Mike Fasil had much to celebrate when he graduated Friday alongside thousands of others from George Mason University.
What sets his résumé apart is a digital technology credential he earned from George Mason that educators say will soon be offered in several universities in the District and Virginia.
This new marker of achievement reflects growing demand from employers for graduates with fluency in core tech subjects, no matter what they are majoring in. It also shows the business community’s deep ties to higher education — relationships educators and executives insist will not compromise academic quality or independence.
Companies are not “dictating the curriculum.” Instead, they are sending “a very strong signal” about the workforce they need.
To help universities, business leaders drew up a list of 41 skills they look for in a job candidate with general fluency in digital technology. For example, they want graduates who can:
●Demonstrate how data can be used to reduce uncertainty and risk in decision-making.
●Show knowledge of probability and standard statistical distributions.
●Use a computer application to manage large amounts of information.
●Visualize data using displays including tables, dashboards, graphs, maps and trees.
●Identify data situations vulnerable to insider threats.
Read the complete Washington Post Article by Nick Anderson: https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/businesses-and-universities-team-up-on-a-new-digital-technology-credential/2019/05/19/f7152632-726a-11e9-9f06-5fc2ee80027a_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.ae29c313e668
