Micro-credential seminar for MAKÜ students

Our university organized an important educational seminar to inform undergraduate students about micro-credential programs. While the intense interest of university students in the seminar was noteworthy, the role and importance of micro-credentials in today's business world were emphasized during the event.

Why Are Micro-Credentials Important?

In the seminar given by Rector's Advisor Prof. Dr. Ali Murat Alparslan, it was conveyed to the students why the concept of micro-credentials holds great importance for professional success. Prof. Dr. Alparslan included the following statements in his speech:

“When we graduate, is our diploma sufficient for our profession or not? We need to know the answer to this question clearly. This is not a situation unique to our university; it applies to students graduating from all higher education institutions. To gain a competitive advantage in the professions of the future, having only a diploma may not be enough. To be successful in the business world, individuals need to acquire additional skills and continuously improve themselves.”

Prof. Dr. Alparslan stated that micro-credentials are becoming increasingly important, referring to the latest report of the World Economic Forum. According to the report, the skill gap in the global workforce is at 70%, and this gap is seen as a major problem by employers. It was stated that employers organize internal and external training programs to equip their employees with new skills, and 85% of these programs are offered to managers. Additionally, it was emphasized that in the human resources sector, candidates with new skills are preferred at a rate of 70% during recruitment processes.

Micro-Credentials and Preparation for the Future

Prof. Dr. Alparslan mentioned that in today's business world, in addition to macro-credentials (university diplomas and main academic programs), micro-skills also hold great importance. He stated that micro-credentials provide a competitive advantage, especially in professional life. Referring to LinkedIn data, Alparslan conveyed that micro-based recruitment rates have increased by 63%, indicating the growing need for new skills in today's business world. Alparslan also emphasized that the most important success of individuals during university life is related to what they add to themselves outside of the existing curricula.

Alparslan stated that education must keep up with the constantly changing world conditions and said:

“The world of education is struggling to keep up with the pace of change in technology and business life. A skill program that is valid today may lose its validity in a few years. Therefore, individuals need to possess three fundamental characteristics: being adaptive, showing flexibility, and centering continuous learning. Today, it is not enough to be content with only university education. We must continuously improve ourselves, acquire new skills, and adapt to changing conditions. Otherwise, like being on a rapidly advancing bicycle, we fall behind the moment we stop.”

At the end of the seminar, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Oğuz Gürsoy, Rector's Advisor Prof. Dr. Ali Murat Alparslan, and Education and Training Development Coordinator and Institute of Educational Sciences Director Prof. Dr. Perihan Ünüvar answered questions from the students. 

Our university will continue similar informative events to contribute to the careers of students.