How Students Can Use Professional Certifications to Unlock Career Opportunities

Thursday, 05 December, 2024

In the current job market, professional certifications are becoming increasingly important for job seekers. Many students at UOWD have found that certifications obtained through platforms like Coursera can help to align their academic interests with industry needs. These certifications cover specialized subjects, such as data analytics with Python or Google's IT Support Professional Certificate and offer hands-on projects and real-world applications. They provide practical knowledge that bridges the gap between university lectures and the day-to-day tasks of a professional setting, making them essential for those targeting their first internships.

Employers are increasingly seeking candidates who can demonstrate up-to-date industry knowledge and skills. Recent surveys indicate that over 65% of HR professionals consider certifications a critical hiring criterion, particularly in fields such as IT, project management, and data analysis.

Our Career Academy in partnership with Coursera, an initiative spearheaded by Ms. Mary Gosha, Careers & Alumni Manager, provides our students with free access to a variety of courses and certifications. This allows students to align their learning with their career aspirations, gaining skills that are directly applicable to their chosen fields.

Exciting Update: Expanded Access to Coursera Career Academy

We are thrilled to announce that UOWD has received an additional 300 licenses, bringing even more opportunities for students to advance their careers. These new licenses will be available starting December 10, enabling more students to access high-quality certifications that bridge academic learning with professional skills. We encourage students to take advantage of this expanded offering to maximise their career readiness.

One example of a student who has benefited from the Career Academy is Precious Miguel Yambao. Precious pursued certifications in Marketing Analytics and Data Analytics, which boosted his qualifications and were crucial in securing his internship at PwC's Academy. Precious says, "The mentorship and the certifications I received through UOWD's Career Academy were transformative. They didn't just prepare me for the job market; they set me apart in a sea of candidates, providing me with a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical expertise that was directly applicable in my internship at PwC."

Choosing the right certifications is crucial. UOWD's career advisors assist students in selecting certifications that complement their academic programs and enhance their employability. Integrating these certifications into their resumes and leveraging them during job interviews has helped our students demonstrate their preparedness and stand out in the competitive job application process.

In addition to certifications, UOWD provides continuous support through career assessments, personalised mentorship, and access to workshops covering everything from CV writing to effective job search strategies.

Professional certifications are pivotal in today's educational landscape. They strengthen a resume and equip learners with the confidence and competence to excel in their chosen fields. Whether mastering the intricacies of cloud computing or understanding the nuances of global marketing strategies, certifications prepare students to meet the challenges of the professional world, ensuring they are not just participants but competitive contenders in their respective industries.