Online courses have become a cornerstone in professional development, revolutionizing the way we enhance our skills. It has broken the barriers to continuing education and improved the manner in which we consume and apply what we learn.
However, virtual learning requires a strategic approach, considering factors such as time, money, and energy. Because evidently, we are never short of options and distractions to occupy our attention.
That’s why we feel this review to be in line with our mission to present the best of professional presence to help you in making a sensible choice.
This article is the complete guide to MasterClass online learning platform for professionals looking to strategically level up: everything from pricing to platform comparisons, top MasterClass courses, and whether or not it’s worth the investment of time and money.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
→ What is MasterClass?
→ How Much Does it Cost?
→ Top 3 Courses to Get Started
→ Quick Tips to Learning in MasterClass
→ MasterClass vs. YouTube
→ MasterClass vs. Books
→ MasterClass vs. MOOCs
→ Is MasterClass Worth It?
→ Takeaway
What is MasterClass?
MasterClass is a groundbreaking online platform offering world-class courses taught by industry leaders, celebrities, and professionals who have mastered their craft.
In contrast to traditional online courses, MasterClass prioritizes direct learning from those who have excelled in their respective domains.
Each MasterClass is structured as a series of video lessons, with each lesson typically ranging from a few minutes to around 20 minutes. The instructors share their insights, experiences, and practical tips, providing a unique opportunity for learners to gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
MasterClass operates on a subscription-based model, where users pay a fee to access the entire library of courses.
How much does MasterClass cost?
When pursuing additional learning, the value of your investment can significantly impact what you gain.
With MasterClass, at just $10 per month (billed annually), you gain access to a myriad of MasterClass courses taught by inspiring figures who not only impart knowledge but also motivate you.
Consider the options: traditional learning methods—like flying across the country for seminars, workshops, or university programs—can cost thousands of dollars. Meanwhile, the growing library of free online resources often lacks the practicality or quality of paid platforms.
Imagine learning new skills and leveling up professionally, all from the comfort of your own home, for the same cost you would spend for a couple of drinks or a brunch outing.
When you compare this to other options, it seems like a bargain, doesn’t it?
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Top 3 MasterClass Courses to Get Started
If you’re serious about developing your career, these three MasterClass courses are the perfect place to begin.
Covering style, self-discipline, and social skills, each course offers actionable insights from experts in their field to help you develop a strong professional presence.
Remember, in MasterClass, you get out what you put into it, so immerse yourself in these lessons and unlock their full potential.
Tan France Teaches Style for Everyone
Tan France, known for his impeccable style and transformational fashion advice on Queer Eye, dives into lessons of personal style. Our quick review of his MasterClass:
- An inclusive approach, with lessons that apply to all genders and professions
- Styling demonstrations, from casual to business attire
With emphasis on how you dress influences how others perceive you, Tan makes a compelling case for investing in a well-curated wardrobe. His tips are practical, achievable, and designed to help you present the best version of yourself at work.
Check out Tan France’s MasterClass here.
* * *
Robin Roberts Teaches Effective and Authentic Communication
As one of the most trusted figures in morning television, Robin Roberts knows the power of clear, confident communication and personal branding. Our review of her MasterClass:
- Practical strategies in how to present yourself—to a room of five or an audience of millions
- Insightful take on the importance of body language to tone in public speaking
Roberts’ lessons on personal branding go beyond the surface, teaching professionals how to craft a story around who they are and what they stand for. Her tips are particularly valuable for those in leadership roles, client-facing positions, or anyone looking to build a strong personal brand.
Check out Robin Roberts’s MasterClass here.
* * *
Lewis Hamilton Teaches a Winning Mindset
Lewis Hamilton, seven-time Formula 1 World Champion, brings a unique perspective to the table—one of grit, discipline, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Our top highlights of his MasterClass:
- All-encompassing preparation required to compete at the highest level
- Handling pressure to maintaining focus in the face of challenges
- Importance of investing in yourself
The stakes in Formula 1 are high, and Hamilton’s ability to stay composed is a lesson professionals can apply to their own high-stress careers. His insights on managing emotions and shifting your mindset offer powerful tools for any competitive or high-pressure work environment.
Check out Lewis Hamilton’s MasterClass here.
For a more detailed review and a full list of the best MasterClass courses for professional presence, check out our complete roundup of MasterClass courses!
Quick Tips to Maximize Learning in MasterClass
Ready to dive into the world of MasterClass courses like a boss? Below are some practical tips to help you manage your lessons with finesse and make learning your new favorite streaming activity.
• Jot Down Notes
Get your pen and paper ready. If you’re not scribbling down nuggets of wisdom from these master instructors, are you even learning?
But no, seriously, taking notes can help you remember what you’ve learned faster and give you ample material as a resource.
Read: 33 Important Practices to Being Organized in Work and Life
• Tight Schedule? No Problem!
Not that you needed another thing to juggle in your day. But let’s look at the brighter side. You can view these classes as a break from monotony, interjecting something new into your chaotic schedule.
One tool to use is the bookmark button, which allows you to pick up exactly where you left off once your calendar clears.
Does MasterClass have an audio-only function? Yes!
Much like podcasts, some courses don’t necessarily require your full optical attention. For example, I finished up Lewis Hamilton’s class while on the elliptical, and I may have been more than a little inspired to keep going. I’m guessing the British accent had something to do with it, but hey, who’s complaining?
• Set It Up to Win
Goes without saying, that a stable internet connection is vital. The lack of a speedy WiFi is like trying to bake a cake with a missing flour—pure madness. Find a comfortable spot in your home (or office) where you can relax and be left alone for a while.
Related: ‘Becoming’ Netflix: Michelle Obama Documentary Just Gave Us the Social Proof in Upgrading
• Participation is Key
Don’t be a passive bystander in Sessions by MasterClass; ask questions, challenge, and engage with your fellow learners. In other words, shake things up. The more you put in, the bigger the brain gains.
• Cherry-Pick Like a Pro
Not every session is likely not going to tickle your fancy. Embrace the art of selective learning by keeping the golden nuggets and tossing away the snoozefest. Life’s too short for uninspiring lessons.
🏷 Bookmark this guide and invite your friends or colleagues to sign up for MasterClass!
So, there you have it, some quick actionable tips to making the most of your Masterclass experience. Now, let’s move on and explore comparisons between MasterClass and other online sources of knowledge.
Review: MasterClass vs. YouTube
Some people might wonder if it’s worth spending their hard-earned money on annual subscriptions when they think they can find similar content on YouTube for fewer dollars ad-free (or FREE).
And we get it. Many of us find ourselves often watching informative content on YouTube to make the most of our premium subscription.
However, we sometimes encounter issues like the risk of misinformation from fake influencers or creators who ramble on, only to push their own overpriced courses—often charging far more than what top experts and renowned industry leaders ask for in more reputable programs.
One can’t help but wonder, is it really ‘free’ when they say it’s free?
Now don’t get us wrong, there are many great free courses and tutorials available on YouTube. But with little time in the day to peruse thousands of videos, sometimes all a person needs is to simply hear the message straight from the source.
That’s why, though it took a while, it was time to finally pull the trigger on MasterClass.
Should I subscribe to MasterClass or YouTube Premium?
Now that we’re reeled in and have unlimited access to both, here’s how we would compare them.
| MasterClass | YouTube | |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | World-renowned industry leaders | A wide range of creators |
| Curation | Compilation of expert courses | Diverse and creative content from many sources |
| Authenticity | Verifiable individual experts & professionals | Degree of relevancy or accuracy differs per brand or creator |
| Learning experience | Consistency in production, immersive video lessons | Varied formats, video quality may fluctuate |
When comparing MasterClass to YouTube, it shows that MasterClass is more advantageous for those seeking high-quality, curated content.
MasterClass offers top experts in their respective fields, ensuring authenticity and reliability in the teachings. The production value of MasterClass is also superior, enhancing the overall learning experience.
On the other hand, YouTube provides a more diverse range of content from various creators, though the quality and expertise can vary significantly. YouTube also promotes a sense of community among viewers who may opt to share their personal struggles and achievements on its platform.
By availing YouTube Premium, you get to experience streaming content without the constant disruptions brought by ads.
My personal take for this review: I appreciate MasterClass in that it eliminates the need to sift through a sea of content on video streaming platforms like YouTube, reducing the noise and uncertainty.
But ultimately, each platform has its own set of benefits. That’s why I’ve decided to keep both for the following reasons:
- MasterClass. Provides a consolidated platform of expert-led courses for individuals who value high-level instruction and practical concepts.
- YouTube Premium. Provides access to a great deal of information, ad-free, about supporting topics and lessons (e.g. how-to tutorials, case studies) that are specific to a person’s natural features, skills, or goals.
Review: MasterClass vs. Books
Some of the experts featured in MasterClass are bestselling authors themselves. For example:
- Atomic Habits by James Clear
- Outliers, Blink, and The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell
- Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss
And they correspond to some of the books I’ve personally read.
It’s been quite interesting to watch their MasterClass segments, which offer a unique learning format. For instance, Chris Voss’s MasterClass included a hands-on session on ‘Workplace Negotiations,’ while Malcolm Gladwell provided insights into ‘Writing’.
This raises an interesting question: Does it make sense to skip buying their books in favor of their MasterClass lessons?
To help you decide, let’s explore the key differences between these two.
| MasterClass | Books | |
|---|---|---|
| Content Format | Dynamic visual media, on-demand streaming platform | Traditional written text with illustrations; audiobooks |
| Accessibility | Easily accessible on various devices | Requires physical or digital copy; audio devices |
| Learning style | Visual and auditory, immersive experience | Auditory (audiobook) or requires reading and comprehension (text-based) |
| Depth of content | Overview or highlights of the author’s career or book | In-depth exploration of concepts, theories, and ideas |
| Time commitment | Shorter duration, condensed lessons | Longer, requires time for reading and absorbing content |
When comparing MasterClass to books, it’s important to note that MasterClass lessons offer a more visual and easily accessible learning experience through its on-demand streaming platform. It provides an important summary and highlights of an expert’s lifetime work and research handed to you in easy, digestible segments.
On the other hand, books provide a more in-depth exploration of concepts, theories, and ideas, allowing for a deeper understanding of the content.
MasterClass offers an immersive experience with visual and auditory elements, while paper books & e-books rely on written text and illustrations for learning.
MasterClass provides a convenient and engaging way to get a brief understanding of an author’s work. However, to obtain a comprehensive understanding and delve into the intricacies of the subject matter, it is highly recommended to read the complete book.
Combining MasterClass and books can provide a well-rounded learning experience, where the MasterClass acts as a preview and the book serves as a deep dive opportunity.
Review: MasterClass vs. MOOCs
The rise of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) has made high-quality education more accessible and affordable for millions worldwide.
During the lockdown, I feasted on various courses from platforms like edX and Coursera.
With high-quality content delivered for free to audit by some of the world’s top universities, it’s almost too easy to decide to forego paid subscriptions altogether.
However, I found that I had a tendency to do the opposite. The scarcity effect—believing that paid courses offer a unique opportunity—leads me to prioritize learning from the courses I’ve invested in.
Despite this, I still enroll in MOOCs occasionally to dive deeper into university-level topics like law or behavioral science, or to earn certifications in marketing from providers like Google.
Let’s have a look at how the two pale in comparison.
| MasterClass | Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) | |
|---|---|---|
| Instructor expertise | Taught by experts who have hands-on experience in the field | Taught by professors who have dedicated their careers to researching and teaching the subject matter |
| Teaching Approach | Practical lessons based on personal experiences and trial and error | Focuses on breaking down fundamental concepts and theories for application in real-life scenarios |
| Course content | Broad range of topics taught by industry leaders across various fields | In-depth exploration of specific subjects within a structured curriculum |
| Credibility | Experts’ knowledge may come from their own experiences rather than academia | Professors possess extensive educational background, research, and expertise in the subject matter |
| Degree/ Certification | No formal degree or certification granted | Possibility of earning credits or certification upon completing the course |
When comparing MasterClass to university online courses, it’s important to consider the different aspects each option offers. MasterClass provides access to a broad range of topics taught by industry experts sharing practical and personal experiences.
On the other hand, university online courses are taught by professors who possess extensive educational backgrounds and focus on breaking down fundamental concepts for real-life application.
Interactivity varies between the two options, with MasterClass having limited interactivity and pre-recorded lessons, while university online courses offer opportunities for live interaction, Q&A sessions, and online discussions with professors and classmates.
In conclusion of this review, both MasterClass and university online courses offer valuable learning opportunities, and the choice between them depends on personal preferences and learning goals.
To gain a well-rounded education, simultaneous or separate learning from both platforms can provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.
Is MasterClass worth it?
MasterClass instructors are, without question, doers first before they are teachers. These are real-life people doing the actual work, who took the time out of said jobs that had little or nothing—except for a few—to do in academia, to impart their experiential learnings.
Depending on your financial means, you might prefer to explore free or lower-cost alternatives first. That’s perfectly okay—there’s value in trying different methods to find what suits your needs.
However, if you’re looking for more structure and expertise, or you want a well-rounded, comprehensive experience without having to hunt down fragmented resources, then MasterClass is absolutely worth it! This on-demand platform offers a level of depth and focus that free content often lacks.
With world-renowned experts teaching a wide range of subjects, MasterClass offers an unparalleled learning experience. The high production value and engaging classes make it feel like you have a personal mentor guiding you through each topic.
Whether you want to master a new skill, gain insights from industry leaders, or simply be inspired by the best in the field, MasterClass delivers.
Read More: 12 Best Self-Investment Gifts to Level Up in a Year
MasterClass is Self-investment
In conclusion, we believe that investing in yourself is an essential step to level up professionally.
This complete review of MasterClass not only provides invaluable knowledge but also contributes to enhancing the ABCDs of your self-image.
Particularly for those currently without a mentor, we strongly recommend taking a MasterClass to fill that void and learn from accomplished instructors. The value they offer on the platform is immeasurable, especially considering the difficulty of having a personal sit-down with these industry experts.
With the convenience of on-demand access, you can unlock a wealth of knowledge at your own pace. Don’t hesitate – seize the opportunity to invest in yourself and experience the progressive power of MasterClass.
You won’t regret it.
What area of your life are you most interested in learning more about through MasterClass, and why? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
