Three ways professional certifications can boost student outcomes

When I first considered integrating professional certifications into our curriculum, the primary goal was clear: to help students connect their learning with real-world industry demands. It made sense – these certifications would provide tangible proof of their skills, something they could proudly display on a CV or during a job interview.

What truly surprised me, however, was the ripple effect that followed. Students didn’t just attend the module – they dove into the content with newfound enthusiasm. Discussions became more vibrant, curiosity more contagious and soon the numbers spoke for themselves. Engagement and student outcomes improved, and overall satisfaction reached new heights. It was a transformation I hadn’t expected, but was deeply rewarding to witness.

In the following sections, I’ll share the key insights I gained from incorporating the Bloomberg Professional Certification as a summative assessment in a final-year economics of money, banking and finance class.

Students are apprehensive about new assignment approaches but it drives engagement

Final-year students, in particular, tend to be laser-focused on their degree classifications. With so much at stake, they often shy away from anything that feels uncertain or unconventional. So, when I introduced a new approach to assessment, their initial response was cautious. Many students voiced their concerns, wondering if this method had been thoroughly tested and researched. Their hesitation was palpable.

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Understanding their apprehension, I knew that providing consistent support would be key to easing their concerns. After each lecture, I set aside 30 minutes every week in the Bloomberg room, helping students open accounts and navigate the course. Slowly but surely, the atmosphere began to change. The students who first took the plunge with the certification returned with a newfound confidence and a sense of accomplishment. Word spread and soon they were helping their peers get started, their nervousness replaced by a sense of camaraderie and optimism.

This shift in mindset didn’t just help them with the certification – it transformed the entire classroom dynamic. Our early interactions built a foundation of trust and students became more engaged, more willing to participate in seminars and more open to taking risks in their learning.

Module outcomes improve, but students need more support throughout the term and beyond

The adoption of Bloomberg software has been gradual, with only about 60 per cent of students registering for a Bloomberg account and beginning the certification process by the end of the term. As a result, on-campus office hours had to be extended beyond the Easter break, particularly in the days leading up to submission deadlines, as many students procrastinated. However, providing more support during the term helped save time during the marking period. 

Bloomberg automatically issues a grade out of 100 per cent upon completion, which simplifies the transfer of results to summative grades. The marking process is based on multiple-choice questions and my class achieved a 100 per cent pass rate. 

Non-submission rates also improved, decreasing from 21 per cent to 10 per cent compared with the previous year’s single-piece assessment. This evidence suggests that the Bloomberg certificate assessment setting encourages higher completion rates. In the current educational climate, improving module completion is crucial for universities’ success, and reducing resit rates is equally important for educators, as it alleviates the pressure of marking and administering resits. 

Professional certificates like these not only help students learn industry-relevant material but also contribute positively to higher education sector metrics.

Student satisfaction grows as they see tangible benefits for their prospective careers

Third-year students are focused on their degree classification and future careers, so new initiatives should directly and positively impact both.

Earning a professional certificate by the end of the module is a clear, tangible outcome that enhances their CVs. When introducing new software, remind students of this benefit regularly, ideally on a weekly basis, to keep their motivation high. 

To further support this initiative, I offer a field trip to the Bloomberg building and introduce Bloomberg as a potential employer, an opportunity many students are unaware of. The combination of a field trip and the Bloomberg certification is an effective way to demonstrate the relevance of the certificate. It maintains high motivation, creates a positive classroom atmosphere and ultimately drives student satisfaction. 

Additionally, students can realistically achieve a 100 per cent mark on the Bloomberg certification’s multiple-choice questions, which can significantly boost their module marks. Students appreciate that the marks are objective and directly reflect their effort and willingness to study. This assignment structure gives students a sense of control over their grades in an achievable way, while also offering the added benefits of enhancing their CVs and exploring potential career paths.

Professional certification helps improve student engagement, outcomes and satisfaction, making the module a memorable experience. 

Ekaterina Ipatova is a senior lecturer in finance at the University of Roehampton.

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