Continuing Education Benefits

There are 1.1M credentials but our latest research finds that only 12% offer significant wage gain earners wouldn’t have otherwise gotten. The Burning Glass Institute is launching the Credential Value Index to show which ones work, evaluating the outcomes from 23,000 non-degree credentials from over 2,000 providers, including every certification in America—from Coursera digital marketing certificates to OSHA certifications. To see whether they actually deliver for workers, we analyzed how each changed the course of the careers of 7 million people who had earned them. While only 1 in 3 credentials meet a minimum threshold vs. counterfactual peers for either boosting wages, facilitating career changes, or moving people up within their field, we still found 8,000 credentials that really move the needle for workers—often in ways that are transformative. The top decile of credentials yields annual wage gains of nearly $5,000 vs. counterfactual peers, increases by 7x vs. bottom credentials the chances of switching jobs into an aligned career, and boosts by 17x the probability of an earner’s getting promoted within their current field. We found wide variances in outcomes even for the same credential across named providers–and across the portfolio of credential offerings of even high-reputation providers. That says that learners can’t just trust brands and they can’t just trust that a credential will help just because it’s in a high-paying field. Instead, they need real data to help them make informed decisions. Our goal in this work is practical: to put these evaluations in the hands of workers and learners, employers, education institutions & training providers, and policymakers. The Credential Value Index–available through our Navigator site available on https://lnkd.in/e_BTX9bs –makes all 23,000 evaluations accessible to the public, with easy-to-understand metrics of performance, comparisons with other credentials, and helpful context, like which roles earners find themselves working in, which employers they’re working for, and which skills they master along the way. Our research is summarized in an American Enterprise Institute working paper which I coauthored with AEI senior fellow Mark Schneider and Burning Glass Institute colleagues Shrinidhi Rao, Scott Spitze, and Debbie Wasden. You can find it on https://lnkd.in/ezynMA-v. I want to express my deep thanks to Ellie Bertani, Matt Zieger, and the GitLab Foundation for all they have done to support this initiative. I am grateful for your partnership. And a big thank you to Patti Constantakis and Sean Murphy at Walmart for the opportunity to test this framework in a real-world laboratory. Finally, the Credential Value Index builds on a close partnership with Jobs for the Future (JFF). Many thanks to Maria Flynn, Stephen Yadzinski, and their terrific team. #education #careers #highereducation #learning #skills

We know we need to be lifelong learners, but first, most of us need to know how to learn how to learn. I spent the past hour using ChatGPT, Gemini and Claude to do deep research on this topic that I've been figuring out for over 25 years. The deep research reports are fantastic and fascinating, but are too long to share here. So, here's the TLDR, which Claude helped me to summarise further: 1️⃣ Test yourself, don't reread. Close the book. Try to recall the main idea, solve the problem, or explain the concept aloud before you check. The act of pulling information out of your head is what strengthens it. This technique, called active recall, is the most consistently powerful method in cognitive science. After a meeting, podcast, or article, take 60 seconds to write down what you remember. Then check. (Ian: Most importantly, especially when learning a new skill like using Gen AI, apply your learning to real work problems. Do not leave it in the realm of theory.) 2️⃣ Spread it out. One hour a day for five days beats five hours in one night. The brain consolidates memory during the gaps - especially during sleep. Cramming works for tomorrow's test and nothing else. Revisit a topic after one day, then three, then a week. (Ian: I spend the first two hours of each day learning new things.) 3️⃣ Mix topics. If you're learning prompt engineering, financial modeling, and negotiation, rotate through all three this week, don't block them month by month. Mixing forces your brain to identify which tool fits which problem, which is what real life actually demands. (Ian: Now you know why I write about so many different topics in the same week. Mainly because I get bored doing the same thing.) 4️⃣ Explain it like you're teaching a 12-year-old. Pick a concept. Write or say an explanation in plain language, no jargon. The places you stumble are your real gaps — go fix them, then try again. This is the Feynman Technique. It works because teaching forces retrieval and exposes blind spots that rereading hides. (Ian: I may look like the expert while I'm teaching, but often, I'm learning from my students too.) 5️⃣ Sleep on it. Sleep is when your brain moves the day's learning into long-term storage. Skip sleep before or after a hard learning day and you've done the work without the encoding. A 90-minute nap is also great. Walks help too — they engage the brain's "diffuse mode," where unexpected connections form. (Ian: I figured this out as a teenager. Every time I study hard, I will feel sleepy and just go take a nap. Make it a norm to sleep at your work desk if you really put in the effort.) Also try this: After learning something, spend 60 seconds writing down what you remember. Each Friday, take 15 minutes to answer three questions: What did I learn this week? Where was I wrong? What will I try differently next week? Pick one skill you actually need (eg. using AI tools at work) and spend 25 focused minutes on it three times a week. Test yourself on it!

Your title and number of years of experience in the field  doesn’t guarantee employability. How you approach learning and growth does. In today’s economy, learning effectively is the most valuable skill. It’s the key to mastering new skills,  solving complex problems and what helps you adapt to new challenges. Here are 11 practical tips to help you master the art of learning: 1. Learn in-demand skills:
 ↳ Research market trends and focus on skills companies are hiring for.
 ↳ Stay proactive: don’t wait for outdated skills to hold you back. 2. Use the Feynman Technique:
 ↳ Teach new concepts to someone else in simple terms.
 3. Take smart breaks: ↳ Use the Pomodoro Technique: 25 minutes of focus and a 5-minute break. 3. Chunk your learning:
 ↳ Break big projects or skills into smaller, achievable goals.
 4. Engage with real-world applications:
 ↳ Apply your skills to projects that mirror workplace demands.
 ↳ Portfolio work speaks louder than a title on a resume. 5. Use spaced repetition tools: ↳ Use apps like Anki or Quizlet to review information at strategic intervals. ↳ This method reinforces knowledge and prevents forgetting. 6. Eliminate distractions:
 ↳ Put your phone in another room or use apps that block notifications. 7. Practice interleaving:
 ↳ Mix learning different but related topics to improve problem-solving. 8. Optimize your learning environment:
 ↳ Use a quiet, comfortable space for focus.
 ↳ Occasionally change settings to keep your brain engaged. 9. Build soft skills actively:
 ↳ Effective communication, teamwork, and adaptability are just as critical as technical skills.
 ↳ Practice these through networking, collaboration, and role-playing scenarios. 10. Seek feedback and iterate:
 ↳ Don’t fear constructive criticism, it’s a powerful growth tool.
 ↳ Adapt and refine your learning based on feedback. 11. Commit to lifelong learning:
 ↳ The job market evolves constantly, your learning should, too.
 ↳ Stay curious and open to growth, no matter where you are in your career. Effective learning isn’t about working harder—it’s about working smarter. Commit to continuous learning, and watch it transform your career. ♻️ Repost to inspire smarter growth.
🔔 Follow Terezija for more insights. #learning #softwaredevelopment #techwithterezija #linkedinlearninginstructor

When they dismantled our award-winning DEIA program at NASA yesterday, something unexpected happened: I felt fine. After 5 years building anti-bias frameworks, training teams, and embedding systemic change deep enough to win government recognition, an Executive Order wiped it away. But here's the truth - you can't erase transformed mindsets or unlearn cultural competence. The secret? I never saw this work through the lens of personal ownership. Power shifts. That's its nature. The initiatives were never "mine" or "ours" to lose. While I empathize with fellow DEI practitioners, I hope the grief doesn't eclipse opportunity. There's a new system being built, one without centuries of embedded bias: Artificial Intelligence. This is where the real opportunity lies. Every DEI practitioner leaving a legacy institution should be stepping into tech teams. Our skills - understanding bias, building inclusive frameworks, navigating complex human systems - are exactly what AI development needs. It's the Wild West of governance right now, and we need to be there. Either we help shape how AI evolves, or we watch from the sidelines as old biases get hardcoded into humanity's next chapter. The future isn't in fighting old battles. It's in ensuring the next great technological revolution doesn't repeat history's mistakes. Like with DEI - people will be locked out by odd requirements, and certifications that cost thousands and thousands of dollars. All suddenly required to be an AI Responsibility "practitioner." This is why, myself and AI Responsibility pioneer and Aspen Fellow, Jordan Loewen-Colón, PhD are launching the first SHRM-credited AI Equity Architect™ credential on March 3. We're focused on governance, evaluating bias in tools and strategic transformation. Because what's the saying? Fool me once....

Don't burn your GI Bill on certifications. Many of these certifications are free for veterans. I’ve seen too many people spend their GI Bill or pay out of pocket, only to find out later they could have gotten those same certs for free. Huge mistake. Don't be one of them. If you're active duty, transitioning, a veteran, or a military spouse, you have access to free certifications and training programs. Take advantage. Here are some worth knowing: 𝐀𝐂𝐓 𝐍𝐨𝐰 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐚 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭 → One full year free → 27 professional certificates → 12,000+ courses from Google, IBM, AWS, and more → https://lnkd.in/eGG4_Rgm 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 / 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝 → Free Salesforce training and certification exams → https://lnkd.in/gqjJfcBn 𝐎𝐧𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐎𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 / 𝐎𝟐𝐎 → 36 professional certifications across IT, cyber, cloud, and business → https://qrco.de/o2ocert 𝐕𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡 / 𝐕𝐞𝐭𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡 → Cybersecurity, cloud, and IT certifications → https://qrco.de/vitcert 𝐂𝐲𝐛𝐞𝐫𝟒𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐞𝐬 / 𝐌𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 → Up to 7 cybersecurity certifications with exam vouchers and career support → https://lnkd.in/gFT_9viS 𝐒𝐀𝐍𝐒 𝐂𝐲𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐲 → Competitive GIAC cybersecurity certification opportunities → https://lnkd.in/gGU6DN4E 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐬𝟐𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 → Up to $1,000 toward industry-recognized certifications or professional licenses → Paid directly to the training provider → https://lnkd.in/gMNTu88D 𝐂𝐲𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝐂𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 / 𝐂𝐖𝐂𝐓 → CompTIA and EC-Council certifications at no cost → https://qrco.de/cwct 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐝 𝐕𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬 → AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud training and certification prep → https://qrco.de/cloudvet 𝐍𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 → No-cost IT training and certifications in multiple states → https://qrco.de/npower 𝐏𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐬 → Free tech training with industry certifications and career support → https://qrco.de/perscholas 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐤 𝐂𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 → Data and cybersecurity certifications → https://lnkd.in/gyguXZU7 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐆𝐏𝐓 𝐏𝐥𝐮𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 → 1 year free for eligible transitioning service members and veterans → https://lnkd.in/gEM83Fcy Before you pay out of pocket, check these first. Before you use your GI Bill, check these first. That benefit was earned through service. Do not burn it on something you may be able to get for free. Save your benefits. Save this post. Use the free lanes first.

You don't need to have it all figured out. (And thinking you do will hold you back): If there's one thing I've struggled with deeply over the years, it's imposter syndrome and the pressure to "know it all." The world is changing so fast that trying to keep up with everything is an impossible goal that will keep you stuck. Here's the trap most professionals fall into: → Focusing on being the smartest person in the room → Trying to master everything (spoiler: you can't) → Pretending to have answers rather than staying curious This exhausting cycle is what I call an "un-winnable game." Here's what helps: 1. Focus on principles over tactics → Don't "learn ChatGPT" - understand how LLMs work → Learn the principles that stay true over time There are hundreds of new AI models, but they all do the same thing: transform input into output through learned patterns. 2. Make "I don't know" your superpower → Turn uncertainty into curiosity ("why does this work?") → Build trust through honesty, not false expertise People respect authentic curiosity more than false confidence. 3. Embrace thinking like a beginner → Approach each day as a chance to learn, not perform → Ask "dumb" questions without hesitation The moment you stop pretending to be a guru, life becomes infinitely more enjoyable. 4. Learn from everyone → Don't only look to experts for insights → Junior people often see what experts miss A beginner can see things an expert can't and vice versa. 5. Build learning systems → Focus on how to find answers, not memorising them → Develop networks of smart people you can learn from Your learning velocity matters more than your current knowledge. 6. Choose depth over breadth strategically → Go deep in 2-3 core areas that matter most → Don't try to be an expert in everything Specialists who connect dots across disciplines always win. 7. Share your learning journey publicly → Document what you're discovering in real-time → Admit mistakes and course corrections openly Teaching is the fastest way to learn. The uncomfortable truth: Experts often become prisoners of their own expertise. It doesn't matter how senior you are - there's always more to discover. What's one thing you're excited to learn more about this year? --- PS: If you want weekly insights and practical guidance on leveraging AI, I write a free newsletter here: https://leverageai.co/ Enjoy this? ♻️ Repost it to your network and follow Owain Lewis for more.

LET’S TALK CERTIFICATIONS ☑️ I talk to a lot of people who are pivoting into cybersecurity, and one of the most common frustrations I hear is feeling stuck because they can’t afford certifications like Security+, which are often seen as a baseline requirement to land a role. Here's the thing: I don’t believe people in tough situations and looking for a job should be stressed over investing hundreds or even thousands of dollars into certifications just for the possibility of landing a role. This is why I always encourage aspiring cybersecurity professionals, especially career transitioners, to seek out free or discounted resources to help pay for these exams. 💻✨ Here are some practical ways to get your certification exam (like CompTIA Security+) sponsored or covered without paying out of pocket: 1.) 🎓 Scholarships for career changers: Organizations like BlackGirlsHack / BGH Foundation, Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS), SANS Institute, and many more, often offer scholarships that fully or partially cover certification costs. 2.) 🏢 Local workforce development programs: Your state or county’s employment office or workforce commission may have grants or training funds that cover IT certifications (especially for unemployed or underemployed individuals). 3.) 🧾 Employer reimbursement or upskilling programs: If you’re already employed (even outside of tech), check if your employer has tuition reimbursement or professional development budgets that can be used toward certifications. 4.) 🧠 Bootcamps and training programs with built-in vouchers: Some programs (e.g., Per Scholas, Year Up United, NPower) provide free training and include a voucher for the exam upon completion. 5. 🫱🏽 Nonprofits & community orgs: Many nonprofits focused on diversifying tech offer exam sponsorships or study program partnerships, often under-advertised but powerful resources. 6. 🕵🏽 Veteran & military benefits: If you’re a veteran or eligible family member, programs like U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs GI Bill may cover certification exam costs, including Security+. 7. 🪙 LinkedIn raffles & giveaways: Many security professionals and organizations raffle off exam vouchers to support people breaking into the field. Searching for “Security+ voucher giveaway” or “certification sponsorship” can surface these opportunities. 8. 🌐 Crowdsourced or peer sponsorships: Some professionals and groups will sponsor exams for people they mentor or meet through online communities and study groups. Don’t underestimate the power of asking. 💬 For my Network: If you’ve come across other creative ways to get certifications like Security+ paid for, drop them in the comments. Someone reading this might be one resource away from starting their cybersecurity career. Let’s make breaking into tech a little more accessible together. 🖤🔐 #Scholarships #FreeResources #CertificationSponsorship #Upskilling #WorkforceDevelopment #TechTraining

7 Tips to Master Learning Anything: (and transform your career) In today’s fast-changing world, learning is your most powerful tool. Mastering how to learn effectively will set you apart. Here are 7 tips to make learning a lifelong skill: 1. 𝗘𝗺𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹 → Passive reading won’t stick. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗶𝗽: Quiz yourself on new information to strengthen memory. 2. 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝗶𝘁 𝗗𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 → Small chunks are easier to absorb and retain. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗶𝗽: Break complex topics into smaller, manageable parts for daily learning. 3. 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 → Revisit information over time to keep it fresh. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗶𝗽: Use a spaced schedule (like flashcards) to reinforce long-term memory. 4. 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗲𝘆𝗻𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗶𝗾𝘂𝗲 → Teaching clarifies understanding. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗶𝗽: Explain the topic in simple terms as if teaching someone else. 5. 𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀 → Different perspectives deepen understanding. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗶𝗽: Use videos, books, podcasts, and hands-on practice to get a well-rounded view. 6. 𝗦𝗲𝘁 𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗚𝗼𝗮𝗹𝘀 → Intentional learning leads to better results. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗶𝗽: Define what you want to learn and why—then track your progress. 7. 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 → Reflection helps identify knowledge gaps. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗶𝗽: After each learning session, take a few minutes to review and journal insights. Mastering learning is mastering your future. What else would you add? Let me know in the comments below 👇 --- ♻️ Find this helpful? Repost for your network. ➕ Follow Dr Alexander Young for daily insights on productivity, leadership, and AI.

There’s a lot of noise around AI careers. What’s harder to find is clear, credible pathways that actually lead somewhere. This is a solid snapshot of what Microsoft is putting behind the ecosystem right now 👇 Real programs. Real certifications. Real skill-building. What I appreciate about these opportunities: • They’re structured — not random courses stitched together • They cover multiple entry points: beginners, career switchers, veterans, and advanced learners • They focus on job-aligned skills, not just theory • Many are free or low-cost, with certifications that employers actually recognize This isn’t just about “learning AI.” It’s about building capability — cloud, cybersecurity, AI fundamentals, and applied skills that show up in real roles. If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to move forward in tech: - You don’t need everything at once. - You need one clear starting point. Pick the path that matches where you are today: – Exploring tech for the first time – Transitioning into cloud or AI – Upskilling to stay relevant – Turning learning into credentials that travel with you The gap in today’s market isn’t motivation. It’s direction. Microsoft is quietly doing what many platforms don’t — building bridges between learning, validation, and opportunity. If you had to choose one program from this list, which one aligns best with your next career move — and why?

🔥 “You don’t have the experience we’re looking for.” 🔥 That was the rejection I kept hearing early in my career. I had the skills. I had the passion. But hiring managers wanted proof—something that validated my expertise. Then, I discovered certifications. Earning my first one was a game-changer. It boosted my credibility, opened doors, and gave me the confidence to command better opportunities. If you’re struggling to break in or level up in clinical research, certifications can be your shortcut to standing out. Here are some of the top ones to consider: ✅ CCRA – For CRAs (monitoring & compliance) ✅ CCRP – Broad certification for various research roles ✅ ACRP-CP – Validates clinical research knowledge ✅ SOCRA CCRP – Globally recognized for compliance ✅ RAC – Ideal for regulatory & compliance roles 💡 Certifications = Credibility + Career Growth + More Opportunities! Which one are you working on? Drop a comment! 👇 📩 Want more insights? Download this infographic in my newsletter "The Research Navigator."