Career outcomes are a top decision-making factor for students selecting their higher education institution. Enhancing curricula to better align with in-demand skills used by today’s employers is therefore a top priority for higher education institutions.
Industry micro-credentials, such as Professional Certificates offered through Coursera’s Career Academy, are emerging as a favored solution for bridging the curriculum-to-career gap. These certificates are designed to equip students with the specific skills needed for in-demand, entry-level jobs, particularly in digital roles.
Our latest e-book, The Professional Certificate Playbook, explores how higher education institutions globally are implementing industry micro-credentials in different ways to drive career outcomes for students. These certificates can be offered as non-credit options or integrated into the curriculum for credit, providing flexibility in implementation.
Why Industry Micro-Credentials Matter
- Student-Centric: Coursera’s recent survey shows that students are 76% more likely to enroll in a program offering industry micro-credentials.
- Employer-Approved: The same survey found that 88% of employers agree that Professional Certificates add value to a candidate’s job application.
- Institutional Benefits: 93% of higher education leaders agree that offering non-degree credentials like these can open up new and diverse revenue streams.
Global Success Stories: A Quick Look
Many higher education institutions around the world are successfully integrating industry micro-credentials into their curriculum and positively impacting student engagement, employability, and institutional outcomes.