As per a LinkedIn report, job competition has increased significantly in the last few years, making the job market even more cutthroat. Not surprisingly, both inexperienced employees and new graduates feel the pressure because they will be up against an experienced workforce who have been in the industry with years of experience. Thus, new recruits or the fresh graduates have to look for ways to upskill themselves as per the current industry trends to stay relevant in the market.
A report suggests that 77% of individuals think that possessing work-relevant alternative credentials would increase their chances of getting hired.
In line with the above stats, acquiring micro-credentials from universities is one of the best ways for new recruits and graduates to upgrade themselves. Micro-credentials are mini-certifications that can be obtained in a shorter time than a traditional degree.
Micro-credentials can be used to improve skills, knowledge, and abilities in a specific area. Nearly three-quarters (72%) of individuals agree that credentials are an inexpensive option to obtain the skills or experience essential to begin a new career.
In conjunction with micro-credentials, some universities can offer mentoring programs. This would help their students gain real-world experience even before they enter the professional market. In addition to knowledge, they would benefit from mentoring programs, as mentors will provide guidance and support which will help in their career development.
Thus, by offering these programs, universities can help new recruits and fresh graduates stand out from the crowd and prepare them for success in today’s competitive job market. Nowadays, many organizations collaborate with universities to offer micro-credentials and mentoring programs together because of their combined aftermath.
Keeping the above factors in view, we’ll talk expansively about:
- Understanding micro-credentials for undergraduates and employees
- Micro-credentials for skill development
- What is the process of gaining benefits from micro-credentials and how long does it take?
- How can universities make the best use of micro-credentials?
- Why incorporate mentoring programs with micro-credentials?
- How can businesses collaborate with universities to benefit employees?
- Benefits of combining mentoring with micro-credentials for employees and graduates
Understanding micro-credentials for undergraduates and employees
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Micro-credentials are a novel type of certification that can add credentials to an employees’ and undergraduates’ skill sets. Micro-credentials are smaller, more specific credentials that can be used to show mastery of a particular skill or knowledge area.
This can be especially helpful for employees or fresh grads who may not have the traditional education or work experience in a certain area, but who have acquired the skills through other means such as online courses, training, or self-study.
Universities provide micro-credentials to help undergraduate students with the required skills they need to succeed in the professional market. This makes them attractive to employers who are looking for candidates with specific knowledge and skill sets.
Apart from universities, micro-credentials can help employees to stay updated in their field, which can lead to better job prospects and higher salaries.
Micro-credentials for various skill development
Universities typically offer micro-credentials in specific areas of study, such as technical & soft skills, digital marketing, business development, or hard skills, including customer service, email etiquette, front-end web development etc.. Thus, the subject area is unlimited and fresh grads or employees could be awarded with a micro-credential in any stream they want to specialize in.
These credentials are in the form of digital badges and they serve as a professional recognition. The badges demonstrate the level of knowledge graduates and employees possess in a particular area, which can be applied to various complex workplace problems.
Most universities offer micro-credential programs along with mentoring programs. The mentoring program would focus on talent and leadership development with team-building activities. These measures would help the participants to interact and learn more about each other, and work as a team more effectively.
What is the process of earning a micro-credential and how long does it take?
Depending on the credential, you can earn a micro-credential in a few weeks or a year. To complete micro-credentials, the training and assessment process varies to qualifications but may involve the following.
- Lectures and seminars: Your micro-credentialing procedure might have a lecture and/or seminar component that helps to learn more about what is going on in the industry.
- Assignments and assessments: You may be asked to complete assignments and projects to show your theoretical understanding of the topic. Similarly, an evaluation component, such as assessments or practical exercises will be included too.
- Demonstrate talents in a work situation: If you are an employee, you will have to show your ability to effectively use the acquired knowledge and skills on the job. As part of the process, you may have to submit a portfolio of work in the chosen field.
- Conferences: You will be given exposure to field-specific skills, methods, and research since you will get to attend local or worldwide conferences.
How can universities make the best use of micro-credentials?
Micro-credentials are becoming popular, as they offer a way for fresh graduates and newly recruited employees to demonstrate their skills and accomplishments. According to a recent study, nearly 76% of employers said they would be more likely to hire a candidate with micro-credentials than one without them.
Micro-credentials can provide a way for universities to keep track of the professional development of their employees. With this, universities can identify which employees may need more mentoring in order to be successful. When combined with mentoring, students will get an opportunity to learn new skills and improve their job performance
In addition, universities’ micro-credentials can also help employers to shortlist potential candidates for their company. This is because potential employers often look at an individual’s credentials when considering them for a position.
Thus, by offering micro-credentials, universities can show that they are invested in their student’s professional development.
Why incorporate mentoring programs with micro-credentials?
Mentoring provides an opportunity for employees to learn new skills and improve their job performance. In addition, mentoring can help employees build relationships with other professionals in their field.
How can businesses collaborate with universities to benefit employees?
An organization can tie up with universities, institutes, or licensed organizations to help employees earn micro-credentials. Micro-credentials can benefit both businesses and employees in several ways.
How would business benefit?
For businesses, micro-credentials can make it easier to identify and train employees with the specific skills they need. Micro-credentials can be useful for businesses that want to provide recognition and advancement opportunities for their employees without going through the process of traditional credentialing, leading to their overall growth. Additionally, save businesses time and money, as they don’t need to invest in general training programs that may not be relevant to their needs.
How would employees benefit?
For employees, micro-credentials can be used to improve their job prospects and earnings potential. They can also help employees to keep their skills up-to-date, which is increasingly important in today’s fast-paced workplace. Micro-credentials can also be used with mentoring programs to help employees develop new skills and enhance their career prospects.
Benefits of combining mentoring with micro-credentials for employees and fresh grads
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Combining micro-credentials with mentoring can give employees and under-grads a chance to gain the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their careers. Mentors can help mentees identify micro-credentials that will help them meet their career goals. Mentors can help employees and grads navigate the credentialing process; provide guidance on which credentials would be most beneficial and offer support as employees work to achieve their goals.
There are plenty of statistics that indicate the combined benefits of micro-credentials and mentoring programs. For example, industry micro-credentials are both widely recognized and highly valued by employers: on average, 76% of employers prefer to hire job candidates with them. Importantly, 92% of employers agree or strongly agree that a professional certificate enhances a candidate’s job prospects.
By combining micro-credentials with mentoring, mentors can work together with grads and employees to create pathways for success. This can be an excellent way for businesses to develop their talent pool and enhance their future prospects.
Conclusion
The benefits of combining mentoring with micro-credentials are numerous and far-reaching. Micro-credentials can help individuals to show that they have the skills and knowledge required for a particular job, while mentoring can help them achieve their career objectives.
For universities, an amalgamation of micro-credentials and mentoring can help to develop top talents and a skilled workforce.
If you are one of the universities looking out to enhance your journey with micro-credentials with mentoring programs, check out our Mentoring Complete platform.
Want to make your executive mentoring program successful? We’re happy to help you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why do universities offer micro-credentials?
Universities offer micro-credentials to allow new grads and employees to master specific topics or gain expertise in a particular area.
Q. Are micro-credentials the same as certifications?
Certification is a long-term process and requires huge investments. Micro-credentials, on the other hand, are short-spanned and can be completed in a matter of weeks.
Q. Why combine mentoring with micro-credentials?
Mentoring relationships help individuals to apply their knowledge and skills in various workplace situations. This leads to a greater grasp of the micro-credential requirements and enhanced confidence.