Short-term upskilling programs can net you long-term career growth

By Karla Rockhold, Director of Alumni Career Engagement, OSU Alumni Association

As summer winds down and back-to-school season approaches, many find themselves reflecting on their learning journeys. Whether sparked by a desire for career advancement, a shift in industries or the need to stay competitive, this time of year often brings with it the question: Should I go back to school?

The good news is you don’t need to commit to a traditional degree program to make meaningful progress. One of the most effective and flexible ways to build in-demand skills is by earning a microcredential or certificate.

Microcredentials are short, targeted learning experiences offered by universities, professional organizations and online platforms. They focus on practical, career-aligned skills in areas like data analytics, project management, digital marketing, instructional design and more. Similarly, certificate programs are structured educational programs that typically focus on a broader subject area or professional field. 

How microcredentials and certificates can advance your career:

• Skill validation: Provide verifiable evidence of your expertise in a particular area, which can be highlighted on your résumé and LinkedIn profile.
• Flexibility: Most programs are offered online and self-paced, allowing you to fit learning into your schedule without disrupting work or personal responsibilities.
• Career pivoting: Thinking about a new industry? These programs offer a low-risk way to explore new fields and demonstrate your commitment to a career change.
• Increased marketability: By mastering relevant, in-demand skills, you stand out in a crowded job market and improve your chances of landing new opportunities.

Oregon State University offers robust online microcredential and certificate programs through its nationally ranked Ecampus online program and PACE (Professional and Continuing Education). Designed for both degree- and nondegree-seeking students, these programs help you gain job-relevant skills from OSU’s faculty and/or industry-based instructors in weeks to 12 months. Upon completion, you’ll earn a digital badge or Continuing Education Units (CEUs) — easily shareable with employers and professional networks to showcase your new skills.

In addition to university-based options, many respected platforms and organizations offer microcredentials and certificates tailored to a wide range of industries, skill levels and learning preferences. Some include Coursera, National Education Association, Udacity, LinkedIn Learning, Google Career Certificates, edX and IBM/Microsoft Professional Certificates.

If you’re considering enrolling in a microcredential or certificate program, start by identifying the skills most relevant to your career goals and consider attending one of the upcoming Ask Alumni panels to learn more about the variety of programs OSU offers and how the right courses can serve as a steppingstone to your next promotion, a new industry or simply a more fulfilling career.

To learn more about your options, join us online Aug. 21 for Ask Alumni: Advance Your Career With Microcredentials and Certifications. Alumni and students of OSU microcredential and certificate programs will share how these focused and flexible learning experiences supported their career advancement and goals. They will be joined by OSU Ecampus staff who can share further insights about OSU's programs.