How can a MOOC add to a college graduate’s employability quotient?

Employers aren’t looking just for a degree. They want to know you are going to succeed in the job and that they won’t have to be hunting for your replacement in a few months. Employability from that perspective is not just the ability to put in the time to earn a degree but the ability use what you learned to tackle real-world problems. Here is some ways that MOOCs improve your “employability quotient.”

1. Continuing your education through a MOOC shows initiative and “outside the box” thinking. Enrolling in a MOOC demonstrates due diligence in acquiring necessary skills to be successful in your career. This also shows you have a proactive approach to expanding knowledge base.

2. It demonstrates engagement in a broader dialogue about a subject matter. Taking a MOOC exhibits interest in being part of the conversation and provides exposure to language used in prospective career industries.

3. It extends your professional network. Your classmates in a MOOC are local and global. MOOCs are an opportunity to interact with others interested in the same field. Network to find out why your fellow students are enrolled in the course and to find out about employment opportunities.

In summary, because they are free and have no application or admissions process, MOOCs are a great opportunity for recent college grads. Think of them as a valuable, low investment resource to enhance your skills and marketability in an increasingly competitive job market.