Microcredentials

Microcredentials Made Simple: A Beginner’s Guide to Advancing Your Career

A Beginners Guide to Microcredentials

A Beginners Guide to Microcredentials: Fast-Track Your Career Success

The job market is more competitive than ever, and professionals are constantly looking for ways to stand out. Whether you’re in tech, healthcare, business, or other key industries, microcredentials offer an effective way to enhance your skill set, show your expertise, and fast-track your career success.  But what are microcredentials exactly, and why are they valuable? This beginner’s guide breaks it all down.

What Are Microcredentials?

Microcredentials are compact, skill-based certifications designed for quick learning and industry relevance. Unlike traditional degrees that take years, microcredentials can be earned in just a few weeks. These digital credentials can be shared on LinkedIn, resumes, and job applications to showcase your qualifications to employers. 

How Do They Work?

Earning a microcredential typically involves completing a course, passing an assessment, and receiving a digital badge or certificate. Upon completion, these digital certifications can highlight your expertise and make you stand out to employers. Many programs, like those at Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies, are available fully online, providing flexibility for professionals looking to advance their careers.

Why Microcredentials Matter

  1. Enhance Your Skills Quickly
    Traditional degrees require years of study, but microcredentials allow you to develop in-demand skills in a fraction of the time. Whether you need to upskill in project management, coding, data analysis, or another area, microcredentials provide fast and focused training.
  2. Stay Competitive in the Job Market
    Industries evolve rapidly, and staying ahead requires keeping your skills current. Microcredentials ensure you remain competitive by learning the latest tools, technologies, and best practices relevant to your field. 
  3. Increase Your Career and Earning Potential
    Career advancement with microcredentials often leads to higher salaries. Adding digital credentials to your resume can make you a more competitive candidate for promotions, new jobs, or career transitions.
  4. Flexible and Affordable Learning
    Unlike degree programs that require a significant time and financial investment, microcredentials offer an affordable way to gain valuable knowledge. Many courses are self-paced, allowing you to learn on your schedule without disrupting work or personal commitments.

Microcredentials in Key Industries

Technology

Advance your career in tech with certifications in Ethical Hacking, Video Game Development, and Web Design. These high-demand skills open doors to lucrative job opportunities in a rapidly evolving industry.

Healthcare

Strengthen your credentials with specialized training like Medical Billing and Electronic Health Records. As healthcare technology advances, professionals with these skills are increasingly valuable.

Business & Leadership

Gain a competitive edge with expertise in Project Management, Accounting Fundamentals, and Business Operations. These skills position you for leadership roles and career advancement in diverse business settings.

How to Get Started 

  1. Identify Your Career Goals
    Determine what skills or certifications are most relevant to your field and career aspirations.
  2. Choose Your Program
    Choose a relevant course from an accredited program like Syracuse University, which offers industry-aligned programs designed for working professionals.
  3. Complete the Course and Earn Your Credential
    Engage in the learning process, pass assessments, and obtain a digital certificate.
  4. Showcase Your Achievement
    Add your microcredentials to your LinkedIn profile, resume, and job applications to highlight your expertise.

Fast-Track Your Career Today

Earning microcredentials is a smart way to stay ahead in today’s competitive job market. Whether you’re looking to upskill, switch careers, or climb the corporate ladder, these digital credentials can provide the edge you need. With flexible, affordable, and career-focused learning, microcredentials are an investment in your future success.

Ready to take the next step? Start exploring microcredential courses today with Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies and unlock new career opportunities!

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By Katie Huang

Syracuse University Empowers Learners with Personalized Microcredentials and Stackable Badges

Syracuse University is enhancing its commitment to lifelong learning with digital badges, a tool that recognizes and authenticates the completion of microcredentials. The badges aim to support learners in their professional and personal development by showcasing achievements in short, focused learning experiences.

Digital badges will be awarded for various microcredential programs offered by the University’s College of Professional Studies. Learners can earn digital badges in industries regarding business and management, cannabis, healthcare, IT, project management, and much more. These badges signify specific competencies, skillsets, and levels of achievement that can be shared across digital platforms, making them easily visible to potential employers.

“With the launch of our comprehensive microcredentials catalog, we’re excited to unlock new opportunities and advance professional journeys in high-demand career areas,” says Arthur Thomas, executive director of the Office of Microcredentials.

Syracuse University’s Office of Microcredentials, established in 2021, is leading the charge in expanding the University’s portfolio of non-degree credentials. The comprehensive catalog of microcredential offerings lists a variety of courses that can equip learners with in-demand skills through accessible, online learning. Microcredentials is also collaborating with several schools and administrative units across the University to develop additional offerings tailored to their subject areas and available in a variety of formats.

For participants, digital badges represent a personalized learning journey. With badges issued at varying levels, foundational, intermediate, and advanced, participants can customize their professional development path. By “stacking,” or combining, these badges, learners can build a compelling portfolio that highlights their unique qualifications and expertise.

To learn more about microcredential programs and digital badges, visit professionalstudies.syracuse.edu/microcredentials.

Disability-Rights Advocate John Robinson Joins Office of Microcredentials

John Robinson ’90, P’25

The College of Professional Studies announces the appointment of John Robinson ’90, P’25 as a professor of practice in the Office of Microcredentials. This position is made possible by a generous gift from the Einhorn Family Fund for Disability Entrepreneurship, founded by Syracuse University Trustee Steven L. Einhorn ’64, ’67, P’92 and his wife, Sherry Einhorn ’65, P’92.

Robinson will help coordinate and scale the Workshop in Entrepreneurship for People with Disabilities, while also serving as a member of its instructional team. The workshop is a non-credit microcredential program designed to empower people with disabilities to either become entrepreneurs or to be better prepared for employment.

Additionally, Robinson will collaborate with the University in developing and offering non-credit microcredentials aimed at educating potential employers on appropriate work environments and accommodations for employees with disabilities.

Through the College of Professional Studies, Robinson will assist the University in the development of funding for the continued offerings of these microcredentials.

“Syracuse University aims to become a global leader in the research and application of advanced technologies that can dismantle the professional boundaries and barriers experienced by people with disabilities,” says Arthur Thomas, executive director of the Office of Microcredentials. “John’s experience and background are essential to achieving that goal.”

Creating Pathways for Accessible Education

Sherry Einhorn ’65, P’92 and Steven L. Einhorn ’64, ’67, P’92

A trailblazer in the architecture and entrepreneur industry, Steve Einhorn is dedicated to creating a more accessible campus. Previously, the family has supported the School of Architecture and made a naming gift to create the Einhorn Family Walk, which forever changed the footprint of Syracuse University. This latest gift builds on the Einhorn’s commitment to accessibility, which includes accessible online learning.

“The values that fuel this mission are baked into my DNA as an architect. As a trustee, we want to create a campus welcoming to all,” Einhorn says. “Syracuse is flourishing with entrepreneurial opportunities, and we need to create more space for the disability community.”

Einhorn says the Workshop in Entrepreneurship for People with Disabilities provides space to thoughtfully merge technology and AI with the curriculum. Additionally, the program creates opportunities for people with disabilities in the entrepreneur industry as well as potential partnerships throughout the local community.

“This is an educational opportunity to sharpen the skillsets for business development and produce more mentors. It is an honor to be a part of this initiative,” says Einhorn.

The Workshop in Entrepreneurship for People with Disabilities is part of Syracuse’s Inclusive Entrepreneurship Program, a pilot program that started two years ago and was originally funded through the support of New York State Senator John Mannion. The program has received additional state funding for the 2024-25 academic year.

“We are deeply grateful to the Einhorn family for making John’s position possible, and to Senator Mannion for his ongoing support of inclusive education at Syracuse,” says Michael Frasciello, dean of the College of Professional Studies. “Together, we are creating more opportunities for individuals with disabilities to realize their potential.”

About John Robinson

Robinson holds a B.S. in Project Management from the Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and an M.A. in Disability Studies from the CUNY School of Professional Studies.

Robinson serves as the CEO for Our Ability, Inc., a disability-owned platform dedicated to building employment opportunities for people with disabilities through technology. In 2015, Our Ability, Inc. was presented with the Business Excellence Award in Small Business by the New York Small Business Development Corp and was also recognized in 2023 by the Zero Project as an Innovative Solution.

In 2013, Robinson was named one of the ten White House Champions of Change for Disability Employment. Moreover, Robinson was presented with the Chamber Champion Award in 2023 in recognition of actions that have advanced the mission of the Capital Region (NY) Chamber.

Robinson is the author of the autobiography, Get Off Your Knees: A Story of Faith, Courage, and Determination, which reflects on his life as a quadruple amputee and the journey to his success. The book was adapted into a public television documentary titled Get Off Your Knees: The John Robinson Story by WMHT.

To learn more about the Office of Microcredentials, visit professionalstudies.syracuse.edu/microcredentials.

About the College of Professional Studies

The College of Professional Studies is a global, inclusive and future-facing college, providing access to diverse students and learners seeking a Syracuse University degree, credential, certificate or education experience.

About Forever Orange: The Campaign for Syracuse University

Orange isn’t just our color. It’s our promise to leave the world better than we found it. Forever Orange: The Campaign for Syracuse University is poised to do just that. Fueled by more than 150 years of fearless firsts, together we can enhance academic excellence, transform the student experience and expand unique opportunities for learning and growth. Forever Orange endeavors to raise $1.5 billion in philanthropic support, inspire 125,000 individual donors to participate in the campaign, and actively engage one in five alumni in the life of the University. Now is the time to show the world what Orange can do. Visit foreverorange.syr.edu to learn more.

Foundations of Entrepreneurship for People with Disabilities Announced at Syracuse University

Explore How to Launch a New Business | Test Your Ideas | Get Feedback from Experts | Connect with Start-up Networks

Are you interested in learning about entrepreneurship from a disability perspective? If so, the College of Professional Studies invites you to join Syracuse University’s free online program starting September 5, 2023. This 12-week course is designed specifically for people with disabilities who want to learn how to start a business.

Hosted by two disabled activists, John Robinson, CEO of “Our Ability” a cutting-edge non-profit that links disabled applicants with the employment sector, and Professor Stephen Kuusisto of the Burton Blatt Institute (BBI) on Disability at Syracuse University, this groundbreaking virtual program will introduce participants to the principles of entrepreneurship through online-only instruction that will be free of charge. The course is instructed by John Liddy, an experienced entrepreneurship workshop leader.

Thanks to a New York Empire State Development grant through the Burton Blatt Institute (BBI), Syracuse University can offer the free program “Foundations of Entrepreneurship for People with Disabilities.” The program will consist of weekly online materials, readings, and assignments that participants can do at their own pace to work through their ideas, step by step. At specified intervals, participants will complete an evaluated assessment of their readiness for entrepreneurship to:

• Determine readiness for the process of venture development
• Determine suitability of the key idea for implementation as a business venture

During each of these assessments, a given participant may agree with the instructor to not move further to become an entrepreneur. That decision automatically gives the participant the opportunity to begin a different free, online-only course entitled, “Foundations for Employment for People with Disabilities” to help them be more competitive in the job market instead of developing their own business.

Weekly live online group sessions will be an opportunity for the instructor, guest speakers and participants to engage in discussions on the topics of entrepreneurship, specifically tuned to people with disabilities. At the completion of the course, participants will be introduced to a variety of options, such as the pursuit of funding as well as a mentor network to assist them in the development of their ideas into a sustainable business venture.

Learn More

About the Instructor

john liddyJohn Liddy is the interim Vice President for Innovation and Entrepreneurship of CenterState CEO in Syracuse, New York. He is also an Entrepreneur in Residence for the Syracuse Technology Garden, and the Director of the Griffiss Institute Business Incubator. John works directly with companies (new ventures and established firms) as well as consults with organizations (colleges, economic development, and government) seeking to assist these populations. He has participated in multiple startups as well as holding corporate executive positions. John has led numerous workshops for entrepreneurs, including several for veterans with disabilities through the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) at Syracuse University. 

Foundations of Product Management Microcredential Program Announced at Syracuse University

The Office of Professional Acceleration and Microcredentials at the College of Professional Studies announces the microcredential program Foundations of Product Management: Idea to Launch.

Product Management is a rapidly expanding field that emphasizes strategic management of processes, systems and operations that support an organization’s products and services. Foundations of Product Management: Idea to Launch is an 8-week, fully online course will provide a broad foundation in the nature of product management, including the role, steps in the process, analysis of markets, business models and product strategy.

Starting the week of September 25, and targeted for those who want to explore this field, the course will provide knowledge and skills in product road mapping, design, development and execution, launch and marketing, metrics and management tools, growth and leadership, and product ethics and best practices. An expert practitioner, instructor Charu Kothari will bring numerous examples, frameworks and practical experience that will provide participants highly valuable tools to become effective in this field.

Weekly online sessions will focus on discussion, examples, guest speakers and participant questions. Assignments will provide participants an opportunity to apply skills and knowledge in their own areas of specialty, and the feedback from Kothari will help to shape these approaches effectively. 

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will learn:

  • About the role of a Product Manager
  • Product road mapping
  • Product design, development, execution and launch
  • Product marketing, metrics and management tools
  • Ethics, leadership and best practices

Dates/Times

Program opens September 25; Weekly live online sessions are Thursdays from 8:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. from September 28 through November 16. Online materials provided will allow participants to proceed at their own pace each week between live sessions. Optional office hours will also be available.

Program Fee

Limited time only introductory price of $995.00 – a savings of $500 off the regular price of $1495.00.

Verified Syracuse University alumni are eligible for a 15% discount.

Instructor Bio

Charu Kothari has most recently worked as the Senior Product Manager – Tech for Amazon in their San Francisco, California office, where her responsibilities included artificial intelligence and machine learning products. She is a highly accomplished product manager with over 11 years of experience in leading product development and product management teams to drive successful launches of innovative products; developing strategies to maximize product performance, customer satisfaction, and market penetration; and leveraging machine learning technologies to develop and deploy products. Prior to her work with Amazon, Charu served as a product manager for both EY and PWC, an Assistant Vice President for Bank of America, and some additional years as a Software Engineer with Accenture in India. She earned a M.S. in Information Management from Syracuse University and a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Science from Pune University in India. She holds a Product Manager Certification from Product School, as well as SAFe Agile Product Manager, SAFe 4 Agilist and Safe 4 DevOps Practitioner certifications. Charu also has a patent pending in virtual try-on technology for outfits.

To learn more about Foundations of Product Management: Idea to Launch, visit supereg.syr.edu. 

CREDENTIAL

At the successful conclusion of this microcredential program, participants will receive a digital badge from Syracuse University, College of Professional Studies, which can be shared on LinkedIn or any digital media, and which will provide complete detail on information learned and competencies gained throughout the program. Participants can also request a paper and/or a digital certificate.

SPONSORING DEPARTMENT CONTACT INFORMATION

If you have any questions regarding this course, please contact the College of Professional Studies Office of Professional Acceleration and Microcredentials at microcredential@syr.edu or 315.443.2588.

 

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