In-Person Program
Essential Professional Skills Microcredential
Program Overview
Earning our NEW Essential Professional Skills Microcredential can help you succeed in your career and make meaningful contributions to your organization.
Microcredential requirements:
3 courses of your choice
1 technology elective
Completed your coursework? Request a certificate of completion here.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This program includes courses that cover the essential skills that every professional should possess in order to excel in their careers. Communication skills are crucial for effective collaboration with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders. Strong communication skills include active listening, clear and concise verbal and written communication, and the ability to tailor communication to different audiences.
Additionally, time management and organizational skills are vital for meeting deadlines, managing multiple projects, and prioritizing tasks efficiently. This includes the ability to plan and execute projects, manage workloads, and maintain focus in a fast-paced work environment.
Program Courses
Please click the course titles below for details.
NEW! Essential Marketing Skills for Today’s
Professionals (Feb. 4, 2026)
Strategic Content Creation (Feb. 10, 2026)
Basic Project Management (Feb. 11, 2026)
Beat the Clock: Learn to Be a Planner (Feb. 12, 2026)
Building Effective Teams Through Communication (Feb. 17, 2026)
Communicating with Impact (Feb. 25, 2026)
Effective Presentations (March 3, 2026)
NEW! From Blank Page to Branded: Canva Skills
for Business (March 4, 2026)
Business & Financial Concepts (March 5, 2026)
Conflict Management Through Self-Evaluation (March 5, 2026)
NEW! Adult Stress Management Bootcamp (March 26, 2026)
Strategic Content Creation (April 2, 2026)
Listening to Hear: Enhancing Communication Skills (April 7, 2026)
Goal Setting for Success (April 28, 2026)
Understanding Emotional Intelligence &
Performance (May 14, 2026)
NEW! Essential Marketing Skills for Today’s
Professionals (Aug. 12, 2026)
Basic Project Management (Aug. 27, 2026)
Listening to Hear: Enhancing Communication Skills (Sept. 3, 2026)
Strategic Content Creation (Sept. 8, 2026)
NEW! From Blank Page to Branded: Canva Skills
for Business (Sept. 9, 2026)
Communicating with Impact (Sept. 9, 2026)
Goal Setting for Success (Sept. 15, 2026)
Beat the Clock: Learn to Be a Planner (Sept. 17, 2026)
Building Effective Teams Through Communication (Sept. 24, 2026)
Conflict Management Through Self-Evaluation (Oct. 13, 2026)
Effective Presentations (Oct. 13, 2026)
NEW! Adult Stress Management Bootcamp (Oct. 15, 2026)
Business & Financial Concepts (Oct. 15, 2026)
Understanding Emotional Intelligence &
Performance (Nov. 12, 2026)
Technology Elective (Choose one of the Workplace Technology Essentials courses.)
Meet Your Instructors
Naomi Asher
Naomi Asher is executive director of the United Way of Anderson County. She is a graduate of Johnson University, where she double majored in music and theology. Asher also earned an M.B.A. in marketing from King University.
She is the Chief Development Officer for Boys and Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley.
Kelly Drummond
Dr. Kelly Drummond is a certified professional in human resources through the HR Certification Institute and the Society for Human Resource Management. As the current director of human resources with the City of Knoxville, Drummond administers the compensation/classification system, talent acquisition, pre-employment processes, employee training, employee relations, succession planning, and assists directors in employee discipline.
She previously worked as the vice president of human resources and leadership development with the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley and the executive director of human resources for Knox County Schools. She also served as a national trainer for Boys & Girls Clubs of America and facilitated national trainings on leadership, human resources development, employee motivation, and personal effectiveness. Drummond earned a doctorate degree in education with a concentration in human resource development from Lincoln Memorial University.
Alexia Georghiou
Alexia Georghiou is a recognized voice in HR who has spoken to national and international audiences. Her book, The Future of Work is Human and the Future of Success is Happiness, has been featured at SHRM25, SHRM Talent, UPEACE Executive Education, TN SHRM Conference & Expo, and TECTA East Leadership Conference. Her company, the Knoxville Happiness Coalition, is a SHRM recertification provider, where Alexia provides leadership and organizational development programs and coaching.
Randy Harms
Randy Harms has more than 30 years of successful sales, management, and coaching experience. Harms earned a bachelor’s degree in business management at North Carolina Wesleyan College.
Tammie Smeltzer
Tammie Smeltzer is a Talent Development Training Specialist for Oak Ridge National Laboratory, collaborating with key stakeholders to design, develop, facilitate, and coordinate the delivery of professional development programs. She has worked for more than 25 years in adult education. Smeltzer is also a retired Air Force Senior Master Sergeant with more than 20 years of service. She holds a master’s degree in adult education.
Shane Smith, CFA
Shane Smith is a financial advisor at Quality Financial Concepts in Maryville, Tennessee. Smith earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He became a Certified Financial Planner in 2014 and completed all three levels of the Chartered Financial Analyst program in 2022.
Register Today
Call 865-974-0150 if you need registration assistance.
