One of the dominant themes at this year’s Horizons conference Presented by Jobs for the Future – JFF has been how we can improve both the career planning process and the hiring process.

There are hundreds of thousands of credentials – from certificates to college degrees – and finding the one that will put you on the right path to a good career can be daunting.

“This nation lacks a coherent framework for career navigation. That’s one of JFF’s strategic priorities – providing support around career navigation,” explains Michael Collins, vice president of Jobs for the Future – JFF.  “We are looking very closely at the chaotic and confusing landscape of credentials.”

WorkingNation sat down with Collins at the conference. 

Another big concern is that credentials and degrees are not the only signal of what a potential employee can do. “We have used credentials and degrees as a default. There needs to be a mind shift around skills being a valid indicator of what someone can do.”

He says it is not one or the other – skills or credentials. “We’re trying to help calibrate. I think through career navigation, guidance, and support, we can help the field.”

Learn more about Jobs for the Future – JFF.