternative for those seeking diverse learning opportunities and affordable access to quality courses.

Course Selection and Variety

One of the most appealing aspects of Udemy as a General Assembly alternative is its extensive course selection. With over 130,000 courses spanning a wide range of subjects, you're bound to find something that interests you. From web development and graphic design to personal development and cooking, Udemy has you covered.

Not only does Udemy offer a vast array of subjects, but it also provides multiple courses within those subjects, catering to different skill levels and learning styles. This means that whether you're just starting out, looking to brush up on your skills, or seeking advanced knowledge, Udemy has a course tailored to your needs.

Instructors and Course Quality

Udemy sets itself apart from other General Assembly alternatives by allowing anyone with expertise in a subject to create and sell their courses. This means that you get access to a diverse pool of instructors, each bringing their unique perspective, experience, and teaching style. It's a great way to learn from real-world experts who are passionate about their subjects.

Of course, with such a vast array of instructors, it's important to ensure that the courses you choose are of high quality. Udemy's user rating system and detailed course descriptions can help you make an informed decision. Don't be afraid to read reviews, preview course materials, and even reach out to instructors with questions before committing to a course.

Affordability and Access

When it comes to affordability, Udemy shines as a General Assembly alternative. Many courses on Udemy are priced under $50, making it an attractive option if you're on a tight budget or simply want to explore a subject without breaking the bank. Additionally, Udemy frequently offers discounts and promotions, so keep an eye out for those deals to snag some great courses at a fraction of the cost.

Once you've purchased a course, you have lifetime access to the material, allowing you to revisit it whenever you'd like. This can be particularly helpful if you need a refresher or want to share your newfound knowledge with friends or colleagues. So, if you're on the hunt for a cost-effective General Assembly alternative with a wide variety of course offerings, Udemy might be the perfect match for you.

4. General Assembly Alternative: LinkedIn Learning

Moving forward in our search for the best General Assembly alternative, let's take a closer look at LinkedIn Learning. As a well-known professional networking platform, LinkedIn also offers a vast library of online courses tailored to help you boost your career. Keep reading to see how LinkedIn Learning can be an excellent General Assembly alternative for those interested in professional growth and networking opportunities.

Integration with LinkedIn Profile

One of the unique features of LinkedIn Learning as a General Assembly alternative is its seamless integration with your LinkedIn profile. When you complete a course, you have the option to add a certificate or badge to the "Licenses & Certifications" section of your profile. This helps showcase your newly-acquired skills to potential employers, recruiters, and professional connections.

Another advantage of this integration is that LinkedIn Learning can tailor your course recommendations based on your profile, job title, and industry. This means you'll be presented with courses that are relevant to your specific career goals and interests, making it easier for you to find the right learning opportunities to advance in your field.

Courses and Learning Paths

LinkedIn Learning offers a wide variety of high-quality courses, with over 16,000 options covering topics such as software development, design, business, and more. The platform features both individual courses and Learning Paths, which are curated collections of courses designed to help you achieve a specific goal or master a particular skill set.

What sets LinkedIn Learning apart as a General Assembly alternative is its focus on career-oriented courses. By utilizing Learning Paths, you can dive deep into a subject and become an expert in your chosen field. For instance, if you want to become a web developer, you can follow a Learning Path that includes courses on HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and other essential skills. This structured approach can help you stay on track and make the most of your learning experience.

Professional Networking Opportunities

As you might expect from a platform like LinkedIn, one of the key benefits of using LinkedIn Learning as a General Assembly alternative is the opportunity for professional networking. By engaging with your instructors and fellow learners, you can expand your network, share insights, and even collaborate on projects.

Moreover, LinkedIn Learning offers a feature called "Q&A" that allows you to ask questions and get answers from experts in the community. This interactive aspect not only helps you learn more effectively but also enables you to connect with professionals who share your interests and goals. In this way, LinkedIn Learning combines education and networking, making it a powerful tool for career growth.

In conclusion, if you're seeking a General Assembly alternative that offers both top-notch courses and unique networking opportunities, LinkedIn Learning could be the perfect choice for you. With its integration with your LinkedIn profile, extensive course offerings, and focus on professional development, this platform can help you build valuable skills and connections to boost your career.

5. General Assembly Alternative: edX

As we continue exploring General Assembly alternatives, let's dive into edX, an educational platform created by Harvard and MIT. This platform offers a vast range of online courses from renowned universities, making it a great option for those who value academic rigor and credibility. Below, we'll discuss how edX stands out as a General Assembly alternative and what it has to offer.

University Partners and Courses

What sets edX apart as a General Assembly alternative is the impressive list of university partners it boasts. With over 160 institutions, including Harvard, MIT, and UC Berkeley, edX brings you top-notch courses in a wide range of subjects. You'll find everything from computer science and data analysis to business management and humanities.

These university-level courses provide access to high-quality content and expert instructors, ensuring you get the best possible learning experience. By taking courses from prestigious institutions, you'll not only broaden your knowledge but also add credibility to your resume, making you more attractive to potential employers.

MicroMasters and Professional Certificates

Another aspect that makes edX a compelling General Assembly alternative is the MicroMasters and Professional Certificates programs. These programs offer a series of graduate-level courses designed to help you develop in-demand skills and advance your career. MicroMasters can even count towards a full Master's degree at participating universities, giving you a head start in your academic journey.

Professional Certificates, on the other hand, focus on specific skill sets required for particular industries or job roles. For example, you might choose a certificate in project management, digital marketing, or data science. These programs can help you build practical skills and demonstrate your expertise to employers, increasing your chances of landing your dream job.

Credit-Earning Options

Do you want to earn college credit while learning valuable skills? If so, edX has you covered. As a General Assembly alternative, edX offers credit-eligible courses from top universities. By completing these courses, you can earn credits that may be transferable to participating institutions, giving you a head start on your degree and saving you time and money.

Keep in mind that not all courses on edX are credit-eligible, and transfer policies vary between institutions. It's essential to check the specific course details and consult with the university you plan to attend to ensure the credits are transferable. Nonetheless, this option can be a game-changer for those looking to combine their online learning with traditional higher education pursuits.

In conclusion, edX is a fantastic General Assembly alternative for those who value academic credibility and want to learn from top institutions. With its wide range of courses, university partners, and credit-earning options, edX can help you build the skills and knowledge you need to advance your career or pursue your academic goals. So, if you're ready to learn from the best and make a lasting impact on your resume, give edX a try!

If you're exploring alternatives to General Assembly and looking to dive into the world of UX Design, don't miss the workshop 'Complete Roadmap for UX Design as a Career' by Ansh Mehra. This comprehensive workshop will guide you through the necessary steps to build a successful career in UX Design and help you make an informed decision about your educational journey.