In a world where things move at lightning speed, just coasting on your current skills won’t cut it anymore. Especially for Black professionals—whether you’re a millennial hustling for a promotion or Gen Xer looking to pivot into new industries—upskilling is the key to leveling up. It’s not just about staying in the game; it’s about dominating it. Learning new skills doesn’t just set you up for the next step; it helps you rise, thrive and own your space—especially in fields where we’re still pushing for more representation.
Whether you want to transition into leadership, explore new industries or simply sharpen your expertise, upskilling gives you the power to reshape your career path. And for Black professionals, this journey isn’t just about stacking up certificates—it’s about busting down doors where diversity still lags.
Why UC Berkeley Extension is the Move for Your Next Chapter
When it comes to upskilling, UC Berkeley Extension offers certificates that will help you thrive in today’s job market. Being part of a globally respected university, UC Berkeley Extension offers top-tier education with flexible courses that align with where you want to go. Whether you’re thinking of diving into Data Analytics, Digital Marketing, Project Management or prepping for the healthcare field with the Post-Baccalaureate Health Professions Program, we’ve got the courses to equip you with the tools to stand out and make waves.
Visualize This
– Health care careers through post-baccalaureate programs, preparing you to crush it in med school or gain the right knowledge to shine in the healthcare field.
– Project Management skills that teach you how to run teams and lead major projects, making you an essential player in any industry.
– Data Analytics courses to help you decode the numbers and turn data into game-changing strategies that push innovation.
UC Berkeley Extension doesn’t just give you the skills—you’re also tapping into the prestige of one of the best universities in the world. That connection opens doors, gives you networking opportunities and adds extra shine to your résumé that’ll catch any employer’s eye.
Real-World Impact: How Upskilling Changes the Game
Look at people like Brhan Eskinder, a UC Berkeley Extension alum who turned her dreams into reality by shifting gears to a career in dentistry. Brhan’s journey was inspired by her own experience as an immigrant from Ethiopia and seeing her family’s struggles with health care. It was their family orthodontist, Dr. Tracey, who not only fixed their smiles but became a family pillar. When he passed away, Brhan asked herself, “Who’s going to fill that void now?” That question drove her to pursue dentistry and keep his legacy of care alive in her community.
Her story is proof that upskilling can help Black professionals take major strides, especially in industries where we’re often underrepresented. By investing in her education, Brhan didn’t just advance her career—she opened doors for others, showing what’s possible when we break barriers.
Elevate, Empower, Excel
Navigating your career as a Black professional can feel like playing on an uneven field sometimes. With less representation in certain industries and limited networking opportunities, it’s not always easy. But through certificates and courses offered through UC Berkeley Extension, you can break through those barriers by upskilling. Gaining new education puts you in the driver’s seat of your career, creating your own opportunities and showing your value.
UC Berkeley Extension’s UC Excelerator program is designed to help you do just that—accelerate your career. Offering cutting-edge courses, expert mentorship and personalized coaching, the UC Excelerator provides the tools and support needed to thrive in today’s competitive job market. To further increase access to education, the UC Excelerator is a scholarship program, by way of the Career Exploration Award. These scholarships are designed to support motivated adults. These awards help remove barriers and provide opportunities for growth, allowing you to focus on your future with confidence.
With access to world-class education, you’ll be empowered to reach new heights, increase your earning potential, and break into industries where Black professionals are needed more than ever.
Plus, platforms like AfroTech and Blavity are here to help you connect with other Black professionals, share knowledge and uplift each other. These networks, combined with your continuing education, provide the tools, support and connections to help you level up.
AfroTech 2024: Don’t Miss Out
We’re excited to share that UC Berkeley Extension will be at AfroTech 2024 in Houston, Texas. Stop by our booth and chat with us about how our programs can help you reach your career goals. Whether you’re eyeing tech, health care, business or something else, our team will be ready to help you find the right courses to level up your game.
AfroTech is the ultimate event to link up with innovators and leaders in tech, and discover how UC Berkeley Extension’s programs can catapult your career to new heights. Don’t miss this chance to find out how continuing education can help you shape your future.
Bet on Yourself: The Time Is Now
Your career journey is yours to control. Upskilling is more than just picking up new skills. It’s about crafting a future full of possibility. Whether you want to switch fields, climb the corporate ranks or make a splash in health care, UC Berkeley Extension has the programs to get you there.
Join UC Berkeley Extension at AfroTech 2024 in Houston and let’s talk about how UC Berkeley Extension can transform your career. Don’t wait—invest in yourself now and watch your career soar.
