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USF unveils Office of Microcredentials for lifelong learning and career advancement

USF unveils Office of Microcredentials for lifelong learning and career advancement

As professionals strive to stay competitive in their fields, USF’s new Office of Microcredentials
and Registration Services will meet the growing demand for non-credit education opportunities. Microcredentials
are essential to ensure lifelong success, and a learning community with the proper
support and resources is more valuable than ever. 

The solution to closing the skills gap is the result of a partnership between USF
Lifelong Learning and Innovative Education. This new office will serve as a resource
for high-quality, accessible learning opportunities that enable professionals to gain
the qualifications needed to secure high-level jobs and continue skill-building in
pursuit of becoming industry experts.  

The Office of Microcredentials will support the non-credit programs within Lifelong
Learning and Corporate Training and Professional Education and facilitate non-credit
activity across other areas of the university. 

“Our focus will be to support, expand, and oversee non-credit offerings at USF,” said
Kevin Hitt, assistant director of the Office of Microcredentials. “The goal is to
encourage all departments to embrace non-credit education and provide the infrastructure
to help them execute that.” 

With a university-wide commitment to offer non-credit education opportunities, USF
will sustain its position as a leader in helping professionals advance their skills
at any stage.

“Microcredentials are key to USF’s lifelong learning strategy, enabling participants
to achieve lifelong success,” said Christine Brown, AVP of Innovative Education. “We
partner with our outstanding USF faculty, leveraging their expertise to create meaningful
learning opportunities for our students and the community. These collaborations ensure
educational experiences that are relevant, accessible, and beneficial for personal
and professional growth.”

Whether a participant is a current student enhancing their resume, or a working professional
looking to boost their skill set or pivot their career, USF’s microcredential programs
are customized to help individuals meet these goals at any point in their careers.
 Learning opportunities will include a mix of online, in-person, and hybrid experiences.
 

In today’s competitive job market, employers see microcredentials as evidence of specialized,
in-demand skills, which gives candidates a huge advantage in the job search. 

Unlike traditional degree programs, which can take years to complete, microcredentials
such as specialized certificates provide bite-sized learning experiences that can
be completed in a shorter timeframe. With this unique advantage, individuals can quickly
acquire new skills and stand out to potential employers. Examples can be seen in those
working to refine their leadership style, build confidence in a particular subject
matter, or prepare for a new challenge. 

The impact of these microcredentials goes beyond the badge that professionals earn;
they help tell an individual’s professional story with verifiable proof. By completing
these programs, professionals can showcase a narrative of continuous learning and
adaptability, and display their accomplishments on LinkedIn, email signatures, and
resumes. Completing one of these programs is a perfect example of show-not-tell, as
this exhibits a commitment to enhancing high-quality industry skills in their professional
networks. 

“By choosing microcredentials from USF, learners are not only investing in their personal
and professional growth but also gaining a competitive edge in the job market,” said
Hitt. “Programs are designed to provide the skills and knowledge needed to thrive
in any career, regardless of the current stage of the learner’s journey.” 

For faculty and staff interested in creating microcredentials, the office will provide
the expertise and guidance necessary to navigate the process with best practices,
learning design and multimedia support, infrastructure setup, and connections to resources. 

Stay tuned for more information as the Office of Microcredentials prepares to launch
its website within the next few weeks, which will feature more details on the programs
and services offered. Please reach out to microcredentials@usf.edu with any questions. 

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