International student earns Microsoft Specialist Certification

Nari Jo, a first-year Biochemistry student at SUNY Fredonia, has earned a Microsoft Specialist Certification.

Nari was learning about Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Access in Department of Computer and Information Sciences Adjunct Lecturer Gregory Cole’s Microcomputer Applications course, and was made aware of the possibility of earning the industry recognized Microsoft Office Specialist Certification.

The Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Program provides industry-leading assessments of skills and knowledge through project-based testing. The exams include multiple small projects within Microsoft Office. Students and professionals are tested on one project at a time. The small projects test their skills as they would in the real world and validate their understanding of the Microsoft Office program functionality. It guarantees that every certified user has demonstrated the ability to operate the full features and gives students a commanding competitive edge in today’s academic and professional environments.

When asked why she wanted to become certified, Nari noted she “decided to take Microsoft Excel Certification for several reasons. First of all, the biggest reason I decided to take the test is because it will help me to get a job in the future. In modern society, numerous jobs require basic computer skills such as Microsoft Word and Excel, so I think that companies would be more likely to hire people who have a certification than people who do not have a certification…Second, I was encouraged by my Computer Science class. I was the one who used to be always afraid of computers. I thought I am not really good at electronic devices. However, as I took my Computer Science class and learned, I noticed that I can do it. The different mindset made me want to challenge the Excel certification. I practiced 30 minutes to an hour every day until I took the certification.

“…I was encouraged by my Computer Science class. I was the one who used to be always afraid of computers. I thought I am not really good at electronic devices. However, as I took my Computer Science class and learned, I noticed that I can do it,” said Nari.

After I got the certification, I feel achievement the most and proud of myself. As I said, I was afraid of computers and now I feel much more confident about it. I will try to get other Microsoft certifications because I know that I can get it after I practice enough. Also, I am glad that I have proof to show that I can work on Excel. If I did not have the certification, nobody would believe that I can work on Excel; even though I can do it. So, I am happy that I have a certification. 

Lastly, I would like to say thank you to Professor Cole. To be honest, if I did not take the Computer Science class and did not meet Professor Cole, I would still not be interested in getting the certification or not even know that there is a certification.”

Nari, from the Republic of Korea, plans to attend pharmacy school after earning her bachelor’s degree.