Many undergraduate students enter the professional world with a degree and varying levels of experience through internships, shadowing, and mentoring. Companies invest additional time and expense for new professionals to acquire licensing and certifications within a given field. Employers are turning to certifications to ensure that prospective employees have the required skills for an industry position (Koziniec & Dixon, 2002; Zeng, 2004). Certification establishes a standard of competency in specific area and job roles (Montante &Khan, 2001). Certification provides a greater sense of confidence in their abilities and a measure of professional expertise and understanding of the job role and products used in that role (Al-Rawi et al., 2006).
Locke and Latham (2002) position that students who choose to pursue professional certification at the same time they are enrolled in a course covering similar content, increase their overall performance. Furthermore, they assert that certifications yields four primary benefits to students: (1) increase career choice awareness; (2) improve academic performance; (3) increase student marketability and value to prospective employers; and (4) greater preparedness for the workforce. Studies by Goetz et al. (2011) suggest that the integration of professional examinations increase the motivation, study efficiency, and professional success of students. Encouraging students to complete certifications may benefit the educational programs. By producing qualified graduates with licensing or certifications, the institution's program becomes more valued by prospective employers (Goetz et al., 2011).
How can we enhance curriculum to meet the evolving trends within our respective disciplines?
What impact will industry-recognized certifications have on your student scholars?
What are the best practices in developing and sustaining intentional, mutually-rewarding relationships with professional organizations to provide access to credentialing platforms?
How can future employers connect with a talent pipeline through weekly instruction?
Stay tuned for an extended conversation......
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