Students at Sheffield Hallam University | Sheffield Business School recently gathered to celebrate their success in achieving the globally recognised Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification. The event was organised by Jayne Revill (Head of eLearning, SHU Business School) and was held to recognise and congratulate over 400 students who have completed MOS certification in addition to their regular studies.

The business school have been offering MOS to students for 4 years and this year embedded the MOS Excel certification into several degree courses to help students prepare for the world of work.

Feedback from employers and students returning from work placements has been that Microsoft Office skills are some of the most valuable skills a student can bring to a placement.  They help them to get more from the time spent with an employer. 

Jayne Revill commented that students have excelled this year and the feedback from employers has been very positive, saying: “We know that employers really value our students having job-ready skills, including proficient working knowledge of Microsoft Office programmes.  One of our key areas of focus as a business school is on the employability of students.  The MOS project was brought about following feedback by host employers and students alike, that having advanced skills in Office products makes our students stand out and enhances their earning potential significantly.”

“One employer even said that a MOS certification can be the difference between pay grades for graduates. We are immensely proud of the results of our students and felt that this awards night was a fitting way to congratulate them on their achievements. This will become an annual event at the university”.

Andrew Lenehan (Regional Account Manager, Prodigy Learning) added: “It was an honour to be invited to this event. Sheffield Hallam Business School have had a tremendous year with MOS and it is great to see so many students here to accept their certificates. MOS certification will really set these students apart from other graduates in the employment market.”

Microsoft Office is the world’s number one office productivity software and is used in most companies around the world.  When applying for jobs the students can send potential employers a digital transcript proving that they have the skills needed which stands them head over heels above those CV’s who simply state “I am proficient in the use of Microsoft Office”.

Andrew Lenehan went on to say: “I would also like to congratulate Jayne and her team on supporting so many students through their certification. It is a testament to the focus on employability and the dedication of the staff in ensuring that students not only achieve a fantastic degree from a top university, but they leave with additional industry recognised qualifications”.