Honing communication, collaboration, critical thinking, teamwork and other soft skills helps advance careers. Employers are increasingly demanding these kind of abilities. Not all is IT.
Professionals looking to master this actionable knowledge will find an online opportunity with Rochester Institute of Technology’s Soft Skills Professional Certificate program on edX, which will start on November 28. Enrollment is now open.
“Soft skills are power skills that require practice,” said Andrea Hickerson, director of RIT’s School of Communication and associate professor, who is teaching several of the Soft Skills offerings. “With this new program, professionals can hone the skills they need for promotions and management-level positions.”
The Professional Certificate program consists of six three-week (seven hours per week) offerings that can be taken any time after the start date:
- Business Communication (starts Nov. 28)
- Teamwork and Collaboration (starts Jan. 16, 2018)
- Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving (starts March 6, 2018)
- Storytelling in the Workplace (starts April 24, 2018)
- Public Speaking (starts June 12, 2018)
- Visual Presentation (starts July 31, 2018)
Within each offering, learners will have access to videos from the instructors, readings and discussion boards with other participants. Each module takes about seven hours per week to complete. Exclusive learning opportunities, including live events hosted by subject matter experts, will be available for verified learners who pursue the Professional Certificate.
“RIT has already been able to help more than a quarter million people through edX programs, and we’re excited to add our first Professional Certificate program,” said Thérèse Hannigan, director of RIT Online. “This is a great way for people to get connected to RIT and become aware of our terrific communication programs.”
