95% of higher education leaders back micro-credentials to prepare students for the workforce | Report

96% of the students in India agree that earning a Professional Certificate will help them stand out to employers and secure a job upon graduation

To enhance their career prospects, students hone their skills, which could be soft skills or technical (subject) skills. With the job market evolving at a faster pace, students looking forward to finding themselves employed need to be aware and in tune with the latest developments in their sector.

The report as per Coursera is based on a survey of 180+ higher education leaders in India. (REPRESENTATIVE PHOTO)

In such situations, a professional certificate can help students accelerate their chances of thriving in their respective fields. A professional certificate is an industry-recognized micro-credential designed to equip learners with the skills and knowledge necessary for specific jobs or industries.

According to the Micro-Credentials Impact Report 2024- India Edition, 95% of higher education leaders agree that micro-credentials prepare students for the workforce. The report as per Coursera is based on a survey of 180+ higher education leaders in India.

“Across India, higher education leaders recognize the critical role of micro-credentials in equipping graduates with the skills and knowledge for workforce success. Nearly all (98%) leaders offering micro-credentials agree that these credentials strengthen students’ long-term career outcomes,” says Raghav Gupta, Managing Director, India and Asia-Pacific at Coursera.

Apart from the view of higher education leaders, 96% of the students in India agree that earning a Professional Certificate will help them stand out to employers and secure a job upon graduation, mentioned the report.

From the perspective of whether institutions feel a professional certificate can be beneficial for students, 96% of Indian higher education leaders agree that micro-credentials equip their institutions to meet employer demands for job-specific skills, like project management and data analysis. By offering micro-credentials, these institutions agree on the fact that they provide their students with the competencies today’s employers seek, making graduates job-ready.

The report also mentions the challenges faced where 26% of education leaders in India say uncertainty about the quality of micro-credentials posed their most significant challenge, among other barriers.