{"id":34,"date":"2023-02-04T22:11:01","date_gmt":"2023-02-04T22:11:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dvc.mycareerfocus.org\/summer-2023-volume-6-issue-1\/continuing-education-certificates-offer-a-competitive-career-advantage\/"},"modified":"2023-06-19T18:57:03","modified_gmt":"2023-06-19T18:57:03","slug":"fast-track-your-dreams-with-a-short-term-certificate-from-dvc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dvc.mycareerfocus.org\/summer-fall-2023-volume-6-issue-1\/fast-track-your-dreams-with-a-short-term-certificate-from-dvc\/","title":{"rendered":"Fast Track Your Dreams with a Short-Term Certificate from DVC"},"content":{"rendered":"

Miguel Luna knew he needed to solidify a career direction. He had work experience in tax preparation and computer repair and a bachelor\u2019s degree in psychology but felt he hadn\u2019t yet landed on the right career choice.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wanted to find a career that I\u2019m truly passionate about, one where I\u2019ll look forward to going to work every day,\u201d said Luna.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Luna decided to enroll at DVC to find a career that brought his skills and interests together, while also ensuring that he would be marketable when beginning his job search.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Miguel<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wanted a career where I could enjoy technology, explore my creativity, utilize my background in psychology, and experiment with video and photography. I knew that a career in digital marketing would be a great fit,\u201d said Luna. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Luna is now pursuing two certificates of achievement – one in digital marketing, and the other in business marketing. He is also applying his new-found skills on the job as a social media intern at DVC, gaining relevant experience he will leverage after he graduates.<\/span><\/p>\n

“If you are looking for a faster route to employment, and especially if you are wanting a career change, earning a certificate can help pave the way to your new career,\u201d said Luna.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Certificate programs create flexible, accessible options\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

\u201cWhen I was three years old, I was in a near-drowning accident that resulted in me having a traumatic brain injury. This <\/span>a<\/span>ffected my motor skills and speech. <\/span>And<\/span> d<\/span>ue to my disability, I cannot drive,\u201d said Samantha Muir.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Samantha<\/span><\/p>\n

Muir decided to enroll in the computer information systems (CIS) program at DVC. The CIS program offers numerous short classes that are all fully online. She also accessed support and resources through DVC Disability Support Services (DSS).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe aid I\u2019ve received from DSS has been really helpful. I\u2019ve received assistance with notetaking, mobility, and extra time on exams,\u201d said Muir.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Muir sees the DVC CIS program as a stepping-stone to her first job, which will lead to a long-term career.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI find the CIS program to be exciting. So far, I have earned the CORE certificate of achievement, but I plan to earn more CIS certificates. I also am looking forward to receiving my associate in science,\u201d said Muir.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Career-defining skills in less time<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"GreyGrey Bratt completed a bachelor of arts in history, but soon realized that a life dedicated to research and writing wasn\u2019t satisfying.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEven though I had earned a degree, it didn’t prepare me for jobs that interested me. I enrolled in a certificate program at DVC to find a career I could love,\u201d said Bratt.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Bratt had a bit of experience in web design from middle school, so it felt natural to pursue a certificate in web design.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI knew some basic coding already, but the program really challenged my design skills. The classes really push you to discover how to overcome challenges in a way that works for you. If you get stuck, the professors are there to support you,\u201d said Bratt.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Bratt highly recommends that students consider a certificate program. While a degree requires many general education classes, a certificate is designed to quickly prepare you for employment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll my classes were directly relevant to my career, no need for extra core classes or electives just to fill requirements. I\u2019m now finishing my portfolio and have started looking for jobs,\u201d said Bratt.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Short-term certificates at DVC<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"DVCDVC offers both certificates of achievement and certificates of accomplishment in numerous areas. Certificates of accomplishment are typically 9-14 units, while certificates of achievement require between 15-50 units, compared to 60 units for an associate degree. Units earned for a shorter credential can be used to meet the requirements of a longer credential in the same field. Earning a certificate can often serve as a launchpad to careers in business, healthcare, finance, technology, and more. Below are just some of the many certificate program options available at DVC.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Art digital media (ARTDM)\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Students develop skills leading to careers in graphic design, interaction design, animation, or game design.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n

Certificate of accomplishment<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n