Digital credentials are fast becoming an accepted way for individuals and employers to connect for roles that have increasingly specific requirements. With the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to scan resumes or online profiles, and the prolific usage of social media (LinkedIn, etc.), both job seekers and employers need easily identifiable – and verifiable – ways of matching people to jobs.
The Schulich Executive Education Centre (SEEC) at York University launched its digital credentials on Nov. 15, with a range of digital badges and certificates available through the Credly platform for most of its executive education courses.
“SEEC digital credentials fulfill our commitment to a learner’s lifelong learning, skilling and upskilling by certifying their ongoing achievements and acquisition of new skills at various stages of individuals’ career,” said Rami Mayer, SEEC executive director. “Our participants will be able to integrate critical skillsets while supporting the pursuit of their individual career goals in a stackable, portable and personalized way. Our digital credentials will help match participants to the more detailed requirements of jobs now and in the future.”
A digital credential is a secure, encrypted symbol acknowledging that the person displaying it has successfully completed a course and acquired a new skill that directly relates to their employability.
SEEC is now providing two types of digital credentials: badges and certificates.
Badges are provided for the skills an earner acquires in a course. Most courses at SEEC offer badges and there are two types based on the level of skill they signify: foundational and advanced. A foundational badge signifies that a learner has gained information and insights into new skills and how they apply to their work. An advanced badge shows the learner has also been able to apply that knowledge at a strategic, organizational level.
A certificate is provided when the participant completes a longer course of sequential learning that may comprise several badges. In addition to certificate programs, there is a series of more extensive courses that confer a masters certificate, which can include multiple individual certificates and badges.
Credentials are stored in a blockchain-encrypted digital wallet, making them easily but securely shareable on social media profiles and websites. Employers can also use digital credentials to verify your professional development. Credential earners can more easily display the professional development skills they have acquired rather than having to share a paper certificate, which is less secure.
For more information on SEEC digital credentials and programs that carry them, visit the SEEC website.