As the first in my family to attend university, I have experienced the benefits of higher education first-hand.
But back in 1989 when I began my teaching degree, the options for study were fairly limited compared to the plethora of courses, specialisations and post-graduate opportunities we have today.
One of the most exciting advancements in the modern university offering is the micro-credential, a short, area specific course that can upskill and create career pathways for professionals who don’t necessarily have the time to complete a full post-graduate degree.
These days every second website offers a short, online course, but they don’t all come with the credibility and certification offered by a university-accredited micro-credential.
For example, at Murdoch University’s Digital Futures Academy, the courses allow you to earn credit points, which means your learning can be banked towards a post-graduate qualification at an established Australian University.
Working direct with industry partners including Atlassian and Tableau, the Academy brings the best of academia and industry together to deliver innovative courses to engage the technologists of the future.
Our micro-credentials are much more than downloading a presentation and completing a quiz; Digital Futures Academy courses are delivered using social learning methods both online and in-person at our accessible and welcoming CBD campus on St George’s Terrace.
They are perfectly placed for busy, city-based professionals to upskill quickly without disruption to their day-to-day working life.
The Academy currently has three courses to choose from: Data Visualisation and Storytelling, Agile Methodology and Project Management, and Fundamentals of Product Management, each running over a six-week period from November 8 to December 17 2021, with more courses to be added in the future.
In the Data Visualisation and Storytelling course, you will learn how to create operational dashboards to drive business insights and decisions, in turn improving your ability to analyse data, create interactive visualisations of key business functions and communicate findings.
If you are looking be more effective in response to market and industry needs, the Agile Methodology and Project Management course dives into technologies and tools that will deliver value and ensure an effective workplace.
The Fundamentals of Product Management course will help you to develop the cross-functional skills required to be a successful product manager as you learn effective ways to manage products from planning, to development, through to launch.
Professional development is an important part of anyone’s career path, and I believe everyone should have the opportunity to further their learning, whatever the stage of their journey.
A few years into my teaching career, I started to think more deeply about what I wanted my future to look like. I chose to further my skills, so I went back to study a master's degree in Educational Leadership and Management and eventually a PhD.
I pursued further study because I wanted to reflect on my own practices and continue to grow in my chosen field. Taking that step led me to more opportunities, including my current position at Murdoch.
Learning throughout life is fundamental to success and enjoyment, whether you want to do more in your current role or open yourself up new opportunities.
I am particularly proud of the Digital Futures Academy, not only because of its industry-leading content, but because it offers professional development that is accessible and achievable.
Entry requirements are flexible, which means that although a recognised bachelor’s degree or higher is handy, we also accept relevant informal learning and/or professional experience.
If you would like to hone your employable skills, increase your efficiency at work and collaborate with peers in person and online, I highly recommend checking out the learning opportunities offered by the Digital Futures Academy.
Become a part of the university experience and shorten your postgraduate journey by applying for your course by 4 November 2021.
Professor Readman is Deputy Vice Chancellor Education and Equity at Murdoch University
