Do people typically put qualifications from a Coursera class on a resume? The credibility of a college education in the professional world can't be replaced as easily.
I've taken a few Machine Learning / Big Data courses using MOOCs and done enough homework such that I get a certificate. But I'd never put it on a resume because that would imply mastery of the subject, and no MOOC is as sufficient in coverage as a normal college curriculum.
I took the MOOCs mostly for context in areas where online tutorials are terrible; at the least, it'll help lead to some sweet blog posts. :)
If I were you I'd put it on a resume. Just be honest that you a MOOC course at Stanford etc.. When I'm looking at that resume I wouldn't necessarily think this is a guy who can lead a Machine Learning team. But it does tell some things I'm very interested in as an interviewer.
1. It shows the resume owner is a self-motivated autodidact which I think are some the most important skills a developer can possess.
2. It gives a great talking point for the interview. One of the ways an interviewer can gauge an individuals intelligence and communication skills is how well they can describe what they learned in a class.
> The credibility of a college education in the professional world can't be replaced as easily.
I think it depends on the industry. In software development I stopped even looking at the education of the person applying because I've never found any meaningful correlation between schooling and the capabilities of a developer. In fact at times I found a reverse correlation where the higher the degree the less able they were to code so I try to not even look at all to prevent as much bias as possible in either direction.
> But I'd never put it on a resume because that would imply mastery of the subject
Would it though? I think it at least demonstrates interest and a sufficient level of involvement to finish the course. I wouldn't assume it implied mastery, but I wouldn't assume that for college degrees either (even if they are better than MOOCs at present).
If, on the off-chance, your interviewer is into MOOCs, this is a plus.
If not, there's also an off-chance they're curious 'what is this'?
And if not, then educate then on it. Done on personal time because of personal/professional interest.
No downside to MOOCs there. Perhaps that is the ace in the pack - that they should, by existence, become required (hence a ranking-up in push for certification by Coursera recently).
I would list it under my "Hobbies, Interests, Activities" section if I had taken it recently. It might be a good topic of light conversation during the interview.
Depends on how strong the rest of your resume is. If you're solid otherwise, it's an "other interests" at the end.
If you're in an emerging economy and didn't go to your country's No. 1 Famous University, then you need some way of telling people in a hurry not to discard your application, because you might actually be good. MOOC completion may be one of your better shots.
I've taken a few Machine Learning / Big Data courses using MOOCs and done enough homework such that I get a certificate. But I'd never put it on a resume because that would imply mastery of the subject, and no MOOC is as sufficient in coverage as a normal college curriculum.
I took the MOOCs mostly for context in areas where online tutorials are terrible; at the least, it'll help lead to some sweet blog posts. :)