Mecca Made Professional Certification Program

Critical Thinking/Problem Solving: Three (3) Requirements

Exercise sound reasoning to analyze issues, make decisions, and overcome problems. The individual is able to obtain, interpret, and use knowledge, facts, and data in this process, and may demonstrate originality and inventiveness.

1st or 2nd Year requirements:

1. Discover Professional Associations/Organizations in your field of study and become a member of the National, Local, International or University Chapter for One (1) of these organizations.
   • e.g. The Society for_______, The American Association, The National Association of __________.        
2. Register for and Pass the following university course:
   • Philosophy
3. Accomplish (1) of the following:
   1. Submit a Proposal to Research Week
   2. Participate in a Mock Trail or Case Competition
   3. Create a Proposal or Business Plan

Digital Technology: One (1) Requirements   

Leverage existing digital technologies ethically and efficiently to solve problems, complete tasks, and accomplish goals. The individual demonstrates effective adaptability to new and emerging technologies.

1st and/or 2nd Year requirements:
1.) Obtain the “Digital Tech Generalist Credential”. Register and complete the following (4) university courses from the CoLAB Digital Tech Generalist Credential 

• Introduction to Computer Science
• Introduction to Statistics
• Information Assurance
• Research Methods and Statistics

Career Management: Seven (7) Requirements  

Identify and articulate one's skills, strengths, knowledge, and experiences relevant to the position desired and career goals, and identify areas necessary for professional growth. The individual is able to navigate and explore job options, understands and can take the steps necessary to pursue opportunities, and understands how to self-advocate for opportunities in the workplace.

1st Year Requirements

1. Take the SuperStrong Career Interest Assessment at tinyurl.com/HUDiscover
2. Complete your Handshake Profile (minimum 80% profile completion score) 
3. Attend at least (3) of the following workshops (Login to Handshake to RSVP and view workshop dates and times):
   • How to Develop a Dynamic Resume
   • Effective Cover Letter Writing
   • 10 Steps to a Powerful LinkedIn Profile
   • How to Create Your 30 Second Elevator Pitch
   • How to Prepare for and Ace Your Next Interview
4. Create and build your LinkedIn Profile 
5. Register and complete the Course below at 
   • Workplace Transition: Key topics for those transitioning from school to the workplace.
6. Attend at least (1) employer information session, career or job Fair (Login to Handshake to RSVP and view event dates and times)
7. Accomplish (1) of the following:
   • Apply for at least 5 Internships
   • Participate in Federal Work-Study Student Employment Program (if eligible)
   • Be employed in a part-time/full-time job for a minimum of 8 weeks

Oral/Written Communications: Two (2) Requirements        

Articulate thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively in written and oral forms to persons inside and outside of an organization. The individual has public speaking skills; is able to express ideas to others; and can write/edit memos, letters, and reports clearly and effectively.

1st or 2nd Year Requirements:

1. Accomplish (1) of the following:
   • Participate in a Production/Play as an actor, Mock Trial or Formal Debate
   • Create and host a Podcast
   • Give a presentation or speech (e.g. Research Week Presenter, Conduct a Workshop)
   • Write and publish a book
   • Create content for a company’s website
2. Register for and Pass (1) of the following university courses:
   • Principles of Speech SLMC 101 course
   • English Writing
   • Intro to Mass Communication

Leadership: Four (4) Requirements  

Leverage the strengths of others to achieve common goals, and use interpersonal skills to coach and develop others. The individual is able to assess and manage his/her emotions and those of others; use empathetic skills to guide and motivate; and organize, prioritize, and delegate work.

1st Year Requirements

1. Attend a virtual Leadership Conference, Workshop or Webinar (Login to Handshake to locate leadership events).

2nd Year Requirements

1. Create or Administer an HU Student Survey
2. Lead a Study Group
3. Participate in or conduct one (1) of the following:
   • Freshman Leadership Academy
   • Student Government/Leadership (e.g. OSAC, HUSA, Councils, Campus Pals/ IPALs)
   • Alternative Spring Break
   • Organize a student-led Televised Summit
   • Interview a Professor @ Student Chat

Global/Intercultural Fluency: Three (3) Requirements          

Value, respect, and learn from diverse cultures, races, ages, genders, sexual orientations, and religions. The individual demonstrates openness, inclusiveness, sensitivity, and the ability to interact respectfully with all people and understand individuals’ differences.

1st Year Requirements

1. Register for and Pass (1) university foreign language course
2. Participate in at least (2) events/activities hosted by the Ralph J. Bunche International Affairs Center 
3. Accomplish at least (1) of the following (Post COVID-19)
   • Participate in Study /Interning Abroad 
   • Service-learning project with NGO’s that supports local immigrant community
   • Participate in Alternative Spring Break or volunteer work in a foreign country (outside of your country of birth)

Teamwork/Collaboration: Seven (7) Requirements:   
Build collaborative relationships with colleagues and customers representing diverse cultures, races, ages, genders, religions, lifestyles, and viewpoints. The individual is able to work within a team structure, and can negotiate and manage conflict.

1st Year Requirements:

1. Complete a group project/assignment of your choice
2. Student Government participation or role (e.g. HUSA, Councils, Campus Pals/ IPALs)
3. Student Athlete with 15+ credits obtained
4. Become Committee or Board Member

2nd Year Requirements:

1. Volunteer for TLSS Saturday Tutoring
2. Participate in or conduct one (1) of the following:
   • Alternative Spring Break
   • Freshman Leadership Academy
   • Volunteer for MS2 (Howard Middle School)
3. Organize or create:
   • A campus initiative e.g. “Beauty Howard”
   • Campus support group

Professionalism/Work Ethic: Four (4) Requirements 

Demonstrate personal accountability and effective work habits, e.g., punctuality, working productively with others, and time workload management, and understand the impact of non-verbal communication on professional work image. The individual demonstrates integrity and ethical behavior, acts responsibly with the interests of the larger community in mind, and is able to learn from his/her mistakes.

1st Year Requirements

1. Obtain All 1st Year Badges for the Mecca Made Professional Certification prior to the start of your 2nd Year at Howard University
2. Become a member of a Professional Association/Organization in your field of study (e.g. The Society for______ , The American ________Association, The National Association of__________.
3. Attend the “Professionalism and Business Etiquette for Undergraduates” Workshop (Login to Handshake to RSVP and view workshop dates and times)
4. Submit a Letter of Recommendation that attests to your Professionalism and Work Ethic. This Letter can be written by an organization leader, professor, supervisor or mentor. (Letters written by friends or relatives will NOT be accepted. Contact information for your recommender must also be included)

Financial Literacy: Two (2) Requirements    

1st Year Requirements

1. Meet with a Howard University Financial Aid Advisor or Professional Financial Advisor
2. Register and complete the following Online Financial Literacy Courses:

• Budget Basics: From setting goals to paying off loans, the basics of effective budget management.
• Financial Basics: A money management course that outlines the basics of financial health from budgeting to identity theft.
• Financial Planning: What you need to know to start making a long-term financial plan, from getting married to planning for retirement.
• Financial Trouble: What to do if you're in financial trouble, from creating a debt reduction plan to your rights when dealing with debt collectors.
• Identity Theft: An overview of identity theft, including strategies for preventing it and what to do if it happens to you.
• Managing Credit: Credit reports and scores, credit vs. debit cards, reading your credit report, plus more.
• Managing Student Loan Debt: An introduction to student loan repayment choices and strategies.
• Paying for College: The basics of financial aid, including the types of aid, applying for aid, borrower responsibilities, and repayment strategies.
• Saving and Investing: Why and how to invest, including how to save money now.

Perseverance: Five (5) Requirements          

1st Year Requirements

1. Complete ALL 1st Year Badges and Requirements for the MECCA Made Professional Certification Program

2nd Year Requirements

1. Attend the Honors and Scholar Development Information Session
2. Attend at least 1 Academic Advising session per semester
3. Attend at least 2 Life Skills Workshops hosted by the Tutoring and Learning Support Services Center (TLSS) 
4. Attend the Second- Year Experience Summit and collect a stamp for every station