Technology & Certifications

The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) defines the Technology competency as the ability to understand and leverage technologies ethically to enhance efficiencies, complete tasks and accomplish goals.

At Providence College, technology competency development begins long before a student applies for an internship or job. It is part of the foundation students build as they explore their interests, strengths, majors and career possibilities.

Through Microsoft Certifications, AI fluency programs, tools such as Jobscan and partnerships across campus, the Chirico Career Center provides hands-on opportunities that strengthen digital fluency, introduce emerging technologies and help students use technology effectively and responsibly. These experiences support the Foundation stage of the Chirico Career Center’s 4-Step Approach while building practical skills students can apply as they explore careers, gain experience, build professional relationships and transition into the workplace.

Technology is not a standalone skill. It is a foundational competency that helps students adapt, solve problems and confidently navigate every stage of their career development.

Microsoft Certifications

Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification is one of the many opportunities that makes the Providence College experience distinctive.

Since launching the Microsoft Certification Program in 2017, the Chirico Career Center has helped students build proficiency in Excel (Core and Expert), Word, PowerPoint and Outlook.

What began as an additional opportunity for students has grown into an important part of the Providence College academic experience. Certification is integrated into the School of Business curriculum through Data Applications in Business (DAB), connected to study abroad and graduation requirements and incorporated into several academic majors. The Chirico Career Center continues to partner with faculty and academic departments to expand opportunities for students to develop these skills.

Through certification, students gain experience with industry-standard technology while strengthening their ability to work efficiently, analyze information and apply technology to accomplish academic and professional goals.

LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning gives students the opportunity to develop technology and professional skills through flexible, online learning. From strengthening digital skills to exploring emerging technologies, students can build practical knowledge they can apply in the classroom, during internships and throughout their careers.

AI Awareness & Fluency

As artificial intelligence transforms the workplace, students need more than exposure to AI. They need the knowledge to understand it, the confidence to use it and the judgment to use it responsibly.

The Chirico Career Center’s Generative AI Foundations certification introduces students to the fundamentals of generative AI, including ethical and responsible use. The program helps students build a foundation for navigating rapidly evolving technologies and prepares them to continue developing their AI fluency throughout college and their careers.

AI Career Tool: Jobscan

Understanding technology also means knowing how it influences the hiring process.

Through Jobscan, an AI-powered career tool, students can strengthen their resumes for applicant tracking systems (ATS), prepare for interviews and receive personalized feedback on their application materials.

More importantly, students gain firsthand experience with how technology is shaping recruiting and learn to use AI-powered career tools thoughtfully and strategically as part of their internship and job search.