PRESS RELEASE

Advance your professional and networking skills with IUK microcredential

KOKOMO, Ind. — Want to grow your personal brand? Looking to advance your career?

This fall, you can equip yourself for professional success with a new offering from Indiana University Kokomo’s Achieve Improve Master (AIM) microcredential program.

Participants will join Kersten Brunner, adjunct instructor in business, for an asynchronous online class, Professionalism and Networking. Beginning August 25, the program will explore professional etiquette, personal branding, digital networking, and relationship-building strategies in seven dynamic modules.

“This class is for anyone who wants to advance their career trajectory, improve how they conduct themselves, and expand who they know professionally,” Brunner said. “This is applicable to anyone who is in the beginning, middle, or near the end of their career, who wants to focus on gaining better professional skills, and learning how to build their network in a big way. It opens their ability to gain access to new roles that are in their industry or for roles they might be hiring for. It will help them understand how to better interact and make connections with people that will last and be meaningful.”

Because it is online, she said, it offers flexibility for participants to fit it in the time they have available.

Registration is open until August 18 at go.iu.edu/8u65. Cost is $250, and includes a verified skills digital badge from IU Kokomo, which can be used on LinkedIn or in a digital portfolio.

Brunner – who earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Communication and Culture and a Master of Business Administration from the IU Kelley School of Business – developed the microcredential, which includes modules on professionalism, including how to dress and speak professionally, professional verbiage, and how to conduct oneself in online and in-person settings. It also includes modules focused on networking, to help attendees learn the fundamentals and put them into practice.

“At the end, students will complete a five-year networking plan that will give them a map they can use now and into the future, to not only maintain what they learn in the class, but to continue growing their network outside the class,” she said.

The session is part of IU Kokomo’s AIM program, which offers non-credit-bearing microcredentials called badges. Microcredentials are competencies or certifications in a topic area that can be used to upskill and advance in interpersonal skills or technology, or to equip people to take on new roles or leverage new tools.

IU Kokomo has previously offered microcredentials on topics including Faith Community Nursing, Essentials of Leadership, and Robert’s Rules of Order. Leah Nellis, vice chancellor for innovation and special projects, said additional microcredential programs will also be available in fall 2025. Individuals can enroll directly in existing microcredential programs. However, programs can also be created upon request to meet the needs of local businesses and organizations.

AIM offerings can range from brief programs to year-long or semester-long series. They can be delivered in person, by video conference, online, or in a hybrid format.

For more information, contact Nellis at lmnellis@iu.edu.

Education is KEY at Indiana University Kokomo.