– Here’s How to Enroll Them in Your Programs –
Both the higher-ed and employment landscapes are quickly changing. As Harvard Business Review recently put it, “skills-based hiring is on the rise.”[1]
Employers are now focusing less on a candidate’s traditional education, and more on their skillsets. Not so coincidentally, job seekers are focusing less on obtaining traditional four-year degrees, and more on obtaining micro degrees, or micro credentials.
A recent survey of 1,200 employers showed that 86% believe having a micro-degree enhances the credentials of job candidates. And a whopping 74% of workforce participants interviewed said micro credentials improve their ability to both obtain and perform work, at even entry-level jobs.[2]
This substantial change in education perspectives from both employers and job seekers has been growing for over a decade now. Since 2010, enrollment in traditional undergrad and graduate programs has been trending lower, with millions fewer students now in the system.[3] And since at least 2017, a growing number of companies have begun reducing or completely dropping degree requirements in their hiring process.[4]
In a CNBC interview, Jimmy Etheredge, the CEO of Accenture North America wisely noted, “A person’s educational credentials are not the only indicators of success, so we advanced our approach to hiring to focus on skills, experiences and potential.”[5]
But Accenture is not alone in the “skills shift.” In fact, according to Nickle LaMoreaux, the Chief HR Officer at IBM, roughly half of all the job openings at the tech giant no longer require a four-year college degree…[6]
But do require the skills that can be obtained with a micro degree education.
And it’s not just tech that’s forgoing a traditional EDU background with new hires. Companies in nearly every vertical and business sector have begun to adopt the skillset-mindset as well.
Importantly, today’s adult workforce has seen the writing on the wall and become well aware of the hiring trends and associated benefits of earning micro degrees, even if they already have a four-year degree.
Its why adult learners have turned to career colleges, tech academies and skills schools, to obtain micro credentials.
While this is fantastic news for the alternative higher-education industry, it must be noted that while the demand for micro degrees is there, and growing, schools must still attract students who want to earn them.
Unfortunately, attracting new students is not as simple as listing your micro degree offerings on your website.
You see, although millions of prospective students know the value and benefits of micro degrees, far too few know how or where to obtain one. Simply put, they need to be directly offered the opportunity.
So, if your institution offers micro degrees/micro credentials, you must get directly in front of these prospective students and offer them the opportunity they’re looking for.
Here’s how to enroll them in your programs:
Partner with Conversion Media Group. We specialize in connecting adult learners, those interested in obtaining a micro degree or micro credentials, directly with institutions that offer them.
CMG is in constant telephone, SMS text and email communication with thousands of high-intent adult learners every day!
A large portion of our prospective student base is highly interested in earning micro degrees, but want to hear directly from your institution before enrolling.
And many of these adult learners are ready to enroll immediately or within the next 30-90 days. But it’s up to you to give them that opportunity. They need to hear from you.
We have the prospective students; you have the micro degrees. Let’s make it happen for them!
If you’re interested in learning more about how Conversion Media Group can drive qualified education leads, live transfers, applications, and enrollments to your institution – call one of our education specialists today at: (+1) 800 419 3201.
Or you can contact us HERE, and an adult education enrollment expert will get back with you shortly.
[1] Skills-Based Hiring Is on the Rise (hbr.org)
[2] Micro Credentials Are the Future of Skills-Based Training (skillpointe.com)
[3] U.S. College Enrollment Decline | BestColleges Data Center
[4] Companies eliminate college degree requirement to draw needed workers (cnbc.com)
[5] Companies eliminate college degree requirement to draw needed workers (cnbc.com)
[6] Companies eliminate college degree requirement to draw needed workers (cnbc.com)