Pro Skills Connects Classroom to Co-Curricular Learning

TCU’s new Pro Skills Certificate equips students to bridge the gap between classroom knowledge and real-world success, with skills that can make an impact in every major, career and post-grad plan. Designed for all students – from first-year to senior, engineering to theatre major – the online, self-paced micro-credential program is administered by Student Success in the Division of Student Affairs. 

TCU Pro Skills includes modules in practical skills that connect classroom and co-curricular learning to boost success and enhance the academic experience at TCU. It was conceived with the idea of helping students to gain skills, make meaning of their experiences in college and articulate their in- and out-of-classroom learning, explained Keri Cyr, executive director of Student Success.

“You can be a great student, but if excellent grades are the only way you have to prove your knowledge, and you struggle to manage your time, communicate your points, work with others or manage stress, you are not going to be as successful or satisfied with yourself,” Cyr said.  

Critical thinking, teamwork and communication are ranked as top skills that employers want in new college grads, according to both the Association of American Colleges and Universities and the National Association of Colleges and Employers.  

“Students struggle to make time to do the things they want to do, and this program helps them work smarter, not harder, to get where they want to go,” she said.  

TCU’s Pro Skills is just one of many programs available to TCU students, but it’s designed to work seamlessly with other learning opportunities. Pro Skills can be integrated into in-person workshops and there are digital recognition kits that can be shared on LinkedIn, where students are already cultivating their professional profile, Cyr said. 

Future potential for Pro Skills includes partnering with campus experts on topics that aren’t already covered in the curriculum. The modules also have the potential to be integrated into many existing programs on campus, such as student leader/worker training, professional prep programs or simply as a suggestion from faculty or staff when they notice a student is struggling with something specific. 

Visit the Pro Skills website or email Student Success for more information.