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News & Insights

Gain perspective from TalentLink’s latest posts and news about workforce industry trends, instructor interviews and insights, and skills-focused new courses.

The Case for Credentials and Certificates

May 6, 2022

UMKC TalentLink provides several courses that include a certificate upon completion. A recent survey underscored how valuable and prevalent alternate credentials have become for U.S. employers and workers. We share some key findings below based on recent research.

Fifth Friday coffee in North Kansas City for the Northland Regional Chamber

Fifth Friday Coffee: Networking With Northland Regional Chamber of Commerce

May 2, 2022

UMKC TalentLink was pleased to sponsor the Northland Regional Chamber of Commerce Fifth Friday Coffee in April.

Data Visualization With R: Five Questions With Dr. Neal Wilson

April 18, 2022

Dr. Neal Wilson, who teaches Data Visualization With R, answers five questions about how he uses the programming language in his data analysis work.

Essential Financial Skills instructor Nathan Mauck

Essential Financial Skills: Five Questions With Dr. Nathan Mauck

April 13, 2022

Understanding accounting and finance terminology is an essential skill for leaders and managers throughout an organization. Taught by UMKC faculty Dr. Nathan Mauck and business leader William Kay, the Essential Financial Skills Certificate consists of four live instructor-led courses that demystify financial terminology.

Python instructor Dr Jin Yao

Dr. Jin Yao Uses Python and Data Analysis to Support Decisions Impacting Johnson County Government Resources

March 9, 2022

5 Questions With Dr. Jin Yao, a senior data analyst with the government of Johnson County, Kansas, who teaches Python Boot Camp.

Demand Remains Strong for Project Managers. Here’s How to Prepare For a Project Management Career.

March 8, 2022

UMKC TalentLink commissioned research on professional development and learning among large employers and executives in the Kansas City region. Findings indicated that project management and data analytics are two of the top priorities that people seek to develop career skills.

Dr. Alex Francisco leads data analysis courses for UMKC TalentLink

5 Questions With Dr. Alex Francisco, Instructor of Introduction to Data Analytics

February 24, 2022

Demand for data analysts isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Hiring of data analysts and operations analysts is projected to grow 25 percent through 2030, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Analysts play a vital role in banking, insurance, healthcare, and industries that rely on data to forecast growth and interpret trends.

Tuan Tran

Gaining Data Analytics Skills Helped Tuan Tran Earn Promotion

February 16, 2022

Work experience alone isn’t always enough to advance your career in a changing industry. Tuan Tran has worked in the property and casualty insurance industry for nearly twelve years. He knew he needed to acquire data analysis skills as part of his professional growth. Tran earned a promotion to a data analyst position on the operations team at his employer after completing several courses at UMKC.

Professional Development Improves Employee Retention. Here’s Why.

February 14, 2022

Companies continue to struggle with hiring and retaining quality employees during the Great Resignation. More than ever, retaining employees is critical for companies to maintain smooth operations, stay competitive, and plan for growth. UMKC TalentLink provides professional development that helps business invest in their people and retain employees. It’s a critical strategy for a challenging time.