The University of Oklahoma College of Professional and Continuing Studies’ new WorkSooner program aims to help Oklahomans spring into a new career by offering free access to some of its job-readiness programs.

This spring, WorkSooner will waive the course fee for up to 25 people enrolling in one of three select Work-Sooner programs ─ the IBM Data Analytics Professional Certificate, the Facebook Social Media Marketing Professional Certificate or the Human Resource Management: HR for People Managers Specialization. Those interested must complete an application at worksooner.ou.edu/Spring-Application. Applications will be accepted through Thursday, April 15. Preference will be given to those who have recently been laid off or lost their jobs due to circumstances beyond their control, but anyone age 18 and over is encouraged to apply.

“We know many Oklahomans have been hit hard for various reasons and are looking for ways to improve their job situation,” said Melissa Archer, director for WorkSooner. “WorkSooner is dedicated to providing the training and support necessary to get people back to work sooner. We hope offering people the opportunity to take advantage of a few of our programs will help put Oklahomans on a path toward better opportunities.”

Those selected will be notified prior to May 3, when coursework will begin. Coursework can be completed any time prior to Aug. 2, 2021. Courses are 100% online and require computer and internet access to complete. About the Programs

The IBM Data Analytics Professional Certificate will help you to gain job-ready skills for an entry-level data analyst role in the thriving job market with a median gross salary of $48,000.

The Facebook Social Media Marketing Professional Certificate includes industry-relevant curriculum designed to prepare you for an entry-level role in social media marketing. Whether you’ve been tinkering with social media platforms for your business already or are entirely new to the field of digital marketing, this certificate could set you up to work in a field where median gross earnings are $53,000.

The Human Resource Management: HR for People Managers program provides a robust introduction to the key principles, policies and practices of human resource management. Upon completing the specialization, learners will have a deeper understanding of what works in the workplace, including a toolkit of best practices for hiring, managing and rewarding employees. The average salary for workers in this field is $49,000.

For more information about WorkSooner, including additional programs and services it offers, visit worksooner.ou.edu.

About WorkSooner

WorkSooner is a program offered through the University of Oklahoma College of Professional and Continuing Studies. Through its partnership with Coursera, WorkSooner provides access to 100% online, short-duration programs in high-demand fields for a wide range of learners and sponsoring employers. In addition to educational content, WorkSooner provides advising, enrollment, retention coaching and linkages to employer networks and workforce development boards. Learn more about WorkSooner courses and certifications at worksooner.ou.edu.

About the University of Oklahoma College of Professional and Continuing Studies

The OU College of Pro fessional and Continuing Studies has been providing quality, accessible education for nontraditional learners since 1961. Through nationally recognized degrees and noncredit programs, we have been advancing new knowledge, contributing to research and enabling creative expression no matter where our students are located for six decades. Learn more about our degrees and programs at pacs.ou.edu.