Could a micro-credential take your career to the next level?
Micro-credentials give you the chance to pick up new skills quickly. But how can you choose one that’s right for your career?
We all hit a point in our career when it seems like we could learn a little more. It may be to help us out in our current role – or because we want to change direction completely.
It’s tempting to consider going back to university to study, which sometimes is a great option. Realistically, though, you may not have the time to commit to a full MBA or graduate diploma alongside your current professional responsibilities and busy life.
A shorter study option could be the way to go. You may have come across the term ‘micro-credential’ before – they are an increasingly popular study choice for professional learners as they tend to be quick, convenient, and offer highly specific knowledge.
These days, there are a lot of micro-credentials out there. They’re available in all manner of areas – from introductory courses in artificial intelligence to leadership courses in effective communication and beyond. There’s a bit of variation in the market though, so it pays to do your research to know what you’re getting.
Could a micro-credential be right for you? And how can you settle on one that will actually benefit your career? Let’s take a closer look at what’s out there and how on earth to choose.
What are micro-credentials?
Okay, so, what exactly are micro-credentials? Short, convenient, and often delivered fully online, micro-credentials are designed to help learners gain new professional skills quickly.
Essentially, they offer all the benefits of tertiary study, but in a bite-sized package. They may also be a good option for you if you’ve been away from study for a while and want to see how you manage back in the classroom, before committing to a longer course.
They may run for a few days or several weeks and may be delivered live, along with an instructor, or be available for you to complete fully in your own time. They’re also designed to be accessible and offer an inclusive education option for those that may not be able to make it to campus.
After completing your micro-credential, many institutions, such as the University of Melbourne, will award you with a digital certification that you can show to prospective employers and display on professional networking sites, such as LinkedIn.
It's important to remember that micro-credentials do vary between institution to institution, so make sure you do your research to work out what’s best for you.
For example, the University of Melbourne’s micro-credentials are all online, assessment-based, and aligned with industry need.
Many of them have been developed alongside a respected industry partner, such as Telstra, or with people heavily involved in an industry, meaning you know you are getting targeted, relevant knowledge that you can apply directly to your career.
They are also delivered by experts or academics who are leaders in their field.
How is a micro-credential different to a short course?
There are also plenty of short course options out there that may interest you. A key difference between a short course and a micro-credential course, however, is that micro-credentials tend to be assessment based and usually offer a certification upon completion.
Hence, micro-credentials in Australia have more rigorous assessment and governance from the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF), which oversees tertiary education in Australia.
They may also stack towards a larger qualification, such as a graduate certificate or diploma. For example, if you do four related micro-credentials, you may be able to use this as credit in some larger tertiary courses. Just make sure you clarify this before enrolling.
Micro-credentials are also often designed to fill a skills gap or a need in an industry, so learning is highly specific, whereas short courses might be broader or offer more general knowledge.
What kind of micro-credentials can you do?
These days, we’re spoilt for choice as there seems to be a micro-credential for just about anything.
Some of the areas you may like to consider, include:
How can a micro-credential help my career?
There are many reasons why micro-credentials can help you level up in your career. As micro-credentials are designed to be relevant to genuine industry need, they offer highly specific skills and knowledge that you will be able to apply to your job straight away.
They’re also looked upon favourably by employers aas it shows you have a dedication to continual learning.
How can I find a micro-credential that’s right for me?
There are lots of institutions and universities now offering micro-credentials in Australia, so it pays to think through what you’re signing up for before selecting one. You also want to make sure you’re not biting off more than you can chew, commitment-wise.
In our experience, you may like to consider the following questions when picking a micro-credential that will actually benefit you and suit your capacity:
- Is it co-developed with or aligned with industry?
- Are the instructors experts in their field?
- How long does it run for?
- Is it delivered fully online/blended/face-to-face
- Can I do it in my own time or do I need to attend at certain times?
- What kind of assessments will I need to do?
If you find a micro-credential that ticks all your boxes, our advice is to go for it. It could be your ticket to greater professional competency and satisfaction – or help you start that career pivot you’ve been dreaming of for a while now.
If you have questions about a specific micro-credentialat the University of Melbourne, feel free to get in touch with our team.
Keen to browse micro-credential options? You can explore all of the University of Melbourne’s offering here.