At some point in your life, you’ve no doubt said to yourself- “I wish I knew how to _____.”
Or perhaps there’s a skill or set of skills you’ve honed over time through study, practice, or life experience, but you don’t have a concrete way to prove it.
If either of these instances apply to you, perhaps it’s time to consider earning a micro-credential as part of your professional learning journey. With the rapid pace of technological change across multiple industries, many professionals are turning to micro-credentials as an effective way to stay ahead of the curve in their careers. Here are just a few compelling reasons to consider micro-credentials.
- Competitive Advantage in Hiring and Advancement: According to recent surveys, employers increasingly recognize the relevance and value of specific skills gained through micro-credentials. In the eyes of employers, micro-credentials are more than just badges of achievement—they’re signals of your specific skill set and of your commitment to lifelong professional growth and development. By earning micro-credentials, you demonstrate to potential employers that you’re proactive about staying ahead of industry trends and mastering emerging technologies. This can open avenues to new career opportunities, promotions, and salary increases.
- Tailoring Your Learning Experience: One of the most significant advantages of micro-credentials is their emphasis on discrete skills. Unlike traditional degree programs that often cover a broad range of topics that may not relate to your job role, micro-credentials focus on specific competencies. Whether the goal is to incorporate new teaching practices using learner variability, enhance your leadership skills, or practice using new AI tools in the workplace, there are micro-credentials suited to meet your needs. Unlike transcripts or other records of learning, micro-credentials include detailed information about what you did to earn it, which can provide valuable information to others about your abilities.
- Low Cost: Compared to many degrees or certifications, micro-credentials are often more affordable and can be completed in a shorter period. For example, micro-credentials on the Digital Promise Platform range from $0-75, with an average cost of around $35. Perhaps you already have a degree and need to signal that you’ve gained specific and timely skills relevant to your role; consider the return on investment in terms of potential salary increases, job opportunities, or career advancement.
- Flexibility: Life is busy, and finding time to pursue continuing education can be daunting. Micro-credentials offer flexibility that standard education models often lack. Whether you’re juggling a full-time job, family commitments, or other personal pursuits, you can typically complete micro-credentials from anywhere, in a few hours or days, and work at your own pace. Digital Promise’s micro-credentials are awarded not based on seat time but rather on the learner’s portfolio of evidence, making it possible to submit artifacts from a wider range of professional experiences.
- Personal Fulfillment and Growth: Beyond the practical benefits, pursuing a micro-credential can be an immensely rewarding experience on a personal level. It’s an opportunity to challenge yourself and apply skills in authentic ways. Maybe you’re hoping to delve into a new topic area you’ve always been curious about, or simply build upon one of your existing areas of expertise. In both cases, the process of earning a micro-credential is filled with opportunities to refine yourself and your aspirations.
So why wait? Today is the day to begin earning a micro-credential that could help you build the story of what you can do while carving a path for the future you seek. If you are interested in learning more about micro-credentials, check out our current offerings on the Micro-credential Platform or visit our website to learn more about our services.
