In today’s competitive job market, you need more than just a degree to stand out as you transition from the classroom to your career. And now, we’re introducing a brand new way for University of Oregon students to showcase their career abilities and validate their skills—microcredentials.
We are offering microcredentials through the Professional Edge program. If you haven’t already heard, Professional Edge is a curated portfolio of events, trainings, and immersions that are designed to complement our rigorous academic curriculum and equip students with the specialized skills, real-world experiences, and industry connections that give them a distinct competitive edge.
How Microcredentials Work
Microcredentials are issued in the form of digital badges (through Canvas Credentials) and contain metadata about the microcredentials’ program requirements and learning objectives, making them independently verifiable, and easily shared publicly on resumes, LinkedIn profiles, and more. At its core, microcredentials serve as a testament to the development of specific competencies—things people can do—and are designed to complement traditional degrees with tangible proof of skills that are sought after in the workplace.
Earning Microcredentials
Professional Edge offers programming in three main ways: events, trainings, and immersions. Some programs are microcredential-eligible which means that students can earn a digital microcredential along the way.
Events: Interactive Learning
Events offer interactive, one-time professional development experiences aimed at imparting cutting-edge skills relevant to professional growth with minimal time commitment. Emphasize active learning of emerging skills, designed for those looking to dip their toes into professional development.
- Commitment: short-term often just requires signing up for one session or workshop
- Outcome: new knowledge, insight, or skills to kickstart your professional development journey without formal assessment; events are not eligible for microcredentialing.
- Past events include: Leadership & Storytelling, Inclusive Leadership Skills Workshop, Prompting with Purpose: Generative AI at Work, and more.
Trainings: Uplevel Your Skills
Ready to take your skills to the next level? Trainings are enrollment-based programs offering in-depth skill development.
- Commitment: multiple sessions (usually a series of two or three) requiring enrollment in advance of the training.
- Outcome: gain competence in high-demand skillset or area; upon completing the training, you can complete an assessment to earn your microcredential, giving you a competitive advantage and tangible addition to their resume.
- Past trainings include: Dynamic Data Analysis with Power BI, Sales Essentials, Planning for Business Continuity During Power Outages, Cyber Attacks, Earthquakes, and the Unexpected, and more.
Immersions: Real-World Application
Immersions are cohort-based programs that blend skill-building with real-world application. Students work closely with industry mentors on hands-on projects, earning advanced microcredentials and expanding their professional network. It’s a transformative experience that prepares students to hit the ground running in their future careers.
- Commitment: typically six to eight week commitment, requiring an application in advance.
- Outcome: gain competence in high-demand skillsets, create meaningful career connections with industry mentals, and build your portfolio through hands-on projects; immersions allow you to earn advanced microcredentials (even multiple) to give you an unparalleled competitive advantage.
- Past immersions include: Lithia & Driveway.
Shaping The Future Together
In this ever-changing world, we’re leading the charge to ensure our students are equipped for success inside and outside the classroom. With microcredentials, we’re creating a win-win scenario that bridges the skills gap for both our students entering the job market and employers looking for emergent career-ready talent.
And the results are already pouring in. From the first immersion with Lithia & Driveway, one of our participating students received a job offer directly as a result of their participation in the program! So many more have had a chance to apply their knowledge and receive mentorship along the way.
Ultimately, whether you’re a student eager to level up, an industry partner seeking fresh talent, or a member of our Lundquist community supporting our students, we want you to join us in shaping the future together.
