AI + Career Readiness: Embedding Google Credentials Across Courses

As workforce expectations evolve, integrating industry-recognized AI credentials into academic courses provides a valuable pathway to enhance career readiness and digital literacy. This presentation highlights a cross-course initiative at SUNY Oneonta in which two instructors embed Google AI credentials into career-focused courses: Accelerate Your Job Search with AI and Google AI Essentials in PROF 2094 which is a five-week introductory career exploration course.

Both courses follow an augment model, where selected credential modules enhance—rather than replace—existing course content. In PROF 2094 Special Topics Career Searching & AI Use, students build foundational AI skills, including prompt writing, ethical use, and productivity applications using tools like Gemini, AI Studio, and Google Colab. In PROF 2094 Special Topics in Professional Studies: Leveraging AI in your Career Search, students use tools such as Career Dreamer and Gemini to identify transferable skills, explore career options, and develop personalized career plans.

Credential activities are integrated into reflections, presentations, and final projects, requiring students to critically evaluate AI-generated insights. Students also reflect on ethical considerations, including bias and responsible use of AI. Credential completion is required and graded, ensuring alignment with course learning outcomes and academic rigor.

This session will share the integration process, alignment strategies, assessment methods, offering practical guidance for embedding industry credentials into curriculum to improve student engagement and workforce readiness.

Speaker Biography

Corrine Armstrong is a dynamic higher education professional who serves as a Career Counselor in the Career Planning and Networking Center at SUNY Oneonta. Bringing a student-centered, instructional approach to her work, Corrine specializes in guiding students through resume and cover letter, designing and facilitating interactive events. Beyond direct student advisement, she brings her expertise to the larger professional community, regularly serving as an instructor and presenting at regional conferences on emerging trends in career development, AI, and student success. Data-driven and strategic, she actively tracks participation trends and conducts post-event reviews to continuously optimize future programming, including major networking events.

Corrine holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA), a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management, and a Bachelor of Science in Art with a concentration in Art History. Committed to ongoing professional excellence, she is MBTI Certified, a member of the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), and an active volunteer within her local community.

Serap Gurak Ozdemir is an Internship Facilitator at SUNY Oneonta, where she supports students in securing and succeeding in meaningful internship experiences. She collaborates closely with faculty and site supervisors to develop internship opportunities, guide students through the application and registration process, and prepare them for career success. In her role, she also teaches career-focused coursework, helping students build professional skills, articulate their learning, and confidently navigate their career paths.

Serap holds a Master of Science in Creative Studies from SUNY Buffalo State, which informs her approach to student development, problem-solving, and experiential learning. She is also a member of the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), reflecting her commitment to staying aligned with best practices in career readiness and workforce development.