The fast-changing realities of the corporate world mandate aspirants to upskill quickly and micro degrees can play an important role in that regard.
Traditional education today struggles to keep pace with the skilling requirements. The job market is changing rapidly than before and to keep the workforce ready, micro degrees are coming to the rescue. Short, specific and focused, these degrees are distinctive and equip aspirants with in-demand skills. Also known as nano certifications, micro degrees are specialized programs developed keeping in mind the specific skills or fields of study. Unlike traditional degrees, these certifications are conducted online, making them accessible to aspirants all over the world. Here’s how micro degrees are changing the very face of the skilling sector globally:
a) Industry and skill-specific: The specialised nature of microdegrees aims at upgrading specific skill requirements of the particular industry. In IT, the certifications related to cybersecurity, AI and ML are examples of micro degrees. Similarly, logistics management and inventory handling in retail can be counted among the nano certifications. These short-term focused programs equip aspirants with specific skills for immediate application, contrasting with long-term degrees,which generally cover broader theories and concepts. Microdegrees also provide concrete evidence of skills that aspirants acquire through the digital badges. These badges certify the credentials of learners and can be shared instantly with others.
b) Accessible and affordable: Micro degrees are offered through various online platforms. Unlike conventional degrees, here aspirants need not go to a specific university or institution to acquire knowledge or skills. The digital nature of these nano certifications is a huge plus which ensures that these programs are available to aspirants around the world. Further, learners get a chance to get trained by the best professionals as no time and place barriers hinder their skilling process. All that they need is a smart device and internet connectivity. Further, the affordable nature of nano certifications democratises their access, allowing people from diversified socio-economic backgrounds to access certifications and achieve a level playing field in the process.
c) Lifelong Learning: Micro degrees allow an individual to reskill, upskill, or even change profession by demonstrating competence in emerging areas exhibiting strong demand. This means aspirants can use these certifications to explore career opportunities in completely new or allied fields, besides catalysing their career progression in their domain area. Importantly, nano certifications also cultivate an attitude of lifelong learning. This change in perspective towards professional growth helps aspirants to stay ahead by proactively identifying, analysing, and leveraging opportunities. The aspect of lifelong learning is also important as it helps learners to evolve in their perspective and achieve vertical as well as horizontal displacements within their work areas. As these degrees are flexible and targeted in nature, they also reinforce the idea of holistic learning for all-around development of aspirants.
d) Personalised approach: Micro degrees use a tailored approach for skilling aspirants. This means the content and training of the certification are aligned with the learning capabilities of individuals. The approach is in variance with the “one-size-fits-all” perspective and allows for better assimilation of knowledge and impactful outcomes. Further, the modular nature of nano certifications allows for quick adjustment so that only relevant training is imparted to aspirants. This agility bodes well in keeping learners acquainted with ever-evolving trends of industries and makes them future-proof in their approach.
Micro degrees can play a crucial role in enhancing the skills of aspirants to make them industry-ready from day one. These certifications can be done quickly and the best part of micro degrees is their affordable nature. This fast format aligns with fast-evolving upskilling/reskilling needs and offers desired flexibility to learners. Aspirants also find the knowledge of nano-certifications easy to recall, giving it a decisive edge over conventional degrees. Further, the personalised approach to imparting skills also makes the Micro Degrees apt for todays business environment.
(The author, Kalpesh Banker, is the managing partner at EduShine Partners.)
