Navigating College Credits with Life Experience
If you think school is the only place to pick up education that counts, think again. University of Phoenix is challenging this by recognizing the value of the hustle and grind working adults go through. During the recently wrapped-up National Transfer Student Week, Devin Andrews, their VP of Admissions and Evaluation, shed light on an important, yet overlooked chance to earn academic credit through prior learning.
Decoding Credit for Prior Learning
Let’s break it down. You've worked your tail off, learned new skills on the job, maybe even through military service or professional training, but never thought that knowledge could transfer into a degree. Turns out, you're not alone. A survey by The Harris Poll found that a whopping 90% of U.S. workers are constantly learning on the job, yet 41% don't see how these experiences could translate into academic credits. That's a missed opportunity if you ask me.
Andrews comments, "Working adults develop knowledge and skills throughout their lives, but many don't realize that learning may have value toward a college degree."
University of Phoenix is set on changing this perception by promoting Credit for Prior Learning (CPL). It's a simple concept: recognize and credit what you already know, possibly shaving significant time and money off your degree process. On average, students saved an enticing $5,555 in tuition through this program.
Steps to Earn College Credit for What You Already Know
Here's a no-nonsense guide to getting college credit for all those hard-earned skills:
- Identify Your Experiences: Take stock of all relevant work experiences, military service, training, or any industry certifications you've picked up along the way. Dig through your records, catalog what you’ve learned.
- Document and Show Off: You need to bring proof to the table. Gather certifications, training records and be ready to demonstrate your knowledge, maybe through assessments or portfolios.
- Evaluate Your Path: Get clued in on how these credits apply to your chosen degree. This includes how it affects your study timeline and dollar outlay. Knowing these nuts and bolts before signing up ensures you're making a savvy investment in your education.
Previous college credits? Dust those off too. Andrews encourages potential students to seek transfer credit opportunities for all past coursework, potentially cutting more corners in your journey to graduation.
The Bigger Picture Impact
This isn't just about individual gains. Recognizing prior learning is a game-changer for employers too, rethinking how professional development is approached. Andrews' white paper, "Untapped Potential: How Credit for Prior Learning Can Redefine Employer Outlook on Professional Development," dives into how this can revolutionize workforce strategies. If companies get on board, employees aren't just advancing their education—they’re advancing their careers, feeding into a well-prepped, skilled workforce.
Opportunities Await
For those treading the path to higher education, opportunities abound. University of Phoenix offers resources for taking advantage of these saving opportunities through their Prior Learning Assessment. Don't be left wondering if your career experience holds any weight in academia—it likely does, if you know where to look.
University of Phoenix doesn't just want you stuck in a classroom— they want your career, your life experiences, to truly count towards your future. In an ever-evolving job market, it's got to be about blending the real-time skills you've been honing with formal education to keep you at the top of your game.
