Gain the practical, soft skills to meet your career goals
BERKELEY, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–UC Berkeley Extension is pleased to announce that enrollment is now open for the Fall 2022 semester. With hundreds of courses now available, you can close your own skills gap by acquiring not only competency-based knowledge, but essential soft skills. If you’re looking to change careers, advance in your current field or become a competitive applicant to a graduate program, you need to get up to speed quickly.
In today’s workforce, jobs are becoming increasingly hybrid, mixing human and technical skills—and employers and workers alike are still struggling to keep up.
For example, numerous job postings for qualifications in data analytics, project management and business analysis are also requiring excellent communication skills, problem-solving and time management. How do you close the knowledge gap while balancing hard and soft skills?
“Continuing education is a great way to bridge that skills gap,” says Frederick T. Wehrle, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs. “Colleagues around you might talk about new tools and methods they use, and job descriptions might look intimidating. At the same time, employers are not able to hire enough people, and all you are missing for your next step are a few specific competencies or skills. At UC Berkeley Extension, you don’t need to take an entire program or certificate to complete your skill set and be up to date with the latest developments in your field. You can choose courses based on the areas that you feel you’re lacking in. In addition, our courses also allow you to connect with people who are currently in the workforce and so you can get an idea of what their jobs and industry look like.”
When you take a course, you’re learning from experts who share their real-world experiences and bring those hard skills to life. At the same time, you’re expanding your professional network and gaining employer-seeking soft skills such as dependability, teamwork and collaboration, flexibility and problem-solving.
Refresh or enhance your communication skills with Writing Skills Workshop, Effective Writing in the Workplace or Business Communication: Writing and Speaking course.
Mathematics and statistics influence every profession—from animation to public health—as well as our everyday lives. Boost your critical thinking with Introduction to Statistics.
There is not a business today that cannot use some aspect of project management in a very fluid way. Taking an introductory course will add to your leadership and management skill set. Build on your collaboration acumen with Business Negotiating or Effective Leadership and Management.
“The job market has changed rapidly in just these past few years,” notes Assistant Dean Sharon Doyle. “We’re seeing recent university graduates entering into positions that don’t fully reflect their undergraduate studies. Professionals who have been in their roles for the past five or 10 years are suddenly being inundated with data to inform decisions while also needing to showcase their creativity and adaptability. So it’s a great time to reflect on your academic and career path, identify those skills gaps—whether it’s technical proficiency or a soft core skill—and take advantage of open enrollment at UC Berkeley Extension.”
Make sure you are ready for the rapidly shifting future of work landscape by identifying your own skills gap and strengthening your capabilities.
Get Started Today
Visit extension.berkeley.edu to peruse our many fall offerings! From project management to editing to post-baccalaureate programs, you’re sure to find a course or certificate that speaks to your goals.
Simply enroll in a course and you’re on your way—no application needed. It’s time to start your educational journey.
About UC Berkeley Extension
Founded in 1891, UC Berkeley Extension has served as the Professional and Continuing Education Division of the University of California, Berkeley, for more than 130 years. More than 17,000 students enroll each year in our 2,000-plus courses and 70-plus programs. UC Berkeley Extension is dedicated to meeting students where they are, offering courses fully online, in person and in virtual classrooms. Courses that have live lectures mostly meet in the evenings and on weekends to accommodate working adults’ busy schedules. Free public events are also frequently held as part of our service to the local community.
UC Berkeley Extension—like all other UC Berkeley schools, colleges and departments of the University of California, Berkeley—is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Contacts
Media Contact
UC Berkeley Extension
Sarah Benzuly, Director of Creative Services
sbenzuly@berkeley.edu
