Shaylah McCool, a graduate student in neuroscience through the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences Neuroscience graduate program, is a fan of UNMC Graduate Studies’ new digital badge program. The microcredentialing program allows students to display competencies they have achieved or programs they have completed on their LinkedIn pages, online CVs and other platforms.
The badges aren’t merely a display graphic, but also a link that confirms authenticity, as verified by Canvas Badges, an independent credentialing entity.
“I think the verification of the badge makes it a more impressive and valid accomplishment to individuals who view my LinkedIn profile,” said McCool, a PhD candidate in Matt Van Hook, PhD’s, lab. “Rather than just posting it myself, (profile viewers) are able to click the link to view the credential and see exactly what I did to earn it as verified by Canvas Badges.”
McCool completed UNMC Graduate Studies’ Dissertation Writing Bootcamp program.
Venkatesh Varadharaj, a PhD candidate in Moorthy Ponnusamy, PhD’s, lab, recently completed the program for UNMC Graduate Studies’ Leadership Badge. Varadharaj posted the accomplishment on his LinkedIn page and the response was immediate, with 28 comments.
“Working with the badge program has been a truly insightful experience,” he said. “It not only helped me enhance my leadership skills through webinars but also provided a tangible way to showcase my achievements. Sharing this badge with my network has given me an opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals and further engage in meaningful conversations about leadership development.”
Karen Gould, PhD, interim executive associate dean of UNMC Graduate Studies, said the digital badging program has been in the works for a while and has been improved by beta testing by graduate students. UNMC Graduate Studies is proud to provide a new way for its students to show their professional development and continue to work on career growth and networking, she said. It is a way graduate students can strengthen their transferrable skills and document their learning.
“It’s a great opportunity for our students to showcase skills and that might not be as obvious as their academic and research accomplishments,” Dr. Gould said.
Digital badging is a growing trend nationally, Dr. Gould said. It also is not unique to graduate studies at UNMC. Other UNMC colleges and institutes may develop their own program-specific microcredentials. UNMC faculty are marking continuing education efforts and new competencies through microcredential digital badges as well.
Though the program is still relatively new, McCool is calling it a success.
“This is my first digital badge, and I enjoyed earning it,” she said. “The requirements to earn the badge are clearly stated, easy to follow and achievable for interested graduate students. The process of displaying it on LinkedIn was quick and easy. I now have plans to work toward another digital badge to display on LinkedIn.”
For more on UNMC Graduate Studies digital micro credentialing badges, please visit this site.