Whether you are an arts student or studying engineering, adding a certificate to your degree program can significantly enhance your employability. Certificates are additional certifications gained through a cluster of coursework and provide practical, career-ready skills. Many certificates are even recognized by professional associations and can be industry-specific. Certificates demonstrate your commitment to self-development and highlight your interest in a specialized area, potentially increasing employment opportunities and even commanding higher entry-level remuneration.
Certificates can be added to many disciplines and can provide a broad general understanding, like adding a business certificate to an arts degree, or developing specialized and niche knowledge within a mechanical engineering degree.
Many arts students, upon graduation, find employment in a variety of businesses and industries. Supplementing your arts degree’s toolkit of critical thinking skills, creative problem-solving abilities, and leadership capabilities with basic business knowledge and an understanding of management principles, attained from a certificate in business, could increase your employment potential and offer networking opportunities with professional organizations. Engineering students can opt for various certificates that allow them to tailor their degree to their individual interests. Business students can gain cutting-edge skills through certificates focusing on innovation and leadership skill development.
Examples of Certificates
At many universities, students in the faculty of arts & science can add a business certificate to their degree program. Students may also choose a sustainability lens and add a certificate in sustainability to their academic program. Engineering students can add certificates in highly specialized areas of study to complement and enhance their skill set and gain a competitive edge in the job market. Some examples of engineering certificates are artificial intelligence engineering, engineering leadership, electric vehicle design, public policy and engineering, and many more. Business students passionate about social justice and corporate responsibility could include a certificate in social impact, social finance and impact investing, or environmental sustainability.
Check out other certificates at schools like SFU, U of T, and the University of Alberta. By combining a degree with relevant certifications, you demonstrate a well-rounded and adaptable skill set, which is highly attractive to employers.
Studying what you are interested in and enjoy results in a happier university experience and a higher probability of success. Adding a skill-based certificate to your program can ease your stress over the marketability of your chosen area of study. Work with our team to uncover skill-based, complementary certificate options linked to your program. Contact us today to book with one of our experienced educational consultants.
