Dropping out of college due to financial constraints is a reality that affects many Filipinos struggling to make ends meet and support their families.
Just this January, the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) sounded the alarm about the country’s dropout rate, which stands at 39%. EDCOM II Executive Director Karol Yee, in a Rappler Talk interview, cited the need to work as one of the reasons why college students are dropping out.
Additionally, a survey conducted by data forensics company The Nerve last March showed that those who were forced to prioritize earning an income over their education tend to end up at a job unrelated to their studies.
While it’s an inevitable decision for some, it leaves workers who dropped out of college feeling stuck in their careers, with no degree to support their growth. As a result, they often struggle to obtain promotions in their field or secure salary increases.
But the desire to continue their education is still there, as the survey showed that gaining financial independence and improving their family’s lives are among the top reasons why students are willing to juggle work and school at the same time.
To help young professionals and students on this front, Mapúa Malayan Digital College (MMDC) created a program where students can earn certified microcredentials that can help them get a leg up in their careers.
What are microcredentials?
For those who aspire to further their careers but cannot commit to becoming a full-time student, MMDC created certification programs that grant microcredentials as a practical alternative to a traditional four-year degree program.
Unlike full college degrees, these certification programs can be completed in as fast as three months, and students can even finish sooner depending on their own pace. It is cost-efficient and significantly more affordable than a full college degree. Participants may opt to pay the full program fee upfront or choose the Pay-As-You-Grow option, which allows them to begin learning with an initial payment of P5,000, and continue by paying for each module as they progress.
Because the certification programs are shorter and less expensive, it’s quicker to reap the benefits.
At the end of a program, students gain certifications from top organizations like Meta, Google, Adobe, and IBM for certain skillsets, including data analytics, digital marketing, virtual assistance, and other in-demand expertise. Newly launched certifications include ESL Instructor, IELTS Preparation, and AI Fundamentals.
As employers increasingly embrace skills-based hiring, microcredentials offer job-seekers a competitive edge. When stacked, these credentials can count toward a degree, unlocking advanced certifications and opening up more career opportunities.
Learning experience
MMDC’s certification programs provide a unique learning experience, aimed at meeting the needs of professionals without a college degree. Its learning pathways are carefully created to align with skills that are in demand by local and global employers.
Not sure where to begin? Start by identifying your career aspirations. Take a good look at where you are, reflect on your accomplishments, and use this to outline your next steps. Are you aiming for a promotion, a career change, or simply looking to hone your skills to gain a competitive edge?
Look for an institution that not only offers programs but also helps students navigate through these questions. Choose a college that provides support and coaching to students even before you start your program. MMDC’s dedicated coaches can help you identify your goals and choose a certification pathway that aligns perfectly with them.
Look for a college that offers certification programs with carefully curated courses. Whether you’re aiming to grow at a local company or planning to venture out globally, MMDC offers industry-vetted course offerings in fields like Virtual Assistance, Social Media Marketing, Content Creation, Digital Marketing & E-Commerce, English Language Training, AI and Data Analytics – some areas that you can focus on to build practical expertise needed to move forward.
Lastly, choose an institution that’s invested in your growth – from your studies, to your career, and beyond. Throughout your learning journey, MMDC can help you stay on track with personalized tools like AI tutors and curated content from top global universities and institutions. After completing the programs, you can have access to career guidance, whether it’s fine-tuning your resume, practicing interview skills, or expanding your network. Through MMDC’s partnerships with companies, internship opportunities and potential job placements are also within reach.
There is no one formula for mapping out the journey to a more fulfilling and advanced career. For many hardworking Filipinos balancing work, professional growth, and providing for their family, microcredentials offer a practical and flexible way to gain skills that help unlock more opportunities. Once you fuel that desire for growth by carefully planning out your next steps, you’re not just learning new skills; you’re making the best investment for yourself and a more secure future.
What first step will you take today to embrace this new chapter? To know more about MMDC Certifications, please visit https://mmdc.mcl.edu.ph/certification-programs. – Rappler.com