The Digital Age has ushered in an era of endless opportunities, and the education sector and e-learning platforms like qLearn have kept pace with the trends and changes, most importantly via the introduction of micro-credentials.
But what exactly are micro-credentials, and why are they being seen as an important driver for growth?
Micro-Credentials Explained
Universities have always been seen as a privilege only a few can afford. And while things have changed drastically since the 18th century, when there were less than 150 universities in all of Europe, access to higher education is still beyond the reach of more than half the planet.
Furthermore, while a bachelor’s degree was once viewed as the pinnacle of educational achievement, employers and industries now look for candidates with hard skills and core competencies to plug existing knowledge gaps.
This is where micro-credentials factor in.
So what are they? Essentially, a micro-credential is a certification or badge of assessed knowledge, skills and competencies that allow people to know you are proficient in a particular subject or area.
And what is most appealing about this type of qualification is that, unlike a three-to-five-year university degree, you can enrol for any short course that caters to your needs, study via the internet, and get certified in no time — all for a fraction of the cost of a university degree.
This explains the popularity of micro-credentials, why global tech giants like IBM and Amazon have included micro-credentials in their digital apprenticeship programmes, why big and small companies are using micro-credentials to retain and reskill staff, and why even universities have seen the value in micro-credential programmes.
What is necessary to remember, however, is that there are a host of platforms facilitating micro-credential certification. But just like with university degrees, it is important to assess the respective institutions and understand their strengths.
As far as entrepreneur-focused skills programmes are concerned, however, you should look no further than qLearn.
The qLearn Advantage
Lifelong learning has always been a priority for us at QNET, and through qLearn, the company’s online educational platform, we are committed to equipping entrepreneurs with transferable skills and knowledge for this digital age.
This is why our wide range of e-learning programmes is curated with the personal and professional development of businesspersons in mind and why we’re future-focused on being able to provide the best programmes for now, in the coming year, and beyond.
Of these courses, the Certified Network Marketer+ programme, run in association with the International Direct Selling Educational Institute, is the most popular with direct selling entrepreneurs for its focus on the many aspects of owning and running a direct sales business.
That aside, there is also a host of other offerings, from short courses on business management, IT, presentation and writing to diploma programmes on some of the most important business topics currently, among them blockchain technology, Facebook social media marketing and Google project management.
Take the case of the SMC Diploma in Blockchain & Cryptotech, for instance. Due to the complexity of the topic, many courses on blockchain technology offer learners only a rudimentary understanding of the area. Hence, very few practical skills are cultivated.
This is not the case with qLearn’s programme. Over the duration of the course, participants are not only schooled on the blockchain, its mechanics, and how to utilise the various applications but also about relevant projects and ICOs, laws and regulations, crypto trading and strategic thinking.
The same is true for our exclusive Diploma in Business Administration, where participants are helped to develop a competitive business edge not only through lessons on accounting, finance and communication but also through the real-world application of business and marketing skills.
In short, every course is designed to impart skills that are directly applicable to your life and business.
All you have to do to begin your educational journey is log in, choose the topic that best suits your interests, and get yourself a new digital badge.
Incidentally, all courses are available in English, with several in Arabic, French and Russian.
Best of all, qLearn is available via a mobile app. So, not only can you, as a direct selling entrepreneur, run your business from anywhere in the world, but it’s also possible to study almost anytime and anywhere.
