Microcredentials return after successful winter break pilot

During Winter Break 2025, more than 75 Carleton students participated in the Career Center’s Microcredentials initiative, a new pilot component of Carleton’s Externship Experience signature program. Designed to help students build in-demand technical skills, Microcredentials offer short, hands-on learning experiences that prepare students for internships, jobs, and future career opportunities.

Due to strong student interest, the Career Center will offer two of the most popular Microcredential courses during Spring Break 2026:

• Level 1: Excel Basics
  Wednesday, March 18 and Thursday, March 19 | 5:30–7:30 p.m. CT
  
• Level 2: Excel Intermediate
  Friday, March 20 | 10:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m. CT
  (Prerequisite: Level 1 Excel Basics, completed during Winter Break 2025 or Spring Break 2026)

The Career Center is excited to continue partnering with AESOP Academy Skills Accelerator to offer these live, virtual Microcredential courses, which are free for students who register and participate. Using a “learn by doing” approach, the courses help students build confidence while gaining job-ready skills valued across industries.

The Microcredentials application form will open on Monday, February 23, and close on Friday, March 6. Each course has 35 spots available, and registration will close early if capacity is reached. 

Student Testimonial from the Microcredentials Pilot

Due to my experience with AESOP, I have grown immensely in my technical skills and confidence working with data, as well as my ability to collaborate and work with a team towards a shared goal.

I know the skills I acquired will positively distinguish me when I apply to graduate school and become a research scientist.

Mr. Panidis is an incredible teacher and mentor, with an infectious enthusiasm for the material. He cultivates a supportive and welcoming environment that provides students the opportunity to learn and thrive.

– Abigail G. ’28, Undeclared

The experience I gained through AESOP Academy has been invaluable for my educational and professional journey, and I have no doubt it will continue to serve me well for my entire career.

Participating in Panos’s experiential, project-based courses helped me develop not only my practical skills but also my interpersonal abilities. By creating a collaborative and supportive learning environment, AESOP ensures that lessons in leadership, teamwork, and collaboration supplement students’ technical education.

Thanks to my participation in multiple AESOP workshops, I feel well-versed in the essential technical and soft skills sought after across various professions. I highly recommend that any student who has the opportunity to attend AESOP Academy’s programming take advantage of the high-value learning they can gain through participation.

– Clover K. ’28, Chemistry

…I decided to attend all AESOP Academy workshops to expand my skills in project management, AI prompting, and data analysis using SQL and Excel. What a great decision!

Through facilitated team collaboration and great presentation skills, Panos fostered a supportive and engaging environment that boosted my leadership and technical skills to solve real-world problems!

…AESOP Academy prepared me to become more active in all aspects of my life. I acquired skills in managing and conducting research projects, facilitating group work, and analyzing data for my science courses, extracurricular activities, and personal projects.

After the workshops, I gained confidence that I will set my best foot forward in all the research projects and positions I am undertaking now and in the future!

– Edwin P. Q. ’28, Environmental Studies