By Whitney Baxter
Students involved with the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Pathways to Innovation and Leadership program can earn micro-credentials by participating in hands-on workshops, completing real-world experiential learning opportunities and enhancing their career-readiness skills. But what are micro-credentials, exactly?
Micro-credentials are short, focused programs that allow students “to gain and showcase specific skills or knowledge through various learning experiences,” according to Iowa State University’s Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching.
“Micro-credentials help students stand out in the job market,” said Amy Mendee, CALS Pathways to Innovation and Leadership program coordinator. “Along with the digital badges students can display on their LinkedIn accounts, micro-credentials provide an extra layer of proof that students have the skills needed to be successful in the job they’re applying for.”
A recent national survey conducted by the American Association of Colleges and Universities found that 70% of employers prefer job candidates who have micro-credentials, in addition to a college degree.
“Given the current state of the ag economy and corresponding tightening in the job market, showcasing and effectively demonstrating earned micro-credentials is another great way for students to set themselves apart from the competition,” said Mike Gaul, director of CALS Career Services.
Students earn digital badges after they complete a micro-credential – think of these badges as a certificate of completion, in digital form, with details about what was accomplished to earn the badge. The digital badges students earn will be available, all in one place, via an online platform that is being finalized, Mendee said.
The CALS Pathways program was piloted during the fall 2024 semester and officially launched this semester. Mendee has been working closely with Tanya Austin, professional learning and micro-credentials program specialist with CELT, to develop the program.
“Building a quality micro-credentials program on campus is the first step in addressing rapidly changing skills and competencies needed within industry. By recognizing and validating specific in-demand skills, we are helping our students stand out to employers,” Austin said. “The CALS Pathways to Innovation and Leadership program is equipping students with the confidence and skills needed to secure internships and launch successful careers.”
The Pathways program currently offers several micro-credentials, with more being developed. Current ones include the Pathway Planner, innovation and leadership-specific workshops and career pathways mock interviews in essential skills such as communication, critical thinking, scientific research and technology. Experiential learning opportunities are other areas in which students can earn micro-credentials, such as competing on a student club judging team, participating in the Start Something CALS program or studying abroad.
Create your own path
As the name suggests, students create their own path while participating in the program. To get started, students meet with Pathways staff to fill out the Pathway Planner, mapping out learning opportunities and workshops they’ll complete to develop professional skills. Mendee said students can select programs and experiences that make the most sense for their goals and future careers.
Katie Ferguson, a sophomore in agricultural studies, took part in the CALS Pathways program during the fall 2024 semester. She focused on improving her interview skills and participated in the innovation and leadership workshops.
“Because of my participation in the Pathways program, I was able to articulate during interviews my skills and how my top strengths played into the roles I was applying for,” Ferguson said.
She credits her Pathways experience with helping her land a summer internship at Landus.
Owen Saxton, a senior in agricultural business, joined the CALS Pathways program to learn more about innovation and leadership. He appreciated how the strengths workshop showed him how to use his top strengths to improve as a leader.
“Every leader is different, and a good leader is able to adapt quickly to different people and situations,” Saxton said. “This program introduced me to that, and my goal is to learn from this and apply it as I head into the workforce this summer.”
CALS students can learn more about micro-credentials and how to earn them by visiting the CALS Pathways to Innovation and Leadership website.