Untraditional Path: Accessing the Technology Industry through a Google Certificate Program
Remi C. Leibovic
School of Communication and Information Technology, Rutgers University New Brunswick
Digital Media Research
Dr. Caitlin Petre
May 5th, 2022
Introduction
As tuition rates increase and the thoughts of student debt loom over everyone from High
School graduates to career shifters, G.E.D holders and prospective students, discussions about
alternative schooling has been growing. Google, the largest search engine company in the world,
has created its own Certification program. Google Certificates are offered through the popular
online web learning platform Coursera. Unlike College or University, enrollment for Coursera is
free and financial aid is available. If a prospective student visits the Grow With Google page, it
tells them the median salary of the field that they are learning and just how many jobs are
currently searching for that position.
As the user scrolls through the “Grow With Google” page they land on the Testimonials
part of the Google Career Certification that they are looking at. Headshots and quotes validate
any fears or hesitation that one might have. Like a University or College, the Google Career
Certificate programs offer resume and interview help as well as career resources. Unlike
University’s, they offer students to learn at their own pace. Scroll down even further and a user is
captivated by all these big tech company logos who have hired workers through Google’s own
Employer Consortium. Now while a student who is coming from a background with financial
access to higher education might compare this website to their university’s, a student with a
different financial background with less access to higher education might just go with Google.
In fact, on the professional resume and job search platform, LinkedIN, there are success
stories posted by real people using the hashtag “#googlecertification”, who have completed the
programs and are using them to demonstrate their success. Higher education has always had an
issue with being accessible to everyone. Community Colleges do help students and create equity
by offering college courses that everyone can enroll in. However, four year State, Private, and
Ivy league colleges and universities still contain roadblocks that not every prospective student
has the means or background to overcome. For example SATs, while many students who
demonstrate financial need can receive aid and take the test for free, there is a limit to how many
times they can test/retest using that waiver. Also, while taking the test is free, the SAT prep
courses are not free and are often taught by private tutors or for profit learning centers. The
discussion about higher education being inaccessible and unaffordable to students from
disadvantaged backgrounds is nothing new however, Google has positioned itself where that
argument may finally have a solution. The answer is their more affordable, less consequential,
and overall accessible certification program.
In addition, there was a recent US News Article that stated the data and information about
who can access the Google Career Certificate program and what their tech background is. The
article by Jeffrey L. Katz (2022) states,
“The certificate programs are an option for someone interested in finding a technology job or
improving their skills for a current role. Google designed these programs to target a wide
audience; it says 59% of those who’ve enrolled in the IT support program don’t have a four-year
degree. Compare that with 27% of the general population on Coursera, where the IT support
program is offered.”
Continuing with the earlier mentioned Testimonials on the “Grow With Google” page, there are
many people who are sharing their success stories and backgrounds on LinkedIN. Like the above
quote mentioned, many people who enrolled in the IT Google Certificate program did not have
any prior experience or higher education before enrollment. Currently, Coursera states that its
subscription is $39 a month and there is financial aid offered to students who enroll. The thing
about the certificates themselves is that they are high in demand jobs that mainly require a
foundational knowledge that can be grown and adapted through lived experience in a job
position. Also in the US News Article, Jeffery L. Katz (2022) states,
“Only the online IT support course has been around long enough to establish a track record.
Gevelber says of the roughly 50,000 people who’ve completed the program since it began in
2018, 82% reported a positive career outcome, whether it be a new job, a promotion or a raise.”
It is true that there is speculation regarding the newer Google Career Certificate programs.
However, if they are the stepping stones to large tech companies such as Google paving an easier
road to higher education and higher salaries, then so be it. A roughly three hundred US dollar
course is a much easier financial risk to mentally process than a close to over hundred thousand
dollar four year or more commitment for a student who is coming from a disadvantaged
background.
Literature Review and Research Methods
The overall question that this research wishes to answer is “What roles do these big tech
companies such as Google have in the responsibility of making higher education more equitable
and accessible?”
The success of this survey would rely on partnership and collaboration from an under
represented and often disadvantaged group in technology. The non for profit Latina’s in Tech is
an ideal partner for this type of research because they already have a community and a database
established. They have also conducted research around diversity, equity, and accessibility in the
tech industry. Also, they have national and international chapters, which means that there is a
potential for growth, however the first study would be based in the USA.
In order to begin research this study would need to do an open call survey. Where the
researchers would first go is on the Facebook group Latinas in Tech. This non for profit
organization’s mission is to not only highlight Latinas working in the tech field but also create a
community in which more Latinas can find work in tech, and they have partnered with Google as
one of their sponsors. This Facebook group is active, engaged, and constantly promoting
different ways to get hired at tech companies. Branching from Facebook the researchers would
also promote the survey on Latina’s in Tech’s Newsletter and Twitter accounts.
A scoping view would need to be implemented in this research. The reason being that this
would be a multi year long study and survey. There would be follow ups with survey takers and
interviews conducted before, during, and after their completion of the GoogolAccording to the
scholarly journal, “Technology as the key to women’s empowerment: A scoping review” by April
Macky and Pammla Petrucka (2021):
“These steps include: (1) identifying the research question, as the starting point to guide
the search strategy; (2) identifying relevant studies, which involved the development of a
comprehensive search strategy to ensure accurate and complete results; (3) selecting studies,
which involved developing a-priori inclusion and exclusion criteria that were revised throughout
the review process, as familiarity with the evidence increased; (4) charting the data, which
involved charting and sorting key material from the results into themes and trends; (5) collating,
summarizing, and reporting the results, which involved presenting the results as a narrative; and
(6) consulting with relevant stakeholders, which is contingent upon time and resource
considerations.”
This would need to be not only a study on the data about Google Career Certificates but
if they truly do offer a better alternative to higher education and careers than traditional colleges.
Macky and Petrucka measured the level of empowerment that learning a technological based
trade could give women. (2021) “Information and communications technologies (ICTs) have
empowered people to communicate and network at a global scale. However, there is lack of
in-depth understanding of the use of ICTs for women’s empowerment. This study examines how
the concept empowerment is defined, utilized and measured in research studies, the existing
evidence on the use of ICTs for women’s empowerment and the gaps in knowledge at the global
level.” They’re study would be a good guideline to follow as they are trying to measure life
changing events and opportunities in it.
Furthermore, a case study that can help support the research study into Google Career
Certification is this case study, “An action research case study: digital equity and educational
inclusion during an emergent COVID-19 divide”. In this case study by Joyce Pittman, Lori
Severino, Mary Jean DeCarlo-Tecce, and Kiosoglous Cameron (2021) the way that teachers
react to multicultural, socioeconomic and educational challenges facing K-16 students. These
issues were only intensified by the Covid-19 pandemic and ensuring that the students would have
the same opportunities and access to education the same way that they would in an in person
learning environment is highlighted. This case study used Convenience Sampling (2021):
“Convenience sampling was used to invite the participants who:
volunteered to participate in the study to share experiences, perceptions and practices
toward multicultural and educational issues concerning the rapid rise in online environments
during Covid-19 experiences and just-in-time strategies for addressing digital equity and
educational inclusion in K-16 online educational settings; were familiar with the online courses
within their respective departments in the school of education and and have had prior experience
participating in online teaching, discussions, group projects, small-and large groups and
presentations via video.”
In the research that will be conducted in collaboration with Latinas in Tech, there will be
a volunteer aspect in a similar manner. As the survey takers will be familiar with the online
learning environment and be somewhat familiar with online technology courses specifically.
In addition, the scholarly article, “Research on Virtual Education, Inclusion, and
Diversity: A Systematic Review of Scientific Publications (2007–2017)” by Marlene Fermín
González (2019) explores the need for alternative learning environments. In this article in
particular there is a need for learning alternatives in which all students can access. In the
Abstract she states, “Upon reflection, we suggest the need for inclusive e-learning educational
designs with greater emphasis on human diversity in all of its complexity. By doing so, we may
be able to contribute to increasing the equality of educational opportunities and overcoming the
barriers that restrict the access, continuity, and successful exit of the entire student population,
regardless of their individual learning needs.” The tech industry often faces the scrutiny of
academia by hiring through bootcamps or workshops that are hosted by individual companies.
Each private technology bootcamp also has it’s issues and all are not easily accessible as some
cost just as much or more as a regular semester at a college. Google Career certificates offer the
cheapest alternative other than non for profit based free courses or youtube videos. However, the
weight of the Google name adds to a resume, and overall makes the individual appear more
qualified.
It will be crucial throughout this research to have a reference to a Goolge community.
Also not just to any community but one that actively engaged with and used Google’s services
for their platform. The scholarly article, “Material matters for learning in virtual networks: A
case study of a professional learning programme hosted in a Google+ online community.” by
Aileen Ackland, and Ann Swinney, Ann (2015) states, “ Our analysis revealed a complex set of
interactions, and suggests multiple ways human actors story their encounters with non-human
components and the effects these have on the learning experience. The aim of this paper is to
contribute to a more holistic understanding of the components and dynamics of social learning
networks in the virtual world and consider the implications for the design of online learning for
continuous professional development (CPD).” As mentioned before, Google has grown into a
multiplatform resource center for it’s users, from business to education there is a Google project
for almost every highly sought after knowledge and or service. There is an importance when it
comes to having a community supporting a student. Especially in the Latino community where
education is highly respected but unfortunately not easily accessible due to multiple
circumstances. For example, cultural and socioeconomic factors that play into a young adult’s
life. These may include: paying bills for the family home, having to physically watch over a
family member, and not being able to be far from the family home. Having a support system
would definitely help the student succeed in their Google Studies.
Finally, the last piece of literature that would be crucial in conducting this research is,
“Digital transformation in higher education institutions: A systematic literature review.” by
Castro Benavides, Lina María Tamayo Arias, Johnny Alexander, Martín Darío Arango Serna,
and Branch Bedoya, John William and Burgos, Daniel. This scholarly article contains evidence
as to how higher education has had to adapt with technology. Also, stating that, “Applying the
approaches of digital transformation to the HEI domain is an emerging field that has aroused
interest during the recent past, as they allow us to describe the complex relationships between
actors in a technologically supported education domain.” If Google’s technology and certificates
are already changing the way that disadvantaged groups approach education than it will only
continue to grow. The social status of a Google certificate might not immediately equate to that
of an Ivy League degree however, if a student from a disadvantaged background can establish a
career and then pursue an Ivy League degree, than that is an accomplishment on Google’s behalf.
In conclusion, this research will take about five years to conduct as everyone is
encouraged to learn at their own pace when they take a Google course. The circumstances
surrounding the time period will be studied as well. Ethically, Google does have a responsibility
to creating more diversity, equity, and inclusion within it’s corporation. If groups like Latinas In
Tech are becoming sponsored by them there is a reason for it. However, this research will
determine if Google’s Career Certification program is just another for profit online school or if
they are truly dedicated to a more diverse, equitable, and accessible future.
Instruments that would be used:
(I chose the PAE Survey because I received good feedback on it)
Survey for after the completion of the Google Career Certificate Course:
Original Research Question:
What roles do these big tech companies such as Google have in the responsibility of making
higher education more equitable and accessible? (*Taking the example of Google's career
certificates and how graduates from their program have a chance at working at Google*)
IF I had the ability to do so I would interview and survey those who have graduated from the
Google Certificate program. As of right now there are no in depth reviews of the Google
Certification Course in measurable data. There are bloggers and reviewers who have taken the
course but no hard data for success rate, job placement, or diversity and equity either.
The population that my question would target would be young people in their early to mid
twenties who did not attend a higher education program and are from a low income area but took
the Google Career Certificate course.
5 Demographic Questions (Closed)
Q1. You have found the Google Career Certificate program to be helpful in your job
search/placement?
A: a) yes b) no c) not sure
I need to ask if they found it to be helpful in the first place.
Q2. You would recommend the Google Career Certificate program to others in your age group
(20 to 28)?
A: a) yes b) no c) not sure
It has been proven that if people like a course and benefit from it that they will recommend it to
others to take.
Q3. You would recommend the Google Career Certificate program over a 4 year traditional
college program to a high school graduate?
A: a) yes b) no c) not sure
IF they have been successful with establishing a career with just the Google Career Certificate
they would advise others in similar situations to theirs to choose Google over a 4 year program.
Q4. Was the Google Career Certificate program worth the financial investment to you?
a) yes b) no c) not sure
Money is the biggest obstacle for many students, especially for those who are the first in their
families to go to college/ pursue higher ed. Money available can make or break a students
decision to attend a school.
Q5. Did the Google Career Certificate program fit your budget better than a traditional college
program would?
a) yes b) no c) not sure
Budgeting is important especially for students from low income areas as most of the time they are
the ones who will be paying for their education and student loans.
2 Demographic Questions (Open)
Q1. What were some of the challenges and obstacles that you faced from a 4 year traditional
university versus the Google Career Certificate program?
EXPECTED ANSWERS:
Regarding affordability, access, living situation, working situation.
Everyone has their challenges but when you do not have the support/foundations/or financial
backing to pursue higher education, going to school can be tough.
Q2. What made you choose obtaining a Google Career Certificate over a traditional 4 year
program?
EXPECTED ANSWERS:
Affordability, time (time it takes to obtain the cert which can be 3 to 6 months), access, location,
career interests.
Time is often considered when considering pursing higher education as the average
undergraduate degree takes an average of 4 to 6 years to complete.
5 Demographic Survey Questions
Q1. You Identify as (check all that apply)
A: Hispanic/Latino, African American, Pacific Islander, Asian, White, Indigenous, Other
These will help with the diversity and equity section of my overall question.
Q2. Your Household makes an average of what amount of annual income?
a) $15k-25k b) $25k-35k c) $35-40k
Household income can not only play a role in obtaining financial aide but I have seen it be used
to compare with the statistics of college drop outs.
Q3. Were you encouraged/given opportunities to pursue higher education when you were a teen?
A. a) yes b) no c) not sure
Encouragement and equal opportunities are what young people need in order to truly want to
pursue higher education. Especially in low income areas where if it is not "seen" it is not
believed.
Q4. Do you have a parent or immediate family member (1st aunt, uncle, cousin) who has
pursued and achieved a higher education degree?
A. a) yes b) no c) not sure
If people in your family have pursued higher ed you are more likely to do it as well.
Q5. Regarding the above question, which form of higher education did they pursue?
a) Technical school b) 4 year university Bachelors c) Accelerated program d) Coding Boot Camp
e) Google Career certificate
This can help establish the background of the survey taker and see why they chose the Google
Program.
Reference:
Latinas In Tech https://latinasintech.org/
Works Cited:
Castro Benavides, L. M., Tamayo Arias, J. A., Martín Darío, A. S., Branch Bedoya, J. W., &
Burgos, D. (2020). Digital transformation in higher education institutions: A systematic literature
review. Sensors, 20(11), 3291. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/s20113291
Ackland, A., & Swinney, A. (2015). Material matters for learning in virtual networks: A case
study of a professional learning programme hosted in a google+ online community.: Association
for learning technology journal. Research in Learning Technology, 23
doi:https://doi-org.proxy.libraries.rutgers.edu/10.3402/rlt.v23.26677
Katz, J. L. (2022, May 3). What You Need to Know About Google Career Certificates. U.S.
News. https://www.usnews.com/education/google-career-certifications
Mackey, A., & Petrucka, P. (2021). Technology as the key to women’s empowerment: A scoping
review. BMC Women's Health, 21, 1-12. doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-021-01225-4
Marlene Fermín González. (2019). Research on virtual education, inclusion, and diversity: A
systematic review of scientific publications (2007–2017). International Review of Research in
Open and Distributed Learning, 20(5)
doi:https://doi-org.proxy.libraries.rutgers.edu/10.19173/irrodl.v20i5.4349
Pittman, J., Severino, L., DeCarlo-Tecce, M., & Kiosoglous, C. (2021). An action research case
study: Digital equity and educational inclusion during an emergent COVID-19 divide. Journal
for Multicultural Education, 14(1), 68-84.
doi:https://doi-org.proxy.libraries.rutgers.edu/10.1108/JME-09-2020-0099