What is a micro-credential? And of what use is it to an International Student?

 

Micro means mini or small and a credential is a qualification. Mini qualifications can help individuals learn new skills, progress in their careers, or change careers entirely.

But what more can it do for an international student? Especially during an application for your Postgraduate studies or scholarship?

Read on to find you.

Microcredentials are also known as microdegrees or nanodegrees, they are often on-demand online courses that can be completed in your own time and provide certification upon completion. 

They are designed to be fast, accessible, and specialized. One example of a micro-credential is maybe if you are working in a computing and information technology role and you need to learn a new programming language.

You may be able to take a micro-credential in the specific language you need and at the end, you will have certification of that new course or skill, which can be applied to your role. These mini-courses can be flexible to be studied around a career or other commitments. 

They are more specific to a particular area, can be cheaper than a full degree, and can be completed over a shorter time frame. Many are offered by universities, educators, online learning platforms, and industry bodies, which work together to fill a “skill gap” in their field.

Certification depends on where and how you study the micro-credential. Most commonly, students will receive a digital certificate which can be attached to a CV or included in a portfolio when applying to jobs.

How do micro-credentials work?

Microcredentials are mainly offered by universities, business schools, colleges, International organizations like WHO, learning platforms like Alison.com, and further education centers. 

Professional bodies may also work with institutes or licensed organizations to offer micro-credentials directly to employees. It is important to note that a micro-credential cannot be taken instead of a university degree. They are instead used to supplement and develop knowledge and skills.

Why should I do a micro-credential as an international student?

Microcredentials can help you stand out, especially during your application stage. Having micro-credentials shows dedication and an evidence-based learning process toward a career

path.

Microcredentials are more manageable because they can be completed in your own time and are shorter than a traditional degree. If a student then wants to cover additional skills, they can study stackable micro-credentials, designed to be combined to create a comprehensive portfolio of qualifications in a subject area.

What are the benefits of micro-credentials?

The benefit of these courses is that students can learn a specific skill straight away. Individuals can then engage with further topics at any time due to the flexibility of micro-credentials and can continue to advance their skills.

Not only is this a great way to remain relevant in your field, but it also looks impressive on your CV, showing commitment to the job and a passion for continuous learning.

Should a student ever wish to make a career change, you can access micro-credentials to gain new skills in a different field and approach job applications more prepared for a new industry.

Will my micro-credential be recognized by employers?

The short answer is most likely. The longer answer is that some career fields recognize micro-credentials more than others. Although they are still a newer style of learning, they are widely recognized in sectors such as business, marketing, health, and finance, because of constantly changing laws, customer demand, and security, employees need to learn new skills regularly.

At other companies, micro-credentials are seen as more advanced skills that an individual can bring to the job. They work as an asset in hand with a university education.

In summary, by studying these nanodegrees, a student can show a clear interest in a technical aspect of their career and set themselves apart from other applicants with similar degrees.

So take some micro-credential courses and boost your skill set towards your chosen career.